People who believe in global warming not only are fearful of the planetary effects but also the very existence of mankind. Comedians often start their monologs by asking, “How hot is it?” It may seem like polite conversation, but the state of the weather can have a profound effect on everything human.
It has been noted that weather is associated with changes in birth rates, sperm counts and morbidity. The weather effects outbreaks of pneumonia, influenza and bronchitis and has a direct influence on pollution and pollen counts.
The largest increases of deaths occur during extreme heat and cold waves. Hot weather appears to have a more substantial impact on mortality. Most research indicates that mortality rates vary with age, sex and race. Many factors associated with increased risks are, the use of alcohol, living on the higher floors of a building and use of tranquilizers. Some factors to decrease your risk are, the use of air conditioners, exercise, consumption of fluids and living in a shaded residence.
Another key mortality factor is humidity. Humidity has an effect on how the body cools itself through evaporation of perspiration. Cold air in the winter can lead to excessive dehydration of nasal passages and the upper respiratory tract. This can increase the chances of microbial and viral infection.
Medical disorders such as peptic ulcers, adrenal ulcers glaucoma, goiters, eczema and herpes are related to season variations in temperature. Heart failure (myocardial infarction) and cerebral vascular accidents have also been correlated with ambient monthly temperatures. Complications from these diseases would be probable at higher temperatures since the body responds to thermal stress by forcing blood into peripheral areas. This increases central blood pressure and encourages the constriction of blood vessels.
Extreme temperatures can change the range of infective parasites and impact the incidence of serious infectious diseases. Climate change may mostly affect increase of illness in warm climates. Mosquitoes and other insects spread diseases like malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and encephalitis. Insect borne diseases will no doubt increase if precipitation levels rise as well as temperatures.
Climate change is also expected to contribute to air quality problems. Increases in smog can cause damage to lung tissue and is especially harmful for people with asthma and chronic lung diseases. Another pollutant of concern is “particle Matter”. Particle matter is a complex mixture of extremely small particles of liquid droplets that can reach the deepest parts of the lungs. Particle pollution is that haze that is visible in cities and national parks. Climate change may indirectly affect the concentration of particle pollution by affecting natural or “biogenic” sources such as wildfires and dust from dry soil
Other indirect effects of climate change would also impact humans. Agricultural yields and production would diminish. Water resources could become scarce. Climate change may also contribute to economic decline and displacement of populations in certain regions.
While the climate has undergone some wild shifts within the earth’s history, it has been relatively stable during the period of modern human society. Climatologists have projected that by 2100; the earth’s surface temperature could increase between 1.0 and 3.5 degrees. That kind of climate change won’t be a laughing matter.
By Renee Rotto
Sources:
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1259055328236
http://www.ciesin.org/docs/001-338/001-338.html
http://www.blogger.com/goog_1259055328229
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