Sajila Nudrat | Health Editor
Featured Image: There is a moderate risk of frostbite in temperatures ranging from -28 to -37. | Courtesy of Pexels
‘It’s cold’ may actually be an understatement. It hasn’t just been cold this last week, it’s been “public transportation being worse than they already are, gas stations running out of fuel and power outages across the GTA” type of cold. An extreme cold weather alert has been in effect since January 25, but as of noon February 2, it has finally been lifted.
Although meteorologists had predicted this cold front well in advance, preparations for the system that followed were less than ideal. The winter storm that settled across the GTA brought with it approximately 25 centimetres of snow last Tuesday, with over 100 collisions reported late Monday evening. Wednesday was one of the coldest days of the year, with temperatures plunging to -20 degrees celsius (-30 with the wind chill). According to Environment Canada, Toronto was so cold last Thursday evening, it was warmer in Nunavut’s polar capital, Iqaluit.
The cold front is being attributed to the polar vortex sweeping across North America. Paul Beckwith, a climate system scientist and professor at the University of Ottawa, explained that the polar vortex is due to changes in atmospheric jet streams—and blames the phenomenon on global warming. The jet steam keeps cold air in the Arctic, however, it’s extending further south, resulting in outbreaks of Arctic air coming down over North America.
In such frigid temperatures, the risk of frostbite is relatively high and can be almost instant. In most cases, frostbite can be treated fairly easy with no long-term effects. However, it can also lead to serious injuries resulting in permanent numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness; and in extreme cases, amputation.
Frostbite is a form of bodily injury caused by freezing—where ice crystals form in exposed skin and freeze the tissue. It results in loss of feeling and colour in affected areas. The most frequent occurrences of frostbite affect the extremities, which include the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes—the most commonly exposed areas.
The signs of frostbite include pain, discolouration, and numbness. Usually, the first sign is the ‘pinkish’ tone the skin turns, as it begins to appear red in colour. Pain is another sign where the cold becomes painful on the skin. White, waxy patches begin to show when the skin is dying, and the skin can also become prickled. The affected areas feel numb or have reduced sensation. Symptoms can also include, reduced body temperature, blisters, and swelling.
If a person does get frostbite, it’s important to take quick action. In most cases, frostbite can be treated by heating the exposed area in warm water. However, warming the area with dry heat, such as with a heating pad, or electric heater should be avoided because frostbitten skin can easily burn. Immediate medical attention should be sought if the exposed skin is blackened, or if there is severe pain and the area is completely numb.
The best way to avoid frostbite is by being prepared. Dress for the weather. Winter is no longer coming; it’s here. Stay proactive, and stay warm!
