When we think about climate change, we usually think of the negative effects it will have on our planet as well as society in general. What happens to species that are endangered, such as the glaciers as well as the forest? What will happen to the people living near increasing ocean levels or at the equator, in the region of rising temperatures? Could we in the future fight over resources from nature, such as freshwater?
It is also important to consider how climate change is and affects our physical and mental well-being. WebMD warns us that extreme temperatures, bad conditions for breathing, as well as the spread of disease-carrying insects are only a few of the factors we need to consider in relation to climate change. Each of them poses a type of threat or danger to our health. To find out more, read on. more information about the impact of climate changes in our lives…
– Air Quality
Although there is no doubt that the United States has made improvements in the quality of its air in the past few decades according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2014 there were more than 57 million Americans resided in areas that didn’t meet the national standards for air quality. Climate change is likely to increase the severity of these problems.
As climate change continues, there’s the possibility of more wildfires, which produce smoke and other harmful pollutants. The rising temperatures and levels of carbon dioxide can also impact airborne allergens.
– Increase in Ozone
As temperatures rise air quality declines. In hot weather, the levels of ozone increase in the air, and climate change will bring more hot weather. This means that we’ll be exposed to harmful levels of this harmful air pollutant.
Ozone from the ground can harm lung tissue, diminish lung function and inflammation, as well as irritate the airways, warns EPA. Children, elderly adults working outside and suffering from asthma or lung disorders have a higher risk of being affected.
– Changes in Particulate Matter
It is a term that is used to describe tiny droplets of liquid suspended in the air, which is explained by EPA. Some are natural (i.e. dust, wildfire smoke, or sea spray) While others are the result of human activity (i.e. burning fossil fuels).
Particulate matter can trigger many health issues, including lung cancers, chronic obstructive respiratory disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases. If wildfires increase and the particles that come is able to travel across long distances. Additionally, EPA notes that older people are more vulnerable and have a higher chance of being hospitalized and even dying.
Scientists aren’t certain whether climate change will boost or reduce the number of particles that is found in the U.S. They are removed through rainfall, which could increase in volume because of climate change, but, not in frequency. Also, stagnant air periods or wind patterns and the emissions of vegetation can all impact the levels of particulate matter.
– Heatwaves
The most notable consequence of climate change and the one that most people are experiencing right now is the rise in temperature. The days are getting hotter as well as more frequent. the heat waves last longer. “More than one-third of heat-related [fatalities] around the world can be linked to climate change from human activities,” WebMD writes WebMD when citing a new study. The site also points out how in the U.S. alone, heat is responsible for 5,600 deaths each year.
Extreme heat can trigger heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration, as also respiratory, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular disorders. It’s not just that, WebMD informs us that it influences how our body functions in keeping a healthy fluid balance. People who are older and suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes or asthma will be more susceptible. In addition, those who are unable to afford or aren’t able to access air conditioning.
