Additional Risk Factors

In general, people in good physical health are less susceptible to cold-related injuries and illnesses. The following factors may increase the risk of developing cold stress:

• Length of exposure
• Previous cold-related injury
• Predisposing health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, anemia, asthma, hypothyroidism, and cardiovascular disease
• Age (Older adults are at a higher risk)
• Fatigue
• Poor physical condition
• Poor nutrition
• Dehydration, which causes the body's natural defense mechanisms to fail
• Medication, such as anti-depressants, sedatives, and tranquilizers
• Alcohol consumption, which decreases awareness and impairs the body's ability to regulate temperature
• Nicotine, which increases the risk for cold-induced skin injury
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing, which restricts circulation
• Over-dressing, which can lead to wet skin and clothing from sweat
• Under-dressing, which exposes extremities
• Under-activity, which can lead to decreased body heat production
• Over-activity, which can lead to wet skin and clothing from sweat

To learn more about Cold Stress Safety visit our Cold Stress, Illness & Injury Safety Online Training web page.