Climate change has become one of the greatest threats to human health. Caused by both humans and natural factors, it has resulted in detrimental effects on humans and the environment. Through the increase of extreme weather patterns, diseases transmitted by insects, psychological impacts, food, and water, human health are profoundly impacted by climate change. We see these effects rise more prevalent in the elderly, children and the poor. The impacts of climate change can stem from direct and indirect events. Direct impacts include heat waves, floods, and droughts due to extreme weather while indirect impacts arise from the increase of air pollution, disruption of natural systems, causing infectious disease, malnutrition, and food and water-borne illness. [1]
AEROALLERGENS
Substances that are present in the air, aeroallergens once inhaled stimulate an allergic response to the individual. Tree, grass and weed pollen, and indoor/outdoor mold are all aeroallergens. The most common aeroallergen that affects most people in the U.S is the ragweed. The contribution of climate change to aeroallergens is effected by the greater concentration of CO2 along with higher temperatures which extend the period of growing season of pollen and expand the distribution of pollen. Studies have shown that the increase of temperature and CO2 contribute to the earlier flowering of flora which means greater pollen production resulting in more allergic reactions. In Maryland, the earlier flowering of tree species such as the Loblolly Pine and Annual Birch can contribute higher pollen count as their peak values rise by 1.3 to 2.3 times higher by 2100. [8] We are already experiencing an the effects of a rise in aeroallergens in Maryland and the Eastern Shore as ground level ozone increased the risk and rate of severe asthma attacks can cause nasal and eye irritation, respiratory infections, coughs, and bronchitis. These health systems are more severe for children who have developing lungs and weakened immune systems. The increase of temperatures combined with the increasing levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide affects the production of pollen. With higher concentrations of pollen and longer pollen seasons increase allergies, asthma attacks, and can even heighten allergic reactions.[5] POLLEN Carbon dioxide warms up the growth rate of plants and potency of pollen increases along with it. Also factor in extended spring and summer seasons because rising temperatures and you get a higher amounts of fungal spores and blooms that worsen symptoms of allergies. Living on the Eastern Shore we are already experiencing hotter springs/summers and can see the effect of heating temperatures with the amount of pollen in the air, on our cars, around our homes. Pollen in Maryland Pollen spores in Maryland are produced seasonally though trees in the winter and spring, different species of grasses during late spring and early summer and weeds in the later summer and fall. One such plant which can cause more allergic reactions than tree pollen is the ragweed. Pollen reactions can cause allergic rhinitis, asthma, missed school/work days, hay fever, and visits to hospitals. [3] With the change in climate modifying weather, levels of carbon dioxide have amplified the growth of plants that release airborne allergens. This change to outdoor air quality also affects humans indoors by increasing aeroallergens in homes, schools, and other buildings. As air quality lessens the rise of negative health affects to humans such as respiratory and cardiovascular systems. With higher pollen concentrations, pollen season is longer which increases asthma episodes and pollen allergies. Pollution in the air due to current levels of ground level ozone has a significant effect on human health. It has been responsible for tens of thousands of hospital and emergency room visits and millions of cases of acute respiratory symptoms, school absences, and thousands of premature deaths each year in America. Climate change can also influence the levels of aeroallergens like pollen. With the rise of CO2, allergens such as ragweed, distribution and seasonal timing can all increase allergic diseases in humans. The increase of higher pollen concentration and longer pollen seasons can also cause allergic reactions and asthma episodes. [8] Asthma Another result of climate change is of increased Asthma in the Maryland region. Asthma will be more amplified as temperatures rise due to climate change. Research shown over a 12 year period indicate that extremely hot weather during summers have been linked to 23% of more patients with asthma being hospitalized, 11% for rainy days. This percentage is likely to double by the year 2040. Though there are no clear links we can conclude that the ozone in the atmosphere can be the cause for triggering the asthma attacks. During extreme heat waves, children ages 5-17 are hospitalized for asthma while children under 5 are hospitalized due to extreme rain. [3] Click on these button for more information on Pollen levels in the Maryland area or how to take care of your allergies |
Diseases
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Climate change may increase the spread of diseases which can affect vector development, reproduction, behavior, and population dynamics. Vector Borne Diseases: Malaria By 2080, an estimated 260-320 million more people would be affected by Malaria as a result of climate change. Tick-borne Disease: Climate change will increase tick borne diseases such as Lyme diseases and encephalitis Waterborne diseases: As temperatures and rainfall increase so will the outbreaks of cholera, diarrhea, Salmonella, Campylobacter, enteric infections, and rotavirus. DISEASES PREVALENT IN MARYLAND Due to longer summers and warmer winters in the MidAtlantic regions such as Maryland, populations of black legged ticks will increase which increases the risk Lyme disease. These ticks are active when temperatures are 45 F or above, which means rather than dying off during the cold winter months, warmer winter days will increase the changes for these ticks to live longer through the seasons. A research published in ScienceDirect observed that due to warmer weather in the Maryland region, the risk of salmonellosis has increased by 4.1%. Salmonellosis is linked to extreme weathers and the risk of it happening in coastal communities are rising. [1] |
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Vector Borne
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Water Related Illnesses
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Vector borne diseases are illnesses which have been transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks and fleas (vectors). Vectors can carry viruses, bacteria and protozoa which are transferred from one host to another. Due to high and low temperature patterns caused by climate change, vectors are more prevalent and humans are at a higher risk of infection. Climate change contributes to the alteration of vector borne diseases, the adaption and change of pathogens, availability of hosts, changing ecosystems and land use.
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease in the northeast and upper Midwest of the united states have increased significantly in both distribution and cases of numbers from 2001 to 2014 due to climate change. It is a tick borne bacterial disease and is found in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu stricto, it is the most commonly known victor borne disease in America. This disease is usually transmitted by the blacklegged ticks. Symptoms of Lyme disease can consist of fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash called erythema migraines. Climate drivers of increased exposure of blacklegged ticks include high or low temperatures, the changing of precipitation patterns and changes in season weather patterns, all these can increase the exposure of humans to ticks risking a higher change of Lyme disease.
LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease in the northeast and upper Midwest of the united states have increased significantly in both distribution and cases of numbers from 2001 to 2014 due to climate change. It is a tick borne bacterial disease and is found in parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. Caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorferi sensu stricto, it is the most commonly known victor borne disease in America. This disease is usually transmitted by the blacklegged ticks. Symptoms of Lyme disease can consist of fever, headache, fatigue and a skin rash called erythema migraines. Climate drivers of increased exposure of blacklegged ticks include high or low temperatures, the changing of precipitation patterns and changes in season weather patterns, all these can increase the exposure of humans to ticks risking a higher change of Lyme disease.
Marine water and fresh water resources are accepted to be affected by climate change. This can increase exposure to water related contaminants and waterborne disease to people, especially ones living near bodies of water. Waterborne disease such as bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and water related illnesses can be caused by toxins from certain harmful algae and cyanobacteria and chemicals in the environment which are introduced by human activity. These exposures can occur through inhalation, ingestion or direct contact to contaminate drinking or recreational water or the consumption of seafood. Water related illnesses can also be spread through climate related factors from storm runoffs such as hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding, etc.
The increase of water temperatures contributed by climate change can alter the growth of freshwater and marine water, toxic algae and naturally occurring Vibrio bacteria. The run off from intense and frequent precipitation events will present the introduction of pathogens and toxic algal blooms into water sources resulting in the risk of human exposure to water related illness. We can predict that heavy flooding due to extreme storms and weather on the Eastern Shore can contribute to an increase of people infected with contaminated water from chemical runoffs from farms and factories. [7] [8]
The increase of water temperatures contributed by climate change can alter the growth of freshwater and marine water, toxic algae and naturally occurring Vibrio bacteria. The run off from intense and frequent precipitation events will present the introduction of pathogens and toxic algal blooms into water sources resulting in the risk of human exposure to water related illness. We can predict that heavy flooding due to extreme storms and weather on the Eastern Shore can contribute to an increase of people infected with contaminated water from chemical runoffs from farms and factories. [7] [8]
Psychological health
The effects of global climate change on mental health and well-being are crucial factors to the larger issues of climate-human health relationships. The toll that climate change takes on mental health can be placed on a spectrum. From minimal stress symptoms to clinical disorders and suicidal thoughts, climate change impacts individuals lives everyday; leaving them with problems that may impact them for the rest of their lives. The perceptions and experiences of individuals and communities may shift as they try to understand, respond, and cope with the implications associated with the change.
The perceived threat of climate change is a crucial psychological and emotional stressor. People are not only affected by the direct experience of events and natural disasters caused by climate change, but also the information that is communicated through the media. Representations that highlight environmental risks elicit strong emotional responses such as fear, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Extreme weather conditions, particularly heat, are linked to drastic behavioral changes. Individuals may experience aggressive and violent behaviors during heat waves. Residents in cities are largely exposed to heat-related health effects that can be associated with increased disease and death. [4]
Groups at Higher Risk
Unfortunately, specific groups of people are at higher risk for distress and other adverse mental health consequences from exposure to climate-related or weather-related disasters. These groups include children, the elderly, women (especially pregnant and post-partum women), people with preexisting mental illness, the economically disadvantaged, the homeless, and first responders. People living in poverty and with fewer socioeconomic resources have less capacity to adapt to the challenges brought by climate change. The majority of homeless populations live in urban and suburban areas, where they are more vulnerable to health risks from exposure to heat waves. People with mental illness using medications to treat disorders including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are especially prone to issues related to acute weather conditions such as severe heat. [4]
Further Research
While there have been studies that have indicated the health implications of climate change, it is critical to conduct research for mental health effects from climate change. Mental health and physical health effects tend to coincide one another. People have innate capabilities to adapt to new information and experiences and cope with change. Depending on the resources provided by the health system, there are interventions and treatments that exist for mental health professionals use to address mental health conditions and stress reactions. However there is not enough substantiate data collected by the US for this theory or programs installed to properly identify the link between climate change and mental health. [4]
The perceived threat of climate change is a crucial psychological and emotional stressor. People are not only affected by the direct experience of events and natural disasters caused by climate change, but also the information that is communicated through the media. Representations that highlight environmental risks elicit strong emotional responses such as fear, anxiety, and chronic stress.
Extreme weather conditions, particularly heat, are linked to drastic behavioral changes. Individuals may experience aggressive and violent behaviors during heat waves. Residents in cities are largely exposed to heat-related health effects that can be associated with increased disease and death. [4]
Groups at Higher Risk
Unfortunately, specific groups of people are at higher risk for distress and other adverse mental health consequences from exposure to climate-related or weather-related disasters. These groups include children, the elderly, women (especially pregnant and post-partum women), people with preexisting mental illness, the economically disadvantaged, the homeless, and first responders. People living in poverty and with fewer socioeconomic resources have less capacity to adapt to the challenges brought by climate change. The majority of homeless populations live in urban and suburban areas, where they are more vulnerable to health risks from exposure to heat waves. People with mental illness using medications to treat disorders including depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are especially prone to issues related to acute weather conditions such as severe heat. [4]
Further Research
While there have been studies that have indicated the health implications of climate change, it is critical to conduct research for mental health effects from climate change. Mental health and physical health effects tend to coincide one another. People have innate capabilities to adapt to new information and experiences and cope with change. Depending on the resources provided by the health system, there are interventions and treatments that exist for mental health professionals use to address mental health conditions and stress reactions. However there is not enough substantiate data collected by the US for this theory or programs installed to properly identify the link between climate change and mental health. [4]
EXTREME HEAt
Human exposure to extreme climate related events include death, injury or illness. Many regions of America will be at an increased risk of drought, wildfires and flooding because of hurricanes and extreme precipitation.
Heat waves have caused more fatalities such as death and economic loss in the past 10 years than tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather patterns.
An increase of death from thousands to ten thousands have been projected by climate change effects due to heat sensitivity. With hotter days during the summer months and colder days during the winter months, illnesses and deaths have been predicted to rise. However tolerance to extreme heat has been observed over time because of the increased use of air conditioning, improved social responses, and acclimation. With the built up of tolerance, future heat related deaths are predicted to decrease. Populations that are at greater risk to be affected by extreme temperatures are older adults and children, the socially isolated, people with chronic illnesses, and disadvantaged communities of color who do not have access to air conditioning or health care. [7] [8]
Maryland and the Eastern Shore
As temperatures rise due to erratic weather patterns, the health implication of extreme heat to humans have increased. Young children and older adults are more vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Temperature rise in the eastern shore has drastically changed over the years. Residents are now exposed to hotter summers and colder winters than 80 years ago. We are exposed to an increase in deaths and illnesses from heat related stress, heatstroke, cardiovascular diseases and kidney disease. With the increase of outdoor temperatures the risk for heart attacks rise. Urban areas will be affected more as temperatures rises over 100 degrees and there are less air circulation. Heat will also affect crops, plants, and animals who are not biologically prepared to deal with higher temperatures. [8]
Extreme heat can have detrimental health issues to many people. Sensitivity to chronic disease are at risk due to heat stress. Diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain medications prescribed for mental illness are all subject to be impacted with extreme heat exposure. The Maryland Climate and Health Report released this year by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) reports the impacts of climate change to human health. There has been a historical level of hospitalization in Maryland due to extreme heat and a predicted rise in the future. The report has stated that heat has doubled in the 21st century from the 1960s and 1970s. This trend of implies a continual increase of heat into 2040. The report has found that from 2000-2012 heart attack patients who have been hospitalized increased by 11% during the summer months, rising to 43% in other parts of Maryland. The report has also found that heat has an impact of higher numbers of asthma attacks by 22%. [8]
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Resources:
1. “Climate Change, Extreme Events and Increased Risk of Salmonellosis in Maryland, USA: Evidence for Coastal Vulnerability.” Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, Elsevier, 18 June 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412015001361
2. “Science.” Climate Change Maryland, climatechange.maryland.gov/science/.
3. Wells, Carrie. “Asthma Hospitalizations in Maryland Could Rise with Climate Change.” Baltimoresun.com, 14 May 2016, www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-climate-change-asthma-20160515-story.html.
4. Dodgen, et al. “Ch. 8: Mental Health and Well-Being.” The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment, 4 Apr. 2016, health2016.globalchange.gov/mental-health-and-well-being#finding-59.
5. “A Changing Climate Worsens Allergy Symptoms.” Union of Concerned Scientists, www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/impacts/climate-and-allergies.html#.WvpbYYgvzIU.
6. 2016 Annual Report . www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Marylander/Documents/MCCC/Publications/2016Report/MCCC_2016.
climatechange.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2014/12/maryland_publichealth_energy_climatechange_survey.
7. “Global Warming in the Free State.” USFWS Polar Bear Conservation Management Plan | Adaptation Clearinghouse, www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/global-warming-in-the-free-state.html.
8. s3.amazonaws.com/climatehealth2016/high/ClimateHealth2016.
1. “Climate Change, Extreme Events and Increased Risk of Salmonellosis in Maryland, USA: Evidence for Coastal Vulnerability.” Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, Elsevier, 18 June 2015, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412015001361
2. “Science.” Climate Change Maryland, climatechange.maryland.gov/science/.
3. Wells, Carrie. “Asthma Hospitalizations in Maryland Could Rise with Climate Change.” Baltimoresun.com, 14 May 2016, www.baltimoresun.com/health/bs-hs-climate-change-asthma-20160515-story.html.
4. Dodgen, et al. “Ch. 8: Mental Health and Well-Being.” The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment, 4 Apr. 2016, health2016.globalchange.gov/mental-health-and-well-being#finding-59.
5. “A Changing Climate Worsens Allergy Symptoms.” Union of Concerned Scientists, www.ucsusa.org/global_warming/science_and_impacts/impacts/climate-and-allergies.html#.WvpbYYgvzIU.
6. 2016 Annual Report . www.mde.state.md.us/programs/Marylander/Documents/MCCC/Publications/2016Report/MCCC_2016.
climatechange.maryland.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/16/2014/12/maryland_publichealth_energy_climatechange_survey.
7. “Global Warming in the Free State.” USFWS Polar Bear Conservation Management Plan | Adaptation Clearinghouse, www.adaptationclearinghouse.org/resources/global-warming-in-the-free-state.html.
8. s3.amazonaws.com/climatehealth2016/high/ClimateHealth2016.