At a Glance

NWS Des Moines warned people to limit talking in subzero cold. Extreme cold can irritate the lungs and restrict breathing, causing life-threatening issues for those with lung diseasesWind chills have already reached 60 below zero with the latest cold outbreak in the Midwest.

The Polar Vortex-induced cold outbreak is currently gripping the US, bringing with it life-threatening wind chills as low as minus 60 and the potential for frostbite in minutes, but these extreme cold temperatures also come to an internal risk to your lungs and breathing.

Dry, extremely cold air can irritate the lungs, cause shortness of breath and trigger asthma attacks for those with, the American Lung Association reports.

“You might be more breathless, or feel out of breath, you might cough or start to wheeze. You also may feel a bit of tightness in the chest,” pulmonologist Dr. Rachel Taliercio, . “All of these can be signs that you should get indoors.”

Knowing that, it should come as no surprise that, with wind chill temperatures forecast as low as minus 45, the NWS Des Moines would issue the following warning:

(MORE: How Cold Will It Get? Our Latest Forecast)

"Further, make sure your mouth is covered to protect your lungs from severely cold air. Avoid taking deep breaths; minimize talking",

You read that right, it's so cold that even talking can put your lungs and breathing at risk.

It's best to avoid going outdoors, but if you do, cover your mouth with a scarf or mask to warm up the air before you breath it in.

For more on this threat watch the video above.