東京とうきょう23にじゅうさん区く 56ごじゅうろく人にん熱中症ねっちゅうしょう疑うたがいで死亡しぼう エアコン使用しようせずが3さん分ぶんの2に以上いじょう

According to an investigation by the Tokyo Medical Examiners Office, 56 people in Tokyo’s 23 wards are suspected to have died from heatstroke between June and the end of July this year.

Although more than two-thirds of people had air conditioners but did not use them, experts are urging everyone to use air conditioners day and night during this hot season as a means to protect their lives.

According to preliminary figures, out of the people whose cause of death was investigated by the Tokyo Medical Examiners Office between June 16th and the end of last month in the 23 wards of Tokyo, 56 were suspected to have died from heatstroke.

By age group, the largest number was in their 70s with 26 people, followed by 16 people in their 80s, 10 people in their 60s, 2 people in their 50s, and 1 person each in their 90s and 30s.

By location, about 96% of the total, or 54 people, died indoors. Of these, 38 cases involved people who had air conditioners but were not using them, accounting for more than two-thirds of the total.

- Also, 11 people died while using air conditioners, and in 5 cases, there was no air conditioner installed.

According to Dr. Takeshi Fujinaga, the deputy director of Saitama Jikei Hospital who is knowledgeable about heatstroke, there are many cases of people getting heatstroke at home without using air conditioning. In particular, many elderly people believe they’ll be fine because they didn’t use air conditioning in the past, or they think air conditioning is bad for their health.

Vice Director Fujinaga said, At this time of year, when the room temperature exceeds 30 degrees even at night, you should keep the air conditioner on all the time as a tool to protect your life.

People who are sensitive to air conditioning are encouraged to use it regularly by making sure the wind doesnt blow on them directly or by wearing a light layer of clothing.