Overview

• A DAK study found that children and adolescents in Bavaria face sharply elevated health risks on hot days, with risks increasing eightfold at 25°C and ninefold at 30°C.
• At least 940 minors are treated annually for heat-related conditions in Bavaria, with around 400 requiring medical attention on extremely hot days.
• Primary school children are particularly vulnerable, experiencing a 13-fold increase in heat-related health risks at temperatures above 30°C, while infants face a 40% higher risk of respiratory issues.
• The findings are based on comprehensive billing data from 108,000 insured minors in Bavaria between 2018 and 2022, making the results representative for the region.
• Health experts, including DAK's Rainer Blasutto, are calling for immediate implementation of heat protection measures in schools, childcare centers, and public spaces to safeguard children.