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Pallubinsky H, Blondin DP, Jay O. A double-edged sword: risks and benefits of heat for human health. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024; 35:277-279. [PMID: 38593784 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Extreme heat events will become more frequent and intense across the globe. In this science and society article we summarize how heat affects our body and discuss the associated health threats, but also the potential health benefits of heat exposure. Moreover, we provide practical suggestions for sustainable and health-oriented strategies to cope with heat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Pallubinsky
- Department of Nutrition and Movement Sciences, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6211KL Maastricht, The Netherlands; Healthy Living Spaces Laboratory, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
| | - Denis P Blondin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec J1H 5N4, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec J1H 5N4, Canada
| | - Ollie Jay
- Thermal Ergonomics Laboratory, Heat and Health Research Incubator, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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Rodrigues P, Orssatto LBR, Gagnon D, Dahhak A, Hecksteden A, Stewart IB, Minett GM. Passive heat therapy: a promising preventive measure for people at risk of adverse health outcomes during heat extremes. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2024; 136:677-694. [PMID: 38299219 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00701.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The world is experiencing increased frequency, duration, and severity of life-threatening heat extremes. Most hospitalizations and excess deaths during extreme heat events are associated with preexisting diseases in older adults. As climate change persists, the global population ages and the number of individuals with chronic diseases expands, more people are at risk of adverse health outcomes during extreme heat events. Therefore, proactive preventive measures are urgently needed to mitigate heat-related health risks within these populations. In this context, passive heat therapy (e.g., hot baths, saunas, and water-perfused suits) emerges as a promising countermeasure to improve physiological resilience to a warming planet. Passive heating improves cardiovascular function and overall health in older adults and individuals living with chronic diseases, offering the prospect of reducing cardiovascular strain during hotter days. Moreover, some studies suggest that passive heat therapy can be an effective strategy for heat acclimation (i.e., improved thermoregulation). This review describes the existing literature on the effects of passive heat therapy on cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses in individuals with higher heat-related health risks and explores the use of passive heating as a strategy for heat acclimation to mitigate health risks during extreme heat events.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Passive heat therapy improves cardiovascular function and health in middle-aged and older adults living with or without chronic diseases. In addition, preliminary studies indicate that passive heat interventions can induce heat acclimation, improving thermoregulatory responses. Thus, passive heat therapy could serve as a preventive measure for people at risk of adverse health outcomes during extreme heat events, improving resilience to ongoing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Rodrigues
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Sport Science, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lucas B R Orssatto
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN), School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel Gagnon
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amine Dahhak
- Montreal Heart Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- School of Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Anne Hecksteden
- Institute of Physiology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Sport Science, Leopold-Franzens-University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ian B Stewart
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Geoffrey M Minett
- School of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Cicci KR, Maltby A, Clemens KK, Vicedo-Cabrera AM, Gunz AC, Lavigne É, Wilk P. High Temperatures and Cardiovascular-Related Morbidity: A Scoping Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph191811243. [PMID: 36141512 PMCID: PMC9517671 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191811243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
The primary objective of this review was to synthesize studies assessing the relationships between high temperatures and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related hospital encounters (i.e., emergency department (ED) visits or hospitalizations) in urban Canada and other comparable populations, and to identify areas for future research. Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Scopus were searched between 6 April and 11 April 2020, and on 21 March 2021, to identify articles examining the relationship between high temperatures and CVD-related hospital encounters. Studies involving patients with pre-existing CVD were also included. English language studies from North America and Europe were included. Twenty-two articles were included in the review. Studies reported an inconsistent association between high temperatures and ischemic heart disease (IHD), heart failure, dysrhythmia, and some cerebrovascular-related hospital encounters. There was consistent evidence that high temperatures may be associated with increased ED visits and hospitalizations related to total CVD, hyper/hypotension, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and ischemic stroke. Age, sex, and gender appear to modify high temperature-CVD morbidity relationships. Two studies examined the influence of pre-existing CVD on the relationship between high temperatures and morbidity. Pre-existing heart failure, AMI, and total CVD did not appear to affect the relationship, while evidence was inconsistent for pre-existing hypertension. There is inconsistent evidence that high temperatures are associated with CVD-related hospital encounters. Continued research on this topic is needed, particularly in the Canadian context and with a focus on individuals with pre-existing CVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendra R. Cicci
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6G 2M1, Canada
| | - Alana Maltby
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6G 2M1, Canada
| | - Kristin K. Clemens
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6G 2M1, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada
- ICES, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- St. Joseph’s Health Care, London, ON N6A 4V2, Canada
| | - Ana Maria Vicedo-Cabrera
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Oeschger Center for Climate Change Research, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Anna C. Gunz
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Child Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Éric Lavigne
- Air Health Science Division, Health Canada, Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 5Z3, Canada
| | - Piotr Wilk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, ON N6G 2M1, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON N6C 2R5, Canada
- ICES, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
- Child Health Research Institute, London, ON N6A 5W9, Canada
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Wu C, Shui W, Yang H, Ma M, Zhu S, Liu Y, Li H, Wu F, Wu K, Sun X. Heat Adaptive Capacity: What Causes the Differences Between Residents of Xiamen Island and Other Areas? Front Public Health 2022; 10:799365. [PMID: 35265572 PMCID: PMC8899036 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.799365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Extreme heat events caused by climate change have serious adverse effects on residents' health in many coastal metropolises in southeast China. Adaptive capacity (AC) is crucial to reduce heat vulnerability in the human-environment system. However, it is unclear whether changes in individual characteristics and socioeconomic conditions likely amplify or attenuate the impacts of residents' heat adaptive capacity (HAC) changes. Moreover, which public policies can be implemented by the authorities to improve the HAC of vulnerable groups remains unknown. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 630 residents of Xiamen, a typical coastal metropolis, in 2018. The effects of individual and household characteristics, and government actions on the residents' HAC were examined by using ordinal logistic regression analysis. Results show that the majority (48.10%) of Xiamen residents had a "medium" HAC level, followed by a "high" level (37.14%). On Xiamen Island, residents who settled locally for one-three years and spent less than one hour outdoors might report weaker HAC, and their HAC would not improve with increased air conditioning units in household. In other areas of Xiamen, residents with more rooms in their households, no educational experience, and building areas <50 m2 might report better HAC. Further, vulnerable groups, such as local residents and outdoor workers on Xiamen Island, people lacking educational experience and renters in other areas of Xiamen, showed better AC to hot weather than those in previous studies. Low-income groups should be given more attention by local governments and community groups as monthly household income played a positive role in improving Xiamen residents' HAC. Rational green spaces planning and cooling services, such as street sprinkling operations, provided by municipal departments can effectively bring benefits to Xiamen residents. Identification of basic conditions of AC has significant implications for practical promoting targeted measures or policies to reduce health damages and livelihood losses of urban residents during extreme heat events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaowei Wu
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wei Shui
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Haifeng Yang
- Center for Urban Security Development Research, College of Architecture and City Planning, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiqi Ma
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Sufeng Zhu
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanmeng Liu
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Furong Wu
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Kexin Wu
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiang Sun
- Department of Geography and Planning, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, China
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Khan UR, Ahmed N, Naeem R, Khudadad U, Masud S, Khan NU, Razzak JA. Heat Emergencies: Perceptions and Practices of Community Members and Emergency Department Healthcare Providers in Karachi, Pakistan: A Qualitative Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:4736. [PMID: 33946755 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Heat waves are the second leading cause of weather-related morbidity and mortality affecting millions of individuals globally, every year. The aim of this study was to understand the perceptions and practices of community residents and healthcare professionals with respect to identification and treatment of heat emergencies. A qualitative study was conducted using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, with the residents of an urban squatter settlement, community health workers, and physicians and nurses working in the emergency departments of three local hospitals in Karachi. Data was analyzed using content analysis. The themes that emerged were (1) perceptions of the community on heat emergencies; (2) recognition and early treatment at home; (3) access and quality of care in the hospital; (4) recognition and treatment at the health facility; (5) facility level plan; (6) training. Community members were able to recognize dehydration as a heat emergency. Males, elderly, and school-going children were considered at high risk for heat emergencies. The timely treatment of heat emergencies was widely linked with availability of financial resources. Limited availability of water, electricity, and open public spaces were identified as risk factors for heat emergencies. Home based remedies were reported as the preferred practice for treatment by community members. Both community members and healthcare professionals were cognizant of recognizing heat related emergencies.
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Kenny GP, Flouris AD, Yagouti A, Notley SR. Towards establishing evidence-based guidelines on maximum indoor temperatures during hot weather in temperate continental climates. Temperature (Austin) 2018; 6:11-36. [PMID: 30906809 PMCID: PMC6422495 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2018.1456257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rising environmental temperatures represent a major threat to human health. The activation of heat advisories using evidence-based thresholds for high-risk outdoor ambient temperatures have been shown to be an effective strategy to save lives during hot weather. However, although the relationship between weather and human health has been widely defined by outdoor temperature, corresponding increases in indoor temperature during heat events can also be harmful to health especially in vulnerable populations. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of the relationship between outdoor temperature and human health and examine how human health can also be adversely influenced by high indoor temperatures during heat events. Our assessment of the existing literature revealed a high degree of variability in what can be considered an acceptable indoor temperature because there are differences in how different groups of people may respond physiologically and behaviorally to the same living environment. Finally, we demonstrate that both non-physiological (e.g., geographical location, urban density, building design) and physiological (e.g., sex, age, fitness, state of health) factors must be considered when defining an indoor temperature threshold for preserving human health in a warming global climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreas D. Flouris
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
| | | | - Sean R. Notley
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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French K, Robinson SA, Lia J. Thermotolerance capacities of native and exotic coastal plants will lead to changes in species composition under increased heat waves. Conserv Physiol 2017; 5:cox029. [PMID: 28491321 PMCID: PMC5419204 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/cox029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
With an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, plants are likely to reach their thermal limits and show slower growth or increased mortality. We investigated differences amongst coastal native and invasive shrubs and grasses to investigate if particular species might be more at risk in the future. Using an ecologically relevant experimental set of heat waves over a month, we assessed changes in biomass and photosynthetic efficiency in a laboratory setting using 25 coastal Australian species divided into native and exotic shrubs, and native and exotic grasses. We also compared three C3 and three C4 grasses within the native and exotic groups. Overall, native shrubs suffered higher mortality, lower growth and increased photosynthetic stress. There was some evidence that C3 grasses, had lower growth with heat waves, compared to C4 species although, in general, grasses showed evidence of photosynthetic acclimation over the month. Increases in leaf abscission suggest that part of the acclimation process was to develop new, thermally tolerant leaves. Our results indicate that in the future we would expect an increase in exotic shrubs and grasses occupying spaces in coastal plant communities that arise from native mortality following extreme heat events. Management of these coastal communities will need to focus strongly on maintaining a diverse native shrub composition that can resist climate-based disturbances (such as wildfire), as well as controlling the extent and biomass of exotic species, if coastal communities are to remain healthy and diverse in a changing climate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kris French
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522,Australia
| | - Sharon A. Robinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522,Australia
| | - Jodie Lia
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Sustainable Ecosystem Solutions, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522,Australia
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Kenny GP, Poirier MP, Metsios GS, Boulay P, Dervis S, Friesen BJ, Malcolm J, Sigal RJ, Seely AJE, Flouris AD. Hyperthermia and cardiovascular strain during an extreme heat exposure in young versus older adults. Temperature (Austin) 2017; 4:79-88. [PMID: 28349096 PMCID: PMC5356213 DOI: 10.1080/23328940.2016.1230171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Revised: 08/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined whether older individuals experience greater levels of hyperthermia and cardiovascular strain during an extreme heat exposure compared to young adults. During a 3-hour extreme heat exposure (44°C, 30% relative humidity), we compared body heat storage, core temperature (rectal, visceral) and cardiovascular (heart rate, cardiac output, mean arterial pressure, limb blood flow) responses of young adults (n = 30, 19-28 years) against those of older adults (n = 30, 55-73 years). Direct calorimetry measured whole-body evaporative and dry heat exchange. Body heat storage was calculated as the temporal summation of heat production (indirect calorimetry) and whole-body heat loss (direct calorimetry) over the exposure period. While both groups gained a similar amount of heat in the first hour, the older adults showed an attenuated increase in evaporative heat loss (p < 0.033) in the first 30-min. Thereafter, the older adults were unable to compensate for a greater rate of heat gain (11 ± 1 ; p < 0.05) with a corresponding increase in evaporative heat loss. Older adults stored more heat (358 ± 173 kJ) relative to their younger (202 ± 92 kJ; p < 0.001) counterparts at the end of the exposure leading to greater elevations in rectal (p = 0.043) and visceral (p = 0.05) temperatures, albeit not clinically significant (rise < 0.5°C). Older adults experienced a reduction in calf blood flow (p < 0.01) with heat stress, yet no differences in cardiac output, blood pressure or heart rate. We conclude, in healthy habitually active individuals, despite no clinically observable cardiovascular or temperature changes, older adults experience greater heat gain and decreased limb perfusion in response to 3-hour heat exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen P. Kenny
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- CONTACT Glen P. Kenny, PhD 125 University Private, Room 367, Montpetit Hall, Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Martin P. Poirier
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - George S. Metsios
- Institute of Sport, Faculty of Education Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Walsall, UK
| | - Pierre Boulay
- Faculty of Physical Activity Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Canada
| | - Sheila Dervis
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Brian J. Friesen
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Janine Malcolm
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Ronald J. Sigal
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Departments of Medicine, Cardiac Sciences and Community Health Sciences, Faculties of Medicine and Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Andrew J. E. Seely
- Divisions of Thoracic Surgery and Critical Care Medicine, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Andreas D. Flouris
- Human and Environmental Physiology Research Unit, School of Human Kinetics, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- FAME Laboratory, Department of Exercise Science, University of Thessaly, Trikala, Greece
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White-Newsome JL, McCormick S, Sampson N, Buxton MA, O'Neill MS, Gronlund CJ, Catalano L, Conlon KC, Parker EA. Strategies to reduce the harmful effects of extreme heat events: a four-city study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2014; 11:1960-88. [PMID: 24531122 PMCID: PMC3945579 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph110201960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Extreme heat events (EHEs) are becoming more intense, more frequent and longer lasting in the 21st century. These events can disproportionately impact the health of low-income, minority, and urban populations. To better understand heat-related intervention strategies used by four U.S. cities, we conducted 73 semi-structured interviews with government and non-governmental organization leaders representing public health, general social services, emergency management, meteorology, and the environmental planning sectors in Detroit, MI; New York City, NY; Philadelphia, PA and Phoenix, AZ-cities selected for their diverse demographics, climates, and climate adaptation strategies. We identified activities these leaders used to reduce the harmful effects of heat for residents in their city, as well as the obstacles they faced and the approaches they used to evaluate these efforts. Local leaders provided a description of how local context (e.g., climate, governance and city structure) impacted heat preparedness. Despite the differences among study cities, political will and resource access were critical to driving heat-health related programming. Upon completion of our interviews, we convened leaders in each city to discuss these findings and their ongoing efforts through day-long workshops. Our findings and the recommendations that emerged from these workshops could inform other local or national efforts towards preventing heat-related morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabrina McCormick
- George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services, 2100 M Street, NW, suite 203, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - Natalie Sampson
- Department of Health Behavior Health Education, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Miatta A Buxton
- Department of Epidemiology, University Of Michigan School Of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Marie S O'Neill
- Department of Epidemiology, University Of Michigan School Of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Carina J Gronlund
- Department of Epidemiology, University Of Michigan School Of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Linda Catalano
- Department of Sociology, City University of New York-Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd, Flushing, NY 11367, USA.
| | - Kathryn C Conlon
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, P.O. Box 3000, Boulder, CO 80307, USA.
| | - Edith A Parker
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, The University of Iowa, N432A CPHB, 105 River Street, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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Stone B, Hess JJ, Frumkin H. Urban form and extreme heat events: are sprawling cities more vulnerable to climate change than compact cities? Environ Health Perspect 2010; 118:1425-8. [PMID: 21114000 PMCID: PMC2957923 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme heat events (EHEs) are increasing in frequency in large U.S. cities and are responsible for a greater annual number of climate-related fatalities, on average, than any other form of extreme weather. In addition, low-density, sprawling patterns of urban development have been associated with enhanced surface temperatures in urbanized areas. OBJECTIVES In this study. we examined the association between urban form at the level of the metropolitan region and the frequency of EHEs over a five-decade period. METHODS We employed a widely published sprawl index to measure the association between urban form in 2000 and the mean annual rate of change in EHEs between 1956 and 2005. RESULTS We found that the rate of increase in the annual number of EHEs between 1956 and 2005 in the most sprawling metropolitan regions was more than double the rate of increase observed in the most compact metropolitan regions. CONCLUSIONS The design and management of land use in metropolitan regions may offer an important tool for adapting to the heat-related health effects associated with ongoing climate change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Stone
- School of City and Regional Planning, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30332, USA.
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