| Heat and heat waves |
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More frequent dangerous heat levels with rising humidity are predicted in many regions of the world, posing a threat to human and agricultural crop health.12
Urban areas are at higher risk of experiencing heat waves due to the “urban heat island” phenomenon.20,21
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Acute effects: Increased hospitalization,22–24 dehydration,23 heat stroke,22–24 heat stress,23,24 acute renal disease,22,23 respiratory disease,22,23 preterm birth,24 mental health,24 pediatric emergency trauma,22 poorer ambulance response times22 Less is known about the long-term health effects.
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Vulnerable populations: >65 years old (older women are at even higher risk),22,24,25 very young children,24 preexisting conditions (eg, respiratory, cardiovascular, or metabolic disease).20,22,24,25 Racial disparities and SDoH: African American,25,26 nonnative speakers,24 lower socioeconomic status,23–26 military occupation,22 outdoor workers,23,24 manual laborers23,24
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| Hurricanes and floods |
Hurricanes and flooding are expected to increase in intensity and number.16,27,28 Hurricanes intensity is influenced by decreasing vertical wind shear and increasing ocean temperatures, which occurs with more greenhouse gasses.27
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Acute effects: Injuries, infection, drowning, increased risk of airborne and water borne exposure of chemicals and toxins through damage and flooding to factories, agricultural areas and animal facilities.29,30 Long-term effects: exacerbation of preexisting chronic illnesses (eg, diabetes and renal failure),29 exposure to mold,10 cardiovascular disease,29 respiratory disease,29 adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, gestational hypertension, renal disease, preterm birth, stillbirths),29 mental illness and substance abuse (eg, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder).29
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Vulnerable populations: elderly,29 preexisting conditions.29 Racial disparities and SDoH: lower socioeconomic status,9,10,29 limited access to health care,9,10 displacement of individuals.28 The United States is at risk of a 26.4% increase in flooding by 2050, with Black communities in the Southern states at highest risk.28
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| Wildfires |
The population exposed to wildfire smoke has increased dramatically in the last 20 years.31 Parts of the world are projected to see a rise in area burned due to wildfire by 40%–100%.12,32
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Acute effects: Increased hospitalizations,31 cardiovascular diseases (eg, cardiac ischemia, myocardial infarction),31,33–36 metabolic diseases (eg, type II diabetes),31 respiratory illnesses (eg, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), adverse pregnancy outcomes (eg, low birthweight, preterm birth),37,38 all-cause mortality.39 Long-term health effects of wildfires include eye and respiratory tract irritation, reduced lung function, bronchitis, exacerbation of asthma and heart failure, and premature death.40
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Vulnerable populations: >65 old,31,41 children,31,41 those with preexisting conditions (eg, cardiovascular or respiratory disease),31,41 pregnant women and their fetus.31,41 Racial disparities and SDoH: population groups living in low-income areas and outdoor workers.31,41
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