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Filthy Death Row
National Problem
How Heat Affects the Body
High Risk Groups
Heat Disorders Symptoms


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Florida Death Row Advocacy Group

Working to Maintain and Improve Living Conditions for Death Row in Florida

Morning mist hangs over the lush landscape of central Java in Indonesia July 1, 2004.
Famous Hindu temples at Prambanan rise out of emerald rice fields.

FDRAG NEWSLETTER
PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY FDRAG
SPECIAL EDITION - July 2004

Activists Hail Court Ruling on Filthy Death Row

Wed Jun 30, 2004 05:08 PM ET
By Alan Elsner

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Anti-death penalty lawyers on Wednesday hailed a U.S. appeals court ruling that conditions on Mississippi's death row, where inmates suffer from extreme heat, filth, mosquitoes and backed-up toilets, constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Lawyers for around 65 inmates hailed the unanimous decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit as the most comprehensive U.S. legal decision concerning death row conditions for a decade. The unanimous ruling by the three-judge panel was handed down on Monday in New Orleans. "We believe this decision will have far-reaching implications for thousands of other prisoners," said Margaret Winter, of the American Civil Liberties Union, one of the lawyers who represented the inmates. "The appeals court has now affirmed that while the state may be authorized to execute death-sentenced prisoners, it may not torture prisoners to death while they are pursuing their rights to appeal their sentences," she said. The state of Mississippi appealed a May 2003 decision by a lower court that had held that conditions on Unit 32C in Missisippi's Parchman State Prison violated the U.S. Constitution ban on cruel and unusual punishment. The ACLU, partnered by lawyers from the Washington firm Holland & Knight, argued that inmates were knowingly and deliberately subjected to stench and fifth, malfunctioning plumbing, life-threatening heat, uncon-trolled insect infestations, lack of mental health care and exposure to psychotic inmates in adjoining cells

Backed-up Toilets

Among the abuses cited were "ping-pong toilets." When a prisoner in one cell flushed his toilet, his waste often bubbled up in the adjoining cell. When his neighbor flushed his toilet, it came back again.

The lower court judge, Jerry Davis, agreed with the inmates and ordered the state to implement 10 specific reforms. The state appealed. In Monday's decision, the appeals court upheld seven of the 10 provisions and vacated three. "We agree that the conditions of inadequate mental health care do present a risk of serious harm to the inmates mental and physical health," the panel ruled.

It also said the "frequent exposure to the waste of other persons can certainly present health hazards that constitute a serious risk of substantial harm." The court ordered the state to ensure that cells were clean before inmates moved in and that they had adequate cleaning supplies.

It also ordered the state to provide inmates with fans and ice water whenever the heat ```````index reached 90 degrees Fahrenheit and to measure the temperature four times a day during the summer.

The court also told the state to repair and screen all windows, fix the "ping-pong" toilets, upgrade the lighting and improve medical and mental health services. It required the state to house inmates diagnosed with severe mental illnesses separately.

"Official indifference has brought the men on death row to the brink of physical and mental breakdown," said Steve Hanlon, a partner at Holland & Knight. "We applaud the court's decision for the human rights protections it affords to prisoners."

There are around 3,500 inmates housed on death rows around the country. Executions, which reached an annual high of 98 in 1999, fell to 65 last year.

A National Problem

Heat can become a killer when it stresses the human body beyond its ability to keep itself cool. In areas of the country that also experience high humidity, the combined affects are even more stressful to the body. Considering this very real threat to human life, the National Weather Service (NWS) has stepped up its efforts to effectively alert the general public and civil authorities to the hazard of heat. Particular attention is given to the potential for prolonged heat wave situations involving both high heat and high humidity.

National Weather Service Heat Index
Based on the latest research, the NWS has devised the "Heat Index" (HI). The HI is sometimes referred to as the "Apparent Temperature" as it represents the temperature that your body feels. The HI, expressed in degrees Fahrenheit (or degrees Celsius), is a very close estimate of how hot it really feels when the effects of humidity (relative humidity - %) and heat (temperature - o F or o C) are combined.

HEAT INDEX °F (°C)

 

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (%)

Temp.

40

45

50

55

60

65

70

75

80

85

90

95

100

110
(47)

136
(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

108
(43)

130
(54)

137
(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

106
(41)

124
(51)

130
(54)

137
(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

104
(40)

119
(48)

124
(51)

131
(55)

137
(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

102
(39)

114
(46)

119
(48)

124
(51)

130
(54)

137
(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

100
(38)

109
(43)

114
(46)

118
(48)

124
(51)

129
(54)

136
(58)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

98
(37)

105
(41)

109
(43)

113
(45)

117
(47)

123
(51)

128
(53)

134
(57)

 

 

 

 

 

 

96
(36)

101
(38)

104
(40)

108
(42)

112
(44)

116
(47)

121
(49)

126
(52)

132
(56)

 

 

 

 

 

94
(34)

97
(36)

100
(38)

103
(39)

106
(41)

110
(43)

114
(46)

119
(48)

124
(51)

129
(54)

135
(57)

 

 

 

92
(33)

94
(34)

96
(36)

99
(37)

101
(38)

105
(41)

108
(42)

112
(44)

116
(47)

121
(49)

126
(52)

131
(55)

 

 

90
(32)

91
(33)

93
(34)

95
(35)

97
(36)

100
(38)

103
(39)

106
(41)

109
(43)

113
(45)

117
(47)

122
(50)

127
(53)

132
(56)

88
(31)

88
(31)

89
(32)

91
(33)

93
(34)

95
(35)

98
(37)

100
(38)

103
(39)

106
(41)

110
(43)

113
(45)

117
(47)

121
(49)

86
(30)

85
(29)

87
(31)

88
(31)

89
(32)

91
(33)

93
(34)

95
(35)

97
(36)

100
(38)

102
(39)

105
(41)

108
(42)

112
(44)

84
(29)

83
(28)

84
(29)

85
(29)

86
(30)

88
(31)

89
(32)

90
(32)

92
(33)

94
(34)

96
(36)

98
(37)

100
(38)

103
(39)

82
(28)

81
(27)

82
(28)

83
(28)

84
(29)

84
(29)

85
(29)

86
(30)

88
(31)

89
(32)

90
(32)

91
(33)

93
(34)

95
(35)

80
(27)

80
(27)

80
(27)

81
(27)

81
(27)

82
(28)

82
(28)

83
(28)

84
(29)

84
(29)

85
(29)

86
(30)

86
(30)

87
(31)

To determine the Heat Index (HI), use the Heat Index Chart above.  As an example, if the air temperature is 96 degrees F (found along the left side of the table) and the relative humidity is 55% (found across the top of the table), the Heat Index is 112 degrees F (the intersection of the 96 degree row and the 55% column).

Highlighting Dangerous Heat Situations For East Central Florida

the air temperature is forecast to reach 98o F (or higher)...for air temperature the same or higher than the body temperature

the HI is forecast to reach 110o F (or greater)...for HI values becoming significantly greater than normal for east central Florida.

the HI is forecast to reach 105o F (or greater) along with a low temperature of 80o F (or higher)...especially if during consecutive days, for heat-buildup and longer diurnal duration of high HI values.

Excessive Heat Stress (for east central Florida)

Threat Level

Heat Index Value

General Hazard Description

Very High Threat

Heat Index 120o F or greater

Very dangerous heat stress well exceeding Heat Advisory conditions; extreme heat index.   The potential for heat cramps and heat exhaustion very likely for average persons, as well as for persons in high risk groups.  Many cases of heat stroke (a severe medical emergency) likely.  Prolonged exposure to heat and sun, and/or intense physical exertion, should be strongly discouraged.   

High Threat

Heat Index 115o to 119o F

Dangerous heat stress well exceeding Heat Advisory conditions;  heat index much greater than normal.  The potential for heat cramps and heat exhaustion likely for average persons and very likely for persons in high risk groups.  Several cases of heat stroke (a severe medical emergency) likely.  Prolonged exposure to heat and sun, and/or intense physical exertion, should be discouraged.  

Moderate Threat

Heat Index 110o to 114o F

Dangerous heat stress exceeding Heat Advisory conditions; heat index much greater than normal.  The potential for heat cramps and heat exhaustion possible for average persons and likely for persons in high risk groups.  Several cases of heat stroke (a severe medical emergency) possible.  Prolonged exposure to heat and sun, and/or intense physical exertion, should be greatly limited and monitored closely.  

Slight Threat

Heat Index 105o to 109o F

Heat stress becoming dangerous with marginal Heat Advisory conditions; heat index greater than normal.  The potential for heat cramps and heat exhaustion becoming a concern for average persons and possible for persons in high risk groups.  An isolated case of heat stroke (a severe medical emergency) possible.   Prolonged exposure to heat and sun, and/or intense physical exertion, should be limited and monitored closely. 

Very Slight Threat

Heat Index around 104o F (Jul & Aug)

Heat Index 102o to 104o F (Jun & Sep)

Heat Index 100o to 104o F (May & Oct)

Cautionary heat stress with Heat Advisory conditions not yet exceeded; heat index greater than normal.  The potential for heat cramps and heat exhaustion becoming a concern for persons in high risk groups.   Prolonged exposure to heat and sun, and/or intense physical exertion, should be monitored closely.     

How Heat Affects The Body

Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and - as the last extremity is reached - by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow, and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through the upper layers of skin are put into operation. The body's blood is circulated closer to the skin's surface, and excess heat drains off into the cooler atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about 90 percent of the body's heat dissipating function. Sweating, by itself, does little to cool the body unless it is removed by evaporation.  If the relative humidity is high, then the evaporation of sweat will be minimized. The evaporation process itself works this way: the heat energy required to evaporate the sweat is extracted from the body, thereby cooling it. Under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is doing everything it can to maintain 98.6 degrees inside. The heart is pumping a torrent of blood through dilated circulatory vessels; the sweat glands are pouring liquid - including essential dissolved chemicals, like sodium and chloride - onto the surface of the skin.

Too Much Heat

Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body's ability to remove heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and a heat disorder may develop. Ranging in severity, heat disorders share a common feature: the individual was over-exposed and/or over-exerted, given the existing heat situation. More so, sunburn can significantly add to the problem by retarding the skin's ability to shed the excess heat. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age (the same heat situation might yield heat cramps in a 17 year old, heat exhaustion in someone 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60).

Interestingly, the human body does have the ability to acclimate. This means that your body attempts to adjust to the climate in which you live. This means that the average healthy person living in Florida can better deal with heat stress than the average healthy person living in Michigan (but, conversely, the Michigan person would better handle cold stress). This can be seen on a seasonal basis too, since your body chemistry adjusts to warmer weather as summer wears on. In general, acclimatization has to do with the body adjusting its sweat-salt concentrations, among other things. It seeks to adjust the amount of stored water necessary to effectively regulate body temperature, without disturbing the chemical balance.

Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body's ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop. Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has overexposed or overexercised for his age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment. Sunburn, with its ultraviolet radiation burns, can significantly retard the skin's ability to shed excess heat. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age - heat cramps in a 17-year-old may be heat exhaustion in someone 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60. Acclimatization has to do with adjusting sweat-salt concentrations, among other things. The idea is to lose enough water to regulate body temperature. with the least possible chemical disturbance.

High Risk Groups

Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight problems or alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat disorders. This is especially true when a heat wave overtakes an area where a moderate climate usually prevails. Although everyone is at risk during high heat situations, folks who are considered to be "high risk" are the most likely to experience heat disorders. According to bio-meteorologic research, the Heat Index can be used to roughly approximate how a person within a high risk group might react to the additional burden of heat stress. However, these results are independent of location and season.

Heat Disorders / High Risk Groups

Also, other groups that find themselves at higher risk during high heat situations include...

  • those who are involved in outdoor activities in the direct sun
  • those who have no ready access to heat relief (no shade, poorly ventilated area, no air conditioning, etc.)
  • those who are involved in activities requiring intense physical exertion
  • those who must wear clothing that is not light in weight, loose in fit, or lighter in color
  • those who do not have ready access to water or other non-alcoholic drinks
  • those who are visiting an area (such as a central Florida tourist) from a moderate climate

Heat Stress Safety Precautions (For Everyone)

In general, when the Heat Index gets above 80o F people should begin to factor the affects of heat into their daily plans. However, when the Heat Index nears 99o F (or nears the normal body temperature), then it is definitely time to take some safety precautions. In times of excessive heat with the Heat Index rising above 105o F, taking these safety precautions becomes vital. In excessive heat situations, personal concern should also expand to the concern for others, especially those in higher risk groups.

How To Keep Cooler:

Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Note: Persons who

have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.

Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection. Don't get too much direct sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.

High Risk Groups

Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.

Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms

Be able to recognize these symptoms in yourself and in others:

HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.

HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale, and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. Get victim out of heat. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs. discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

HEAT STROKE or SUN STROKE: High body temperature (106 degrees F or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids.

This is an example of temperatures in Raiford :

Forecast for ZIP Code 32026

Updated: 11:50 AM EDT on July 05, 2004

Mostly Cloudy

88 °F / 31 °C
Mostly Cloudy

 

HeatIndex:

96 °F / 35 °C

Humidity:

62%

Dew Point:

73 °F / 23 °C