The impact of heat on mental health is a less visible sign of heat stress, but it is one that people in South-east Asia should pay attention to as the world warms, experts at a heat conference warned on Jan 8.
As temperatures rise, workers could be more susceptible to mental health issues, leading to conflicts in the workplace, impaired decision-making and lower productivity, said Dr Ken C. Shawa, a senior economist at the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“Heat stress is a silent killer. Many people are not aware that they are being affected by heat,” he said.