4.0 Influence on Human Health
a. Heat-Related Death
Exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stroke and dehydration, as well as cardiovascular, respiratory, and cerebrovascular disease. (USGCRP, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States., 2009) Excessive heat is more likely to affect populations in northern latitudes where people are less prepared to cope with excessive temperatures. Certain types of populations are more vulnerable than others: for example, outdoor workers, student athletes, and homeless people tend to be more exposed to extreme heat because they spend more time outdoors.
Low-income households and older adults may lack access to air conditioning which also increases exposure to extreme heat. Additionally, young
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Extreme weather events can also disrupt or slow the distribution of food. (USGCRP, Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment., 2016)] Higher air temperatures can increase cases of Salmonella and other bacteria-related food poisoning because bacteria grow more rapidly in warm environments. These diseases can cause gastrointestinal distress and, in severe cases, death. (USGCRP, Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment., 2016)
Practices to safeguard food can help avoid these illnesses even as the climate changes. Climate change will have a variety of impacts that may increase the risk of exposure to chemical contaminants in food. For example, higher sea surface temperatures will lead to higher mercury concentrations in seafood, and increases in extreme weather events will introduce contaminants into the food chain through storm water runoff.
d. Other Health
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For example, changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as droughts and floods, will affect agricultural yields and production. (USDA, 2015) In some regions of the world, these impacts may compromise food security and threaten human health through malnutrition, the spread of infectious diseases, and food poisoning.
The worst of these effects are projected to occur in developing countries, among vulnerable populations. (IPCC, 2014) Declines in human health in other countries can affect the United States through trade, migration, and immigration and has implications for national security. (CCSP,