Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the normal body temperature of 98.6°F drops to less than 95°F. Exposure to cold temperatures can cause the body to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will eventually use up the body's stored energy. The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.

Hypothermia is most likely at very cold temperatures, but it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or immersion in cold water.

Between 2003 and 2013, more than 13,400 hypothermia deaths occurred in the United States. Infants and the elderly are at increased risk, but it can impact anyone. In addition, hypothermia is not limited to individuals who are outdoors during excessively cold conditions. Only approximately half of deaths from hypothermia were attributed to extremely cold weather. Hypothermia can occur from inadequate indoor heating, the inability to get out of wet clothes and move to a warm, dry location, or from air conditioning that is too cold.

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