Cold stress can occur when the body is unable to warm itself. This can lead to tissue damage and possibly death. Four factors contribute to cold stress:
- Cold air temperatures
- High velocity air movement
- Dampness of the air
- Contact with cold water or surfaces
A cold environment forces the body to work harder to maintain its temperature. Cold air, water and snow all draw heat from the body. While below-freezing conditions and inadequate protection can bring about cold stress, problems can also occur with much higher temperatures.
For example, when the air temperature of wind is 40 degrees and its velocity is 35 mph, exposed skin receives conditions equivalent to the still-air temperature being 11 degrees. Wet conditions also increase the hazards of cold temperatures beyond the actual thermometer reading.