Short Communication - (2025) Volume 9, Issue 2
Received: 01-May-2025, Manuscript No. jeh-26-179979;
Editor assigned: 04-May-2025, Pre QC No. P-179979;
Reviewed: 15-May-2025, QC No. Q-179979;
Revised: 22-May-2025, Manuscript No. R-179979;
Published:
29-May-2025
, DOI: 10.37421/2684-4923.2025.9.265
Citation: Nováková, Hana. ”Extreme Heat: Public Health And Societal Impacts.” J Environ Hazard 09 (2025):265.
Copyright: © 2025 Nováková H. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Extreme heat presents a significant and escalating global challenge, with profound implications for human health and well-being. These extreme temperature events are becoming more frequent and intense, largely due to anthropogenic climate change, leading to a spectrum of direct and indirect health consequences that demand urgent attention and mitigation strategies. One of the most immediate and severe impacts of extreme heat is the exacerbation of pre-existing chronic health conditions. Individuals suffering from cardiovascular, respiratory, or renal diseases are particularly vulnerable, as elevated temperatures place additional strain on their already compromised systems. This can lead to acute decompensation and an increased risk of mortality. Beyond the aggravation of existing ailments, exposure to extreme heat can directly cause a range of heat-related illnesses. These include heat exhaustion, characterized by symptoms like heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness, and the more severe heatstroke, a life-threatening condition involving elevated body temperature and central nervous system dysfunction. Prompt recognition and treatment are crucial for survival. Vulnerable populations bear a disproportionate burden of the health risks associated with extreme heat. This group encompasses the elderly, whose thermoregulatory mechanisms may be less efficient; children, whose bodies are still developing and have a higher surface area to volume ratio; outdoor workers whose occupational exposure is unavoidable; and individuals with pre-existing health issues that diminish their resilience. The health impacts of extreme heat extend beyond the purely physiological, encompassing significant mental health consequences. Studies have indicated a correlation between rising temperatures and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and aggressive behavior. Prolonged heat exposure can disrupt sleep patterns and impact mood regulation, contributing to psychological distress.
Furthermore, extreme heat significantly impairs work capacity and productivity, particularly for those engaged in physically demanding occupations or working in non-air-conditioned environments. Reduced cognitive function and increased fatigue can lead to errors, accidents, and a general decline in economic output, affecting livelihoods and societal functioning. Urban environments, characterized by the urban heat island effect, often experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, amplifying the cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity associated with heatwaves. This leads to a notable increase in emergency room visits and hospital admissions during periods of extreme heat, placing considerable strain on healthcare systems. Neurological impacts are also a significant concern, with heat stress shown to affect cognitive function, induce delirium, and exacerbate existing neurological disorders. Even moderate increases in ambient temperature can compromise brain function, especially in older adults who may have diminished physiological reserves. The occupational risks associated with extreme heat are particularly pronounced in sectors such as agriculture and construction. Increased heat-related mortality among outdoor workers underscores the critical need for robust workplace safety measures, including provision of adequate hydration, shaded rest areas, and acclimatization protocols. Finally, the disparate impact of extreme heat on low-income communities and communities of color highlights critical environmental justice concerns. These populations often reside in areas with less green space, inadequate housing insulation, and limited access to cooling centers, making them especially susceptible to the detrimental effects of rising temperatures and necessitating equitable adaptation strategies.
Extreme heat poses a multifaceted and severe threat to public health, necessitating comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions. The direct physiological consequences include heat exhaustion and heatstroke, conditions that can rapidly become life-threatening if not managed appropriately. These illnesses arise from the body's inability to effectively dissipate heat, leading to a cascade of detrimental effects on vital organs. The exacerbation of pre-existing chronic conditions is a major concern, with individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease, respiratory ailments, and kidney problems being particularly susceptible to adverse outcomes during heatwaves. Elevated temperatures place additional stress on these compromised systems, increasing the risk of acute events such as heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory failure. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly, young children, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those with limited mobility, are at a significantly higher risk of experiencing severe health consequences from heat exposure. Their physiological systems may be less resilient, and they may have fewer resources to cope with extreme temperatures, such as adequate cooling or access to healthcare. The impact of extreme heat extends beyond immediate physiological distress to include significant mental health repercussions. Research indicates a correlation between prolonged exposure to high temperatures and increased incidences of anxiety, depression, and irritability. The disruption of sleep patterns and the general discomfort associated with heat can negatively affect psychological well-being. Work capacity and productivity are substantially reduced during periods of extreme heat, especially for those engaged in outdoor labor or working in environments lacking adequate climate control. Heat stress can lead to decreased cognitive function, impaired decision-making, and an increased risk of workplace accidents, impacting both individual livelihoods and economic productivity.
Urban areas often experience amplified heat effects due to the urban heat island phenomenon, where built environments trap and radiate heat. This localized warming contributes to a greater prevalence of cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity, resulting in increased emergency room visits and hospital admissions during heatwaves, thereby straining healthcare resources. Neurological effects are another critical area of concern, with evidence suggesting that heat exposure can impair cognitive abilities, induce delirium, and worsen existing neurological conditions. Even moderate temperature increases can impact brain function, particularly in susceptible individuals like the elderly, due to physiological changes associated with aging. Occupational settings, particularly in sectors like agriculture and construction, face heightened risks of heat-related mortality among workers. Implementing stringent workplace safety measures, including providing access to water, encouraging regular breaks, and ensuring adequate rest periods in shaded or cool environments, is paramount to mitigating these risks. Disparities in heat exposure and its health impacts are evident, with low-income communities and communities of color often bearing a disproportionate burden. These communities may lack essential resources such as air-conditioned housing, green spaces, and accessible cooling centers, exacerbating their vulnerability and highlighting the need for equitable climate adaptation strategies. The physiological mechanisms underlying heat stress involve complex interactions within the human body, including thermoregulation, cardiovascular strain, and cellular responses. Understanding these fundamental processes is crucial for developing effective strategies to prevent heat-related illnesses and protect public health in an era of increasing global temperatures.
Extreme heat poses significant threats to public health, leading to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and exacerbating chronic conditions. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with pre-existing health issues are at higher risk. Beyond physical harm, extreme heat impacts mental health, leading to increased anxiety and depression, and reduces work capacity. Urban environments exacerbate these issues due to the heat island effect, increasing hospital admissions. Neurological effects, including cognitive impairment, are also observed. Occupational heat exposure, especially in agriculture and construction, leads to increased mortality, necessitating workplace safety measures. Furthermore, low-income communities and communities of color disproportionately suffer due to lack of resources. Understanding the physiological responses to heat stress is crucial for developing effective interventions. The cumulative effects of repeated heat exposure can lead to long-term health consequences, and specific conditions like diabetes are particularly affected, requiring tailored management plans.
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Journal of Environmental Hazards received 51 citations as per Google Scholar report
