Rising Heat-Related Health Emergencies in the US: CDC Report
As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the impact of extreme heat on public health is becoming more severe. Last summer, the United States experienced its hottest summer on record, leading to a significant increase in heat-related health emergencies. According to data collected by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the majority of emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat cramps, and sunburns occur during the warm season from May to September, peaking in July and August.
During the warm season of 2023, heat-related illnesses accounted for a 20% larger share of emergency department visits compared to the previous five seasons. The data from hundreds of emergency departments across the country revealed that 180 out of every 100,000 total visits were due to heat-related illnesses in 2023, compared to 151 out of every 100,000 visits from 2018 to 2022.
The risks associated with peak heat are also increasing, with the rate of heat-related emergency department visits surging above previous peaks. In July and August of 2023, there were more than 300 heat-related emergencies for every 100,000 total emergency department visits, nearly 50% higher than the average peak rate from 2018 to 2022. The US Department of Health and Human Services defines an extreme heat day as when the temperature rises above 95% of the average historical temperatures in a region, and all regions of the US experienced at least one day of extreme heat-related emergency department visits in 2023.
The CDC report highlighted the need for real-time monitoring of weather conditions and health outcomes to guide public health practitioners in implementing prevention measures for extreme heat. The report also emphasized the importance of understanding regional trends and differences in emergency department visits for heat-related illnesses to develop effective intervention strategies.
Certain groups are particularly vulnerable to the health risks of heat waves, including children, adults with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, and outdoor workers. President Joe Biden has called for increased protection for workers from extreme heat, recognizing that workers in industries such as farming, firefighting, and construction are disproportionately impacted by extreme heat.
As the impact of climate change continues to worsen, it is crucial for public health officials to prioritize heat mitigation strategies and address social determinants of health such as access to air conditioning, cooling spaces, and reliable power grids. By understanding the trends and disparities in heat-related illnesses, public health officials can better protect vulnerable populations and save lives during extreme heat events.