Prolonged heatwave persists for an additional eight days, posing heightened health concerns
In recent times, heatwaves and wildfires have become more frequent, posing significant threats to public health. High temperatures and the resulting poor air quality have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups in society, such as older adults, infants, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic diseases, outdoor workers, and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
These groups experience increased risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality, including cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, heat stroke, and exacerbation of chronic illnesses. For instance, adults aged 65 and above have seen an 85% increase in heat-related deaths since the 1990s due to reduced heat tolerance and cardiovascular strain. Women over 80 and outdoor workers are particularly at higher risk during heatwaves.
Socially vulnerable populations—including low-income, minority racial/ethnic groups, and those with limited healthcare access—experience worse health outcomes during heat events. Extreme heat exacerbates inequalities in exposure and resilience, further straining these groups.
High temperatures also degrade air quality by increasing ground-level ozone and other air pollutants. These pollutants intensify health impacts, such as respiratory problems and cardiovascular stress, compounding the dangers of heat exposure. Heatwaves often coincide with periods of poor air quality, further straining vulnerable populations.
Fires, too, contribute to poor air quality conditions. The smoke and ash generated by wildfires can significantly impact air quality, leading to increased health risks.
In summary, heat stress increases mortality and morbidity, particularly among the elderly, infants, chronically ill, outdoor workers, and socially vulnerable groups. High temperatures degrade air quality through intensified pollution levels, amplifying health risks linked to heat exposure. Social determinants such as income, race, and health access modulate vulnerability, often worsening outcomes for marginalized communities during extreme heat. It is crucial to address these issues to ensure the health and safety of all members of our society.
[1] Heat-Related Deaths in the United States, 2004–2018 [2] Heat Waves and Health: An Overview of Heat-Related Illnesses [3] Heatwaves and Air Quality [4] Heat and Health: A Review of the Evidence [5] Heat Waves and Health Disparities in the United States
- The science of heatwaves and health-and-wellness reveals that vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, infants, and those with chronic diseases, experience increased risks of heat-related illnesses and mortality.
- As heatwaves worsen air quality by intensifying pollution levels, it underscores the importance of the field of health-and-wellness, which focuses on understanding the effects of climate change on public health and advocating for preventive measures to protect those most at risk.
