New Research: Heat Waves Cause Long-Term Health Damage

A new study published in Nature Climate Change reveals that exposure to extreme heat waves can significantly accelerate biological aging, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

Researchers analyzed health data from about 25,000 adults in Taiwan over 15 years and found that just two years of exposure to extreme temperatures could add 8 to 12 days of aging-related damage.

“This effect might seem small at first, but it accumulates over time and could become significant for public health,” explained lead author Cui Guo from the University of Hong Kong.

The study highlights the need for stronger environmental policies and protection for vulnerable populations, as climate change continues to intensify global heat waves.

While it was already known that heat waves cause short-term spikes in premature deaths—such as nearly 600 heat-related deaths in England—this is one of the first studies to assess long-term impacts.

Biological aging increased by around 9 days for people experiencing four more extreme-heat days in a two-year span. Outdoor workers saw biological aging jump by 33 days.

Though these numbers may seem small, they reflect only a two-year window. Biological aging is also a strong indicator of early mortality risk.

“Long-term heat exposure may have more serious consequences than we’ve reported,” Dr. Guo noted.

Prof. Paul Beggs from Macquarie University in Australia added, “We’ve all felt heat waves and thought we were fine—but this study shows they actually affect how our bodies age.”

He also referenced a 2024 finding that heat exposure in childhood can impair brain development.

Both findings show that extreme heat can harm people at any age, and its impact may be permanent.