How the Body Reacts to Cold Conditions

The body maintains a core temperature through balancing heat loss and heat production. When you work in extreme temperatures, your body has to adapt. In cold conditions, the body reduces heat loss and increases heat production by decreasing blood flow to your extremities and shifting the body heat to keep the vital internal organs (heart, brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys) warm. This allows exposed skin and other extremities to cool rapidly, which increases the risk of cold-related illnesses and injuries, such as hypothermia and frostbite.

Cold stress occurs when your body begins to lose heat faster than it is produced and your body's core temperature drops below normal. Cold stress can lead to serious health problems and may even cause death.

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