U.S. sees a significant surge of 117% in heat-related fatalities since 1999
U.S. deaths attributed to heat have ascended significantly over the years, according to a recent study published in JAMA. Between 1999 and 2023, heat-related fatalities surged by 117%, resulting in approximately 21,518 deaths.
Researchers, utilizing data from the CDC, acknowledged that the number of annual deaths fluctuated prior to 2016, with peaks in 2006 and 2011. However, post-2016, the study revealed a consistent rise. On average, the annual decline in heat-related deaths was 1.4% from 1999 to 2016. Conversely, an annual increase of 16.8% was observed between 2016 and 2023.
The researchers suspect that these fatalities are being underreported.
"The manner in which death certificates are completed, the individuals filling them out may not be fully aware of the circumstances leading to the demise. Therefore, we are only scraping the surface of this issue," stated co-author Dr. Jeffrey Howard, an associate professor of public health at the University of Texas at San Antonio. "The persisting trend indicates that there are likely numerous additional deaths we are unable to account for."
Identifying heat-related deaths can prove challenging due to their ambiguity.
Despite the absence of a clear-cut cause like a car accident, some medical professionals are growing more conscious of global warming's impact on public health. Dr. Catharina Giudice, an emergency physician and climate change and human health fellow at Harvard University, shared her insights.
"When completing a death certification, one makes an informed judgement based on the information available," Giudice stated. "As awareness of climate change-related mortality heightens among physicians, it's possible that this contributes to the emerging trend over time."
By the conclusion of this century, the global population will likely face multiple weeks of potentially deadly heat annually, according to a 2022 study. Even common activities such as hiking in the Grand Canyon or running in gym class, or simply sitting at home without air-conditioning could prove fatal in such extreme conditions.
The World Meteorological Organization considers extreme heat as the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S., yet this phenomenon often escapes public attention. Unlike natural disasters such as hurricanes, heat-related hazards often go unnoticed, as there are no gripping visuals to remind people of the risks.
How heat kills
Heat can claim lives in at least 17 distinct ways, many linked to heart and respiratory issues. Vulnerable groups include infants, elderly individuals, those with pre-existing medical conditions, and individuals struggling with obesity.
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Heat-related fatalities may encompass suicide, drowning, and homicide, phenomena that this study could not quantify.
Howard hopes that such research will raise awareness, prompting preventative measures and reducing the number of unnecessary deaths.
"This should serve as a stark reminder that more attention should be devoted to this issue, especially in regions at high risk," Howard stressed.
Public health experts have advised governments to invest in infrastructure that can reduce temperatures, such as planting shade trees and installing covered bus stops. Innovative cooling coatings for pavement have also shown promise in reducing surface temperatures.
Other recommendations include allocating resources to install air conditioners in schools and aid individuals with limited income to cover air conditioning costs, as well as establishing more cooling shelters and mobile cooling centers to provide temporal relief from the heat.
The study found a disproportionate number of heat-related fatalities in four states: California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas. "Given their climate, you might expect this, but much more could be done to prepare for these hot days," Howard remarked, expressing hope that this data will spur further action.
The study highlights the potential for underreporting of heat-related deaths due to incomplete death certificates. (Referring to 'health')
As awareness of climate change's impact on public health grows, medical professionals may be more inclined to acknowledge heat-related fatalities during death certification. (Referring to 'health')
