Uncovering the Hidden Toll of Extreme Heat: Why Heat-Related Deaths are Underreported and Underestimated
In the midst of a scorching summer, the impact of extreme heat on human health is becoming increasingly concerning. While hurricanes and wildfires have clear and quantifiable damage, the toll of heat on individuals is harder to measure. The recent heatwave in Florida and across the nation has already claimed at least one life, with reports of increased 911 calls for heat-related illnesses compared to previous years.
Despite the evident dangers of extreme heat, official records of heat-related hospitalizations and deaths are lacking. Local hospitals have been hesitant to provide data, and the state’s Department of Health has not been forthcoming with information. This lack of comprehensive data has led experts to believe that heat-related illnesses and deaths are likely undercounted in Florida and nationwide.
The medical industry’s method of recording illnesses also contributes to the underreporting of heat-related issues. Heat can exacerbate existing conditions such as heart and lung diseases, diabetes, and asthma, but these chronic illnesses are often recorded without acknowledging the role of heat in their worsening. As a result, the true impact of heat on health is not accurately reflected in official records.
A study commissioned by Miami-Dade County revealed a stark contrast between officially recorded heat-related deaths and the projected annual average of 34 deaths based on excess mortality data. The fluctuating trends in hospitalizations and deaths due to heat in Florida, coupled with the impact of hurricanes on heat-related emergencies, further complicate the assessment of heat’s effects on public health.
Nationally, heat-related deaths have been on the rise since 1990, with a 95% increase reported from 2010 to 2022. South Florida counties see hundreds of people in emergency rooms every summer due to heat-related emergencies, highlighting the ongoing threat of extreme heat in the region.
The challenge of accurately counting heat-related deaths is compounded by the classification process, which requires elevated core body temperatures to be present in deceased individuals. Deaths from conditions exacerbated by heat are often attributed to the underlying disease on death certificates, leading to an underestimation of heat-related fatalities.
Efforts to raise awareness about the public health risks of extreme heat, such as training sessions for clinicians and community outreach initiatives, are crucial in addressing the underreporting of heat-related illnesses and deaths. As temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves become more frequent, understanding the true impact of heat on human health is essential for implementing effective preventive measures and protecting vulnerable populations.