How Social and Economic Factors Influence Heat Exposure

Social and economic factors significantly shape children’s experiences with heat exposure and its subsequent effects on cognitive function. Children from low-income families often live in neighborhoods that lack access to effective cooling systems, such as air conditioning or shaded green spaces. This exacerbates their vulnerability during heat waves, as they are less able to escape extreme temperatures (Thompson et al., 2024) [2].

Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status and Heat Exposure

The relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and extreme heat exposure is evident. Neighborhoods characterized by lower SES frequently lack the infrastructure necessary to mitigate heat, such as trees, parks, and adequate housing. The following are key findings related to neighborhood SES and heat exposure:

• Children living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods endure higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect, where urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities and limited vegetation.
• Studies show that families in these neighborhoods are less likely to have access to air conditioning, increasing their health risks during heat waves.

Table 2: Socioeconomic Disparities in Heat Exposure

These disparities illustrate how heat exposure is compounded by socioeconomic challenges, ultimately influencing children’s cognitive development.

Effects of Heat Exposure on Learning and Memory in Children

Extreme heat exposure has been linked to diminished cognitive performance among children in various studies. Notably, children exposed to higher temperatures show significant declines in their ability to learn and recall information. The ABCD study’s findings reveal that extreme heat exposure correlates with lower scores in critical cognitive domains, which can hinder academic performance and long-term educational outcomes (Assari & Zare, 2024) [3].

Mechanisms of Cognitive Impairment

The mechanisms through which heat exposure affects cognitive function are multifaceted and include:

1. Physiological Stress: High temperatures can lead to dehydration and increased heart rates, impairing cognitive processes, including attention and memory.
2. Mental Fatigue: Prolonged exposure to excessive heat can cause fatigue, reducing children’s ability to concentrate in educational settings.
3. Psychosocial Factors: Children from low-income families may also face increased stress and anxiety during heat waves, further impacting their cognitive performance.

Table 3: Cognitive Performance by Heat Exposure Levels

As shown in Table 3, the average total composite score and reading ability score decline as heat exposure levels increase, underscoring the detrimental impacts of extreme heat on cognitive development.

Strategies to Mitigate Heat-Related Cognitive Risks

To address the cognitive risks associated with extreme heat exposure, several strategies can be implemented:

1. Infrastructure Improvements: Investing in community cooling centers, green spaces, and tree canopies can help lower local temperatures and provide safe places for children to stay during heat events.
2. Education and Awareness: Schools and communities should educate families about the dangers of extreme heat and provide resources on how to mitigate these risks by staying hydrated and seeking cooler environments.
3. Policy Initiatives: Policymakers must prioritize environmental justice initiatives that address the needs of vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to cooling technologies and resources.

Table 4: Recommended Strategies for Mitigating Heat Exposure

By implementing these strategies, communities can significantly reduce the cognitive risks associated with extreme heat exposure for children.

The Role of School Environment in Supporting Vulnerable Children

The school environment plays a critical role in supporting children, particularly during extreme heat events. Schools can serve as safe havens for students, providing air-conditioned spaces and resources to promote cognitive engagement and learning.

Enhancing School Support Systems

To enhance the supportive role of schools, institutions can adopt the following measures:

• Implement Heat Action Plans: Schools should develop and execute heat action plans that outline procedures for maintaining safe learning environments during extreme heat events.
• Incorporate Cool-down Breaks: Implementing structured breaks during hot days allows children to cool down, reducing the risk of heat-related cognitive impairment.
• Provide Resources for Families: Schools can offer resources and support for families to ensure they have access to cooling technologies and information on heat safety.

Table 5: School-Based Support Strategies

By proactively addressing the risks associated with extreme heat, schools can play a pivotal role in safeguarding children’s cognitive health and development.

FAQ

What is the impact of extreme heat on children’s cognitive function?

Extreme heat exposure has been linked to reduced cognitive performance in children, affecting their learning, memory, and overall academic achievement.

How do socioeconomic factors influence heat exposure?

Children from low-income families often live in neighborhoods with inadequate resources to cope with extreme heat, increasing their vulnerability during heat waves.

What strategies can mitigate heat-related cognitive risks for children?

Strategies include improving infrastructure (e.g., cooling centers), enhancing public awareness about heat safety, and implementing supportive school policies.

How does the school environment support vulnerable children during heat events?

Schools can provide air-conditioned spaces, structured breaks, and resources for families to help mitigate the cognitive impacts of extreme heat exposure.

What future research is needed in this area?

Future studies should explore the long-term effects of heat exposure on cognitive development and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing heat exposure risks.

References

1. Assari, S. (2025). Extreme Heat Exposure is Associated with Lower Learning, General Cognitive Ability, and Memory among US Children. Open J Neurosci. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.31586/ojn.2025.1277

2. Thompson, W. K., et al. (2024). The complex social, cultural and psychological drivers of the ‘chemsex’ experiences of men who have sex with men: a systematic review and conceptual thematic synthesis of qualitative studies. Front Public Health. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1422775

3. Assari, S., & Zare, H. (2024). Higher-than Expected Social Security Reliance Among Educated Black Americans: Minorities’ Diminished Returns in National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) 2023. JMIR Form Res. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.31586/jbls.2025.1145