Heatwave 2018 (July 2018) – Why use an O’Fresh misting system?
July 2018 was the hottest month since 1900. Extreme temperatures were recorded across France: 37.5°C in Lille, 36.8°C in Arras, 40°C in Avignon and 39°C in Perpignan and Bordeaux. To define a heatwave, French departments are subject to an official scale of minimum temperatures to be reached for at least three consecutive days. For the Hauts-de-France region, when temperatures fail to fall below 18°C in the morning and 33°C in the afternoon for three consecutive days, a state of heatwave is triggered. For the Alpes-Maritimes department, the morning minimum must be 24°C, and the afternoon maximum 31°C. However, the health consequences of these heatwaves are the same for all departments. Since the deadly heatwave of 2003, the public authorities have published a number of tips to protect against heatwaves. O’fresh products have been designed with this in mind, and respond perfectly to the need to protect the human body during these sweltering periods. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, these misting systems provide a welcome breath of fresh air.
Heatwave: Health risks
Our bodies begin to regulate internal temperature on their own when it exceeds 37°C, to prevent it from becoming dangerous for the human body. The body begins to sweat, and the heart speeds up to remove more heat. The blood vessels just beneath our skin dilate to help cool the blood. The body protects itself, because beyond this temperature threshold, the organism is at risk.
The dangers of heatwaves for the human body
When the body starts to cool down on its own, it consumes much more water than usual to make the body sweat. In infants and adults, there is a significant risk of dehydration. In babies, 25% of the body’s water is renewed daily. Heatwaves increase this figure, bringing with it a consequent risk of dehydration. The risk is even greater for the elderly, dependent people or those with certain mental pathologies. People over 65 naturally feel less need to drink, and their bodies protect themselves less effectively against rising temperatures. People with mental illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, for example, may be unaware of the temperature they are experiencing, making them potential victims of heatwaves.
This summer, temperatures exceeded 30°C for almost two weeks across most of France. However, as soon as the human body reaches 40°C, hallucinations can occur and a form of dementia can set in. Heatwaves therefore represent a danger for the entire population, because of the hyperthermia they can cause in our bodies. Some people are naturally more fragile, and need to be monitored during these exceptional heatwaves.
The impact of the heatwave on air pollution
During heatwaves, the wind is generally weak or non-existent, which tends to increase air pollution. Whether in the city or the countryside, the fine particles produced by certain industries, but above all by diesel-powered vehicles, stagnate at low altitude and further deteriorate weather conditions. In addition to the human body’s own difficulties in withstanding such temperatures, this air pollution is a vector for allergies and nasal and lung infections. This steamy effect, combined with the already unbearable heat, means that our bodies, while trying to protect themselves, also suffer damage.
Heatwave: how to protect yourself?
It’s advisable to hydrate often and in large quantities, so that the body continues to produce sweat, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Without this water intake, the body can no longer reduce its own temperature, and this becomes dangerous for the person concerned. With the same aim in mind, you should avoid taking diuretics, which encourage the need to urinate and directly contribute to the body’s dehydration. Tea, for example, is recognized as a highly effective diuretic. More generally, it’s advisable to combat heatwaves preventively. Your home should be cooled as soon as possible. At night, even if temperatures don’t fall below 20°C, open as many windows as possible to create draughts and help the body cool down temporarily. During the hottest hours of the day, remember to close your windows and shutters to prevent the heat from outside from entering your home. This will allow you to keep a few degrees during the hottest part of the day. Finally, we recommend ventilating your body to help evaporate perspiration from your skin.
O’fresh: products for your health
Our O’fresh range of products is designed to reduce the heat in a home, room or outdoor area. To do this, we use the same process that takes place near waterfalls. Micro-droplets in the air absorb the surrounding atmospheric heat and reduce the temperature. Our professional devices began to appear in bars and restaurants, both indoors and out. Today, any home or outdoor area can be equipped with our misting systems.
Indoor misting systems and fans
Available in 125cm or 135cm, our indoor misting fan refreshes the ambient air while providing a welcome breath of fresh air during hot spells! 3 speeds are available for optimum temperature adaptation. Thanks to these O’fresh d’intérieur fans, you can save up to 6°C. By increasing the humidity level in your home, you’ll combat the passive dehydration that is so dangerous for the body during heatwaves. The wind generated by our O’Fresh products encourages evaporation of perspiration, reducing the risk of heat stroke. Our fans are equipped with a water tank that allows 7 hours of continuous use. Used during the day or at night, they are recommended for people sensitive to heat, such as infants or the elderly. Both models are equipped with wheels, so you can place them in the room you want without the slightest problem. The 135cm model is equipped with an integrated mosquito repellent and air ionization system to purify the ambient air. Our range of fans is designed to enable you to carry on with your usual domestic activities without having to suffer from the high summer temperatures. Our indoor misting systems can also be used whenever you’re feeling too hot, not just during heatwaves.
Outdoor misting systems and fans
Based on the same principle as previous misting systems, these products are designed for outdoor surfaces such as pool surrounds, terraces, pergolas or balconies. These high-tech products deliver a heat gain of over 10°C on a minimum surface area of 50m². To ensure a perfect fit, the misting output is fully adjustable. The same applies to the fan speed, which can be set via remote control or digital panel, depending on the model. These new-generation fans let you enjoy your pool or terrace, even in the hottest weather. The top-of-the-range oscillating head covers a large area, cooling dozens of people in the same place. You no longer need several fans to cool all your outdoor areas. Autonomy ranges from 5h for the 150cm model to over 10h for the high-performance 180cm O’fresh model! For even greater performance, there’s the outdoor misting system wall-mounted fan. This can be mounted on a low garden wall or on the walls of your home, covering an area of up to 80m²! Connected directly to the water supply network, it doesn’t have a maximum autonomy time.
To avoid heatstroke during heatwaves, it’s advisable to hydrate the skin and body very often. That’s why we’ve developed outdoor misting systems that can be placed above a passing point, delivering a wave of well-being and refreshment to passers-by. Continuously connected to the garden hose or water network, these misting systems range in length from 6m to 15m. You can then install them on your pergola, awning, etc. A timer lets you manage misting periods down to the second, so you don’t get a hot flash when you get your water bill!