Under the 'bollino rosso' alert, the highest warning level, authorities say everyone is exposed to the risks caused by extreme temperatures.
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00:00On Wednesday, Italy's health ministry issued a red alert warning for 22 cities, making
00:08the days leading up to the public holiday of Ferragosto on the 15th of August among
00:12the hottest this summer.
00:14Under the Bolino Rosso alert, the highest warning level, everyone is exposed to the
00:18risks caused by extreme temperatures.
00:20People are urged to avoid direct exposure to sunlight during the hottest hours and stay
00:25hydrated.
00:26The Lazio region, which includes the capital Rome, has issued an emergency plan to tackle
00:30the effects of heat waves on people's health.
00:33In some cases, there has been an increase in the number of emergency care treatments
00:37for heat-related illnesses.
00:39Several hospitals' emergency departments have activated a special protocol which prioritizes
00:44admission for patients suffering from health issues caused by the heat.
00:50Among these patients in a country with a large population of over 65 years old, the majority
00:56are the elderly.
00:57It is quite evident how we are dealing with a high-risk anagraphic band for complications
01:04of various types, species and genres.
01:07The pathologies we see more frequently in this period are characterized, are represented
01:13by worsening of chronic diseases, so heart failure, arrhythmias, infections, worsening
01:22of the renal function, disorders of behaviour.
01:26Working in these extreme weather conditions can be very challenging too.
01:29It's been estimated that every year in Italy there are an average of 4,000 heat-related
01:34injuries in the workplace.
01:36Trade unions, especially in the building sector, have launched a campaign to raise awareness
01:41on the issue.
01:42They urge the government to introduce a new set of rules to protect workers.
01:46Today, health and safety, injuries, etc., must be contextualized to the present moment,
01:51which is a moment characterized, for example, by climate change.
01:56What does it mean to work in the buildings 30 years ago and what does it mean to work
02:00now, for example, from June to September?
02:02An average day of eight hours can be made from six hours, six and a half hours, seven
02:07hours with breaks and a very early summer and maybe eight and a half hours, nine hours
02:16of winter.
02:17Tourists, though, don't seem affected by increased temperatures.
02:21Trade organizations estimate their presence in the summer months is expected to increase
02:26by almost 2% compared to 2023.
02:30Giorgia Orlandi for Euronews in Rome.