Incarcerated People in the U.S. Exposed to Dangerous Heat and Humidity: Study Findings and Implications

Incarcerated individuals in the United States are facing a dangerous and often overlooked threat: extreme heat and humidity. A recent study published in Nature Sustainability sheds light on the alarming conditions faced by over 1.8 million incarcerated people, particularly in states that do not provide universal air conditioning to inmates.

The research, conducted by experts from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Montana State University, University of Kansas, and UCLA, highlights the significant health risks associated with prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Heat stroke, kidney disease, and other heat-related illnesses pose a serious threat to the well-being of those behind bars, especially in facilities located in the southern states where temperatures are rising rapidly due to climate change.

Lead author Cascade Tuholske, PhD, emphasizes the urgent need for action, stating that “the majority of these exposures are happening in state-run prisons and jails in Southern states that do not legally mandate access to air conditioning for the incarcerated.” This lack of regulation is concerning, especially as climate change continues to exacerbate extreme heat events in these regions.

Senior author Robbie M. Parks, PhD, underscores the importance of addressing this issue, noting that “laws mandating safe temperature ranges, enhanced social and physical infrastructure, and focused health system interventions could mitigate the problem.” It is crucial to recognize the vulnerability of incarcerated individuals, who often have limited agency to advocate for their own well-being.

The study also reveals alarming statistics, such as the fact that more than half of all dangerous heat and humidity exposures in the U.S. occur in Florida and Texas. Facilities in these states, along with others in the southern region, experience a significant number of days with dangerous humid heat, putting inmates at risk for heat-related illnesses.

Furthermore, the researchers found that nearly a million incarcerated individuals are housed in facilities experiencing an increase in dangerous heat and humidity. This is particularly concerning given that many inmates have preexisting health conditions, such as mental health diagnoses, that make them more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

Overall, this study highlights the urgent need for action to protect the health and well-being of incarcerated individuals in the face of rising temperatures and humidity. By implementing measures to ensure safe temperature ranges and improve infrastructure in carceral facilities, we can help prevent heat-related illnesses and protect the most vulnerable members of our society.