What environmental factor can impact body temperature readings?

• A. Humidity
• B. Wind speed
• C. Altitude
• D. Time zone

Answer: (A)

Humidity is a key environmental factor that can significantly impact body temperature readings. High humidity levels can make it more difficult for the body to cool down through the process of sweating. When humidity is elevated, sweat does not evaporate as effectively from the skin, which is the body's primary mechanism for regulating temperature. As a result, the core body temperature may rise, leading to potentially inaccurate readings when taking temperature.

Additionally, in very humid conditions, body temperature may appear higher due to these limits on the effective cooling process. Therefore, when considering temperature readings, it's essential to account for humidity as it directly influences how the body maintains its thermal balance.