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Chien J, Henwood BF, St Clair P, Kwack S, Kuhn R. Predicting hotspots of unsheltered homelessness using geospatial administrative data and volunteered geographic information. Health Place 2024; 88:103267. [PMID: 38763049 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2024.103267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Unsheltered homelessness is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon in major cities that is associated with adverse health and mortality outcomes. This creates a need for spatial estimates of population denominators for resource allocation and epidemiological studies. Gaps in the timeliness, coverage, and spatial specificity of official Point-in-Time Counts of unsheltered homelessness suggest a role for geospatial data from alternative sources to provide interim, neighborhood-level estimates of counts and trends. We use citizen-generated data from homeless-related 311 requests, provider-based administrative data from homeless street outreach cases, and expert reports of unsheltered count to predict count and emerging hotspots of unsheltered homelessness in census tracts across the City of Los Angeles for 2019 and 2020. Our study shows that alternative data sources can contribute timely insights into the state of unsheltered homelessness throughout the year and inform the delivery of interventions to this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Chien
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| | - Benjamin F Henwood
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California (USC), 669 W 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Patricia St Clair
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California (USC), 669 W 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Stephanie Kwack
- Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California (USC), 669 W 34th St., Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Randall Kuhn
- Department of Community Health Sciences, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, 650 Charles E Young Dr S, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
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Navas-Martín MÁ, Cuerdo-Vilches T, López-Bueno JA, Díaz J, Linares C, Sánchez-Martínez G. Human adaptation to heat in the context of climate change: A conceptual framework. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118803. [PMID: 38565417 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Climate change is causing serious damage to natural and social systems, as well as having an impact on human health. Among the direct effects of climate change is the rise in global surface temperatures and the increase in the frequency, duration, intensity and severity of heat waves. In addition, understanding of the adaptation process of the exposed population remains limited, posing a challenge in accurately estimating heat-related morbidity and mortality. In this context, this study seeks to establish a conceptual framework that would make it easier to understand and organise knowledge about human adaptation to heat and the factors that may influence this process. An inductive approach based on grounded theory was used, through the analysis of case studies connecting concepts. The proposed conceptual framework is made up of five components (climate change, vulnerability, health risks of heat, axes of inequality and health outcomes), three heat-adaptation domains (physiological, cultural and political), two levels (individual and social), and the pre-existing before a heat event. The application of this conceptual framework facilitates the assistance of decision-makers in planning and implementing effective adaptation measures. Recognizing the importance of addressing heat adaptation as a health problem that calls for political solutions and social changes. Accordingly, this requires a multidisciplinary approach that would foster the participation and collaboration of multiple actors for the purpose of proposing effective measures to address the health impact of the rise in temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Ángel Navas-Martín
- Programme in Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, National University of Distance Education (UNED), Madrid, Spain; National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Teresa Cuerdo-Vilches
- Eduardo Torroja Construction Sciences Institute (IETCC), Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Julio Díaz
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Linares
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Institute of Health (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
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Côté JN, Germain M, Levac E, Lavigne E. Vulnerability assessment of heat waves within a risk framework using artificial intelligence. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:169355. [PMID: 38123103 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Current efforts to adapt to climate change are not sufficient to reduce projected impacts. Vulnerability assessments are essential to allocate resources where they are needed most. However, current assessments that use principal component analysis suffer from multiple shortcomings and are hard to translate into concrete actions. To address these issues, this article proposes a novel data-driven vulnerability assessment within a risk framework. The framework is based on the definitions from the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, but some definitions, such as sensitivity and adaptive capacity, are clarified. Heat waves that occurred between 2001 and 2018 in Quebec (Canada) are used to validate the framework. The studied impact is the daily mortality rates per cooling degree-days (CDD) region. A vulnerability map is produced to identify the distributions of summer mortality rates in aggregate dissemination areas within each CDD region. Socioeconomic and environmental variables are used to calculate impact and vulnerability. We compared abilities of AutoGluon (an AutoML framework), Gaussian process, and deep Gaussian process to model the impact and vulnerability. We offer advice on how to avoid common pitfalls with artificial intelligence and machine-learning algorithms. Gaussian process is a promising approach for supporting the proposed framework. SHAP values provide an explanation for the model results and are consistent with current knowledge of vulnerability. Recommendations are made to implement the proposed framework quantitatively or qualitatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Nicolas Côté
- Department of Applied Geomatics, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Mickaël Germain
- Department of Applied Geomatics, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, boulevard de l'Université, Sherbrooke J1K 2R1, Quebec, Canada
| | - Elisabeth Levac
- Department of Environment, Agriculture and Geography, Bishop's University, 2600 College St., Sherbrooke J1M 1Z7, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Lavigne
- Environmental Health Science and Research Bureau, Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology & Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Hess JJ, Sheehan TJ, Miller A, Cunningham R, Errett NA, Isaksen TB, Vogel J, Ebi KL. A novel climate and health decision support platform: Approach, outputs, and policy considerations. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 234:116530. [PMID: 37394172 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.116530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The adverse health impacts of climate change are increasingly apparent and the need for adaptation activities is pressing. Risks, drivers, and decision contexts vary significantly by location, and high-resolution, place-based information is needed to support decision analysis and risk reduction efforts at scale. METHODS Using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) risk framework, we developed a causal pathway linking heat with a composite outcome of heat-related morbidity and mortality. We used an existing systematic literature review to identify variables for inclusion and the authors' expert judgment to determine variable combinations in a hierarchical model. We parameterized the model for Washington state using observational (1991-2020 and June 2021 extreme heat event) and scenario-driven temperature projections (2036-2065), compared outputs against relevant existing indices, and analyzed sensitivity to model structure and variable parameterization. We used descriptive statistics, maps, visualizations and correlation analyses to present results. RESULTS The Climate and Health Risk Tool (CHaRT) heat risk model contains 25 primary hazard, exposure, and vulnerability variables and multiple levels of variable combinations. The model estimates population-weighted and unweighted heat health risk for selected periods and displays estimates on an online visualization platform. Population-weighted risk is historically moderate and primarily limited by hazard, increasing significantly during extreme heat events. Unweighted risk is helpful in identifying lower population areas that have high vulnerability and hazard. Model vulnerability correlate well with existing vulnerability and environmental justice indices. DISCUSSION The tool provides location-specific insights into risk drivers and prioritization of risk reduction interventions including population-specific behavioral interventions and built environment modifications. Insights from causal pathways linking climate-sensitive hazards and adverse health impacts can be used to generate hazard-specific models to support adaptation planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy J Hess
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Timothy J Sheehan
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alyssa Miller
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Nicole A Errett
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Tania Busch Isaksen
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jason Vogel
- Climate Impacts Group, College of the Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kristie L Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Science, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Global Health, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Zong J, Wang L, Lu C, Du Y, Wang Q. Mapping health vulnerability to short-term summer heat exposure based on a directional interaction network: Hotspots and coping strategies. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 881:163401. [PMID: 37044341 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Health risk resulting from non-optimal temperature exposure, referred to as "systematic risk", has been a sustainable-development challenge in the context of global warming. Previous studies have recognized interactions between and among system components while assessing the vulnerability to climate change, but have left open the question of indicator directional interactions. The question is important, not least because indicator directional association analysis provides guidance to address climate risks by revealing the key nodes and pathways. The purpose of this work was to assess health vulnerability to short-term summer heat exposure based on a directional interaction network. Bayesian network model and network analysis were used to conduct a directional interaction network. Using indicator directional associations as weights, a weighted technique for the order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method was then proposed to assess heat-related health vulnerability. Finally, hotspots and coping strategies were explored based on the directional interaction network and health vulnerability assessments. The results showed that (1) indicator directional interactions were revealed in the health vulnerability framework, and the interactions differed between northern and southern China; (2) there was a dramatic spatial imbalance of health vulnerability in China, with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Region and the Yangtze River Basin identified as hotspots; (3) particulate matter and ozone were recognized as priority indicators in the most vulnerable cities of northern China, while summer heat exposure level and variation were priority indicators in southern China; and (4) adaptive capacity could alter the extent of risk; thus, mitigation and adaptation should be implemented in an integrated way. Our study has important implications for strengthening the theoretical basis for the vulnerability assessment framework by providing indicator directional associations and for guiding policy design in dealing with heat-related health vulnerability in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Zong
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Lingli Wang
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Chunyu Lu
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Yajie Du
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China; National Institute of Health Data Science of China, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China.
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Drake JM, Marty É, Gandhi KJK, Welch-Devine M, Bledsoe B, Shepherd M, Seymour L, Fortuin CC, Montes C. Disasters collide at the intersection of extreme weather and infectious diseases. Ecol Lett 2023; 26:485-489. [PMID: 36849208 DOI: 10.1111/ele.14188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural disasters interact to affect the resilience and prosperity of communities and disproportionately affect low income families and communities of colour. However, due to lack of a common theoretical framework, these are rarely quantified. Observing severe weather events (e.g. hurricanes and tornadoes) and epidemics (e.g. COVID-19) unfolding in southeastern US communities led us to conjecture that interactions among catastrophic disturbances might be much more considerable than previously recognized. For instance, hurricane evacuations increase human aggregation, a factor that affects the transmission of acute infections like SARS-CoV-2. Similarly, weather damage to health infrastructure can reduce a community's ability to provide services to people who are ill. As globalization and human population and movement continue to increase and weather events are becoming more intense, such complex interactions are expected to magnify and significantly impact environmental and human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Drake
- Odum School of Ecology & Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Éric Marty
- Odum School of Ecology & Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Kamal J K Gandhi
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Brian Bledsoe
- College of Engineering & Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Marshall Shepherd
- Department of Geography and Atmospheric Sciences Program, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Lynne Seymour
- Department of Statistics, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Christine C Fortuin
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
- Mississippi State University, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
| | - Cristian Montes
- D.B. Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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Jayasinghe AD. A local perspective of the socio-environmental vulnerability to environmental pollution and economic crises: a case of locals around a coal power plant in Sri Lanka. ENVIRONMENT, DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY 2023; 26:1-20. [PMID: 36687735 PMCID: PMC9838292 DOI: 10.1007/s10668-022-02893-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
People are vulnerable to increasing environmental pollution and unprecedented economic changes in countries like Sri Lanka. Development projects such as coal power plants have exaggerated the vulnerability of the communities to the threats of environmental pollution coupled with economic crises. This study is to present the concurrent socio-environmental issues related to the largest power plant in Sri Lanka-the Norochcholai coal power plant (NCPP). The vulnerability of the communities to environmental pollution due to the coal power plant and the prevailing economic crisis was studied. Results revealed that communities are extremely exposed to threats and are highly sensitive to poverty and yet they have no adequate sets of strategies to cope and/or adapt to threats or increase their resilience. This study suggests a human-centric approach focused on sustainable and autonomous adaptation strategies for the communities in the vicinity of the NCPP and to address their rising vulnerability to the impacts for both the NCPP and the prevailing economic crisis.
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Azra KK, Nielsen A, Kim C, Dusing GJ, Chum A. Investigating suicide related behaviours across sexual orientation and neighbourhood deprivation levels: A cohort study using linked health administrative data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282910. [PMID: 36989270 PMCID: PMC10058080 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There have been no studies examining how neighbourhood deprivation modifies the effects of sexual minority status on suicide-related behaviours (SRB). Sexual minority individuals in deprived areas may face unique challenges and stressors that exacerbate their risk of SRB. This study aims to investigate the association between sexual minority status and clinical SRB, and examine whether the effect of neighbourhood deprivation differs across sexual orientation. METHODS A population-representative survey sample (169,090 respondents weighted to represent 8,778,120 individuals; overall participation rate 75%) was linked to administrative health data in Ontario, Canada to measure SRB-related events (emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths) from 2007 to 2017. Neighbourhood-level deprivation was measured using the Ontario Marginalisation index measure of material deprivation at the dissemination area level. Discrete-time survival analysis models, stratified by sex, tested the effects of neighbourhood deprivation and sexual minority status, while controlling for individual-level covariates. RESULTS Sexual minority men had 2.79 times higher odds of SRB compared to their heterosexual counterparts (95% CI 1.66 to 4.71), while sexual minority women had 2.14 times higher odds (95% CI 1.54 to 2.98). Additionally, neighbourhood deprivation was associated with higher odds of SRB: men in the most deprived neighbourhoods (Q5) had 2.01 times higher odds (95% CI 1.38 to 2.92) of SRB compared to those in the least deprived (Q1), while women had 1.75 times higher odds (95% CI 1.28 to 2.40). No significant interactions were observed between sexual minority status and neighbourhood deprivation levels. CONCLUSION In both men and women, sexual minority status and neighbourhood deprivation are independent risk factors for SRB. Despite the lack of effect modification, sexual minorities living in the most deprived neighbourhoods have the highest chances of SRB. Future investigations should evaluate interventions and policies to improve sexual minority mental health and address neighbourhood deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karanpreet Kaur Azra
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Nielsen
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- Canadian Institute for Health Information, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chungah Kim
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabriel John Dusing
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antony Chum
- Department of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Davis Z, de Groh M, Rainham DG. The Canadian Environmental Quality Index (Can-EQI): Development and calculation of an index to assess spatial variation of environmental quality in Canada's 30 largest cities. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 170:107633. [PMID: 36413927 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple characteristics of the urban environment have been shown to influence population health and health-related behaviours, though the distribution and combined effects of these characteristics on health is less understood. A composite measure of multiple environmental conditions would allow for comparisons among different urban areas; however, this measure is not available in Canada. OBJECTIVES To develop an index of environmental quality for Canada's largest urban areas and to assess the influence of population size on index values. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of potential datasets and consulted with experts to refine and select datasets for inclusion. We identified and selected nine datasets across five domains (outdoor air pollution, natural environments, built environments, radiation, and climate/weather). Datasets were chosen based on known impacts on human health across the life course, complete geographic coverage of the cities of interest, and temporal alignment with the 2016 Canadian census. Each dataset was then summarized into dissemination areas (DAs). The Canadian Environmental Quality Index (Can-EQI) was created by summing decile ranks of each variable based on hypothesized relationships to health outcomes. RESULTS We selected 30 cities with a population of more than 100,000 people which included 28,026 DAs and captured approximately 55% of the total Canadian population. Can-EQI scores ranged from 21.1 to 88.9 out of 100, and in Canada's largest cities were 10.2 (95% CI: -10.7, -9.7) points lower than the smallest cities. Mapping the Can-EQI revealed high geographic variability within and between cities. DISCUSSION Our work demonstrates a valuable methodology for exploring variations in environmental conditions in Canada's largest urban areas and provides a means for exploring the role of environmental factors in explaining urban health inequalities and disparities. Additionally, the Can-EQI may be of value to municipal planners and decision makers considering the allocation of investments to improve urban conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë Davis
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Melbourne, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
| | - Margaret de Groh
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
| | - Daniel G Rainham
- School of Health and Human Performance, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; Healthy Populations Institute, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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Abstract
Wildfire smoke is a rapidly growing threat to global cardiovascular health. We review the literature linking wildfire smoke exposures to cardiovascular effects. We find substantial evidence that short-term exposures are associated with key cardiovascular outcomes, including mortality, hospitalization, and acute coronary syndrome. Wildfire smoke exposures will continue to increase over the majority of Earth's surface. For example, the United States alone has experienced a 5-fold increase in annual area burned since 1972, with 82 million individuals estimated to be exposed to wildfire smoke by midcentury. The associated rise in excess morbidity and mortality constitutes a growing global public health crisis. Fortunately, the effect of wildfire smoke on cardiovascular health is modifiable at the individual and population levels through specific interventions. Health systems therefore have an opportunity to help safeguard patients from smoke exposures. We provide a roadmap of evidence-based interventions to reduce risk and protect cardiovascular health. Key interventions include preparing health systems for smoke events; identifying and educating vulnerable patients; reducing outdoor activities; creating cleaner air environments; using air filtration devices and personal respirators; and aggressive management of chronic diseases and traditional risk factors. Further research is needed to test the efficacy of interventions on reducing cardiovascular outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah B Henderson
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada (S.B.H.).,University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (S.B.H., M.B.)
| | - Michael Brauer
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada (S.B.H., M.B.).,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle (M.B.)
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Ebi KL. Environmental health research needed to inform strategies, policies, and measures to manage the risks of anthropogenic climate change. Environ Health 2021; 20:109. [PMID: 34598706 PMCID: PMC8487121 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-021-00792-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Anthropogenic climate change is affecting population health and wellbeing worldwide. The two main policy options to prepare for and manage these risks are adaptation and mitigation; significantly increased investments in each are urgently needed. However, medical research councils worldwide have provided minuscule amounts of funding for environmental health research to provide timely and useful insights on effectively protecting vulnerable populations and regions, for building climate-resilient health systems, and for promoting health system-related greenhouse gas emission reductions in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie L Ebi
- Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHanGE), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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