Cold Exposure: Ways the Body Loses Heat
The body loses heat through:
Heat loss through evaporation and respiration increases in dry, windy weather conditions.
Wet clothing greatly increases heat loss through conduction and evaporation.
Heat loss in cold, wet weather increases the risk for hypothermia and cold injury. Heat loss can occur in warm temperatures through conduction. Swimming or sitting in cool or cold water can cause the body to lose heat very quickly and increase the risk for hypothermia.
Hypothermia can occur quickly (within a few hours) or gradually over days and weeks depending on a person's age, overall health, and environmental conditions.
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