Effect of Ceiling Fans on Core Temperature in Bed-Resting Older Adults Exposed to Indoor Overheating.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Rising global temperatures have increased indoor overheating risks, posing significant health threats to vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. While electric fans are recommended for cooling at temperatures up to 40°C, the efficacy of ceiling fans in very warm indoor temperatures (~31°C) remains understudied. This randomized study evaluated the efficacy of ceiling fans in reducing core temperature and cardiovascular strain among bed-resting adults exposed to simulated indoor overheating (31°C, 45% relative humidity) for 8 h.

Methods

Twenty participants (12 females, median [IQR] age: 71 [68-73] years) underwent two experimental exposures with a ceiling fan set at either 0 m/s (control) or ~1.5 m/s (fan condition).

Results

The primary outcome, pe

SUBMITTER: O'Connor FK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12774295 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature