DR. THOMAS KOSHY
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 30: The dangerous health consequences of climate change are a concern, for wellbeing resulting from the intricate relationship between changes in the environment extreme weather events and broader impacts on societal systems. These health risks can be broadly divided into indirect and cascading effects;
- IMMEDIATE HEALTH IMPACTS
Heatwaves
Heat Stress and Heat Stroke: Prolonged exposure to temperatures can cause heat related illnesses like heat exhaustion and fatal heat stroke.
Aggravation of Existing Chronic Conditions: High temperatures can worsen preexisting conditions such as heart disease, respiratory issues and kidney problems.
Extreme Weather Events
Injuries and Loss of Life: Hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other severe events directly result in injuries and fatalities.
Mental Health Effects: These events also contribute to emotional trauma stress disorders and anxiety.
- INDIRECT HEALTH IMPACTS
Vector Borne Diseases
Disease Spread: Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns promote the spread of diseases such, as malaria, dengue fever and Zika virus by expanding the habitat range of disease carrying vectors like mosquitoes.
Water Borne Diseases
Pollution of Water Sources: Flooding and heavy rainfall can contaminate water sources raising the risk of diseases, like cholera and hepatitis.
Air Quality
Impact on Respiratory Health: Climate change contributes to air quality by increasing pollution. Allergens, worsening conditions like asthma.
Wildfire Effects: Smoke from wildfires carries particles that can deeply affect the lungs and bloodstream leading to cardiovascular problems.
Food Security and Nutrition
Malnutrition: Changes in climate impact food production causing shortages and higher prices that can result in malnutrition among populations.
Food related Illnesses: Shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns may heighten the spread of food borne pathogens and toxins.
3.TERTIARY HEALTH IMPACTS
Mental Well being
Anxiety and Depression: Concerns about climate change effects and displacement from disasters can lead to term mental health issues such as anxiety, depression or PTSD.
Social and Economic Disruption
Healthcare Challenges: Disruptions in structures due to climate impacts can strain healthcare systems limiting access to care, for acute conditions. Climate change plays a role, in driving migration and displacement leading to issues like overcrowding, lack of sanitation and an increased risk of communicable diseases in refugee settings.
Certain groups such as children, the elderly and those with existing health conditions are more vulnerable to climate related health challenges. Moreover low income communities and specific occupational sectors like farmers and outdoor workers face risks due to exposure and limited resources for adapting to and recovering from these challenges.
To address the health risks associated with climate change a comprehensive approach is needed:
Limiting Greenhouse Gas Emissions: It’s crucial to curb warming to reduce both indirect health impacts.
Implementing Adaptation Strategies: Developing ways to adapt to inevitable climate changes by enhancing infrastructure, healthcare access and disease monitoring.
Strengthening Public Health Measures: Improving public health systems to effectively tackle the issues brought about by climate change through vaccination initiatives public awareness campaigns and emergency preparedness plans.
In conclusion
The health risks posed by climate change are widespread impacting individuals and communities in multifaceted ways. Tackling these challenges requires collaboration, on a scale, sound policy decisions and proactive public health measures.
Dr. Thomas Koshy,
Mbbs, Md (General Medicine), Mha, Fccp, Facp(Usa), Frcp(Glasgow)
Fellow Of The American College Of Physicians
Fellow Of The Royal College Of Physicians And Surgeons, Glasgow
Is a Consultant in General Medicine, Cardiology & Diabetology since past 33 years
Consulting In:
Holy Trinity Hospital, Mulund West
10 Am To 12 Noon & 7 Pm To 9 Pm, Monday To Saturday
Dr.L.H.Hiranadani Hospital, Powai
2 Pm To 5 Pm, Monday To Saturday,
Also Attached To:
Fortis Hospital, Mulund(W)
M.T. Agarawal Municipal Hospital, Mulund(W)
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