Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) Practice Exam

Which factor puts children at greater risk of heat-related illnesses compared to adults?

1. Higher exercise economy

2. Lower ratio of body surface area to mass

3. Higher cardiac output

4. Diminished sweating capacity

The correct answer is: Diminished sweating capacity

Children are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses compared to adults mainly due to their diminished sweating capacity. Sweating is a crucial physiological response that helps cool the body down. Children have a less efficient thermoregulatory system; specifically, they produce more heat relative to their body size during physical activities but do not sweat as effectively as adults. This reduction in their ability to sweat can lead to an increased risk of conditions such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke, especially during hot weather or when engaging in vigorous activities. In contrast, options such as higher exercise economy, lower ratio of body surface area to mass, and higher cardiac output do not accurately capture the primary concern regarding heat regulation in children. While they may have implications in terms of energy expenditure or cardiovascular demands, these factors do not significantly influence their risk of heat-related illnesses in the same way that their ability to sweat does. Thus, the diminished sweating capacity is the most relevant factor contributing to the increased risk of heat-related illnesses in children.