There are distinct differences between UV exposure and heat illness, including risk factors.
Finding from the Healthy Sporting Environments evaluation found that some clubs weren’t aware that heat and UV were separate issues.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and heat illness are two separate health issues that carry different risk factors for individuals. They are however both equally important to control in sporting environments through the implementation of prevention strategies, including policy. Although both UV radiation and heat illness can occur due to weather conditions, particularly warmer days, they are not the same. Affects from heat illness often experienced soon after exposure to warm weather while health concerns related to UV radiation exposure can be more of a long-term issue.
Heat illness can occur due to a range of factors including:
- Vigorous exercise (including in cool weather);
- Hot weather conditions;
- Extended exposure in hot conditions;
- Low fitness levels;
- Age (particularly children, older adults);
- Dehydration from lack of hydration or profuse sweating;
- Radiant heat from sporting surfaces.
Heat illness is acute and can present as:
- Heat rash;
- Cramping;
- Dizziness and fainting;
- Heat exhaustion;
- Heat stroke (can be fatal if not treated as an emergency).
The following link offers a range of sport specific resources around heat exposure and illness to inform policy development.