Author: Hernandez, D
Description: The recent occurrence of Hurricane Sandy and other climate change-related calamities prompt us to consider the significance of public health in the aftermath of disaster. However, the field of public health also has a role to play in the awareness, preparedness, and deterrence of environmental factors that affect vulnerable populations on a daily basis. The growing incidence of extreme weather events attributable to climate change and the parallel surge in energy prices trickle down to formidable health impacts that may prove especially detrimental to vulnerable populations. In instances of extreme cold, poor families often wear hats and gloves at home and use expensive and hazardous electric heaters or cooking ovens to keep the cold at bay. During heat waves, the elderly and poor are more likely to “sweat it out” or die because they cannot keep their homes adequately cool. Furthermore, many low-income households face the “heat or eat” dilemma; they must decide between paying for food or fuel. All the while, economically disadvantaged householders disproportionately occupy housing units with poor air quality and harmful temperature and humidity conditions, resulting in excess moisture, dampness, and mold, conditions that can trigger respiratory illnesses such as asthma.
Subject headings: Climate Change; Energy-Generating Resources; Environment; Environment Design; Facility Design and Construction; Food Supply; Housing; Humans; Public Health; Socioeconomic Factors; Urban Health; Vulnerable Populations
Publication year: 2013
Journal or book title: American journal of public health
Volume: 103
Issue: 4
Pages: e32-e34
Find the full text: https://www.strategian.com/fulltext/Hernandez2013.pdf
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Serial number: 4210