What is a dangerous effect of heat stress on an individual?

Heat stress can have significant detrimental effects on an individual's physical and mental performance. When a person experiences heat stress, their body may struggle to regulate its temperature effectively, leading to exhaustion, dehydration, and a range of physiological responses that impair function. This weakened physical response can manifest as reduced strength, coordination, and overall endurance, making it difficult for individuals to perform tasks that require physical exertion or even simple activities.

In addition to physical deterioration, heat stress also affects cognitive abilities. It can impair decision-making and problem-solving skills, leading to slower reactions and potentially dangerous situations, especially in environments where quick responses are essential. Thus, the dangerous effect of heat stress primarily centers on the compromised physical response, contributing to a decline in both physical performance and cognitive function.