| Increased Heat Impacts: |
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According to the EPA, a 3 degree Fahrenheit temperature increased would possibly
double heat related deaths. |
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Increased use of air-conditioners which would generate more power plant emissions. |
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Especially high risk for elderly, and those living alone. |
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Increased risk for people with heart and respiratory problems. |
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The low-income are less likely to have air-conditioners or health insurance
to deal with the health consequences of heat waves. |
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Very hot days would mean higher number of heat related deaths, especially
in the elderly. |
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700 people died during a heat wave in Chicago in 1995. |
| Increased Smog, Particulate Air Pollution and Worsening Air Quality: |
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According to the EPA, a 4 degree Fahrenheit temperature increase with worsening
air quality, could create chest pains, nausea and pulmonary congestion in healthy
people. |
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Would most adversely affect children, people with respiratory ailments and
the elderly. |
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February 2002: Ground-level ozone is a “causative factor” in the
development of childhood asthma. |
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Increased risk for lung cancer and heart diseases. |
| More Ragweed, Molds and Pollens: |
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This would lead to increased rates of asthma and hay fever. |
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Also, increased incidents of allergies. |
| Drought Related Diseases: |
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Outbreaks of St. Louis encephalitis and West Nile virus have occurred in the
US during periods of drought. |
| Hotter temperatures will spread tropical diseases into new regions. |
| Malaria: |
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The IPCC projects that “65% of the world’s population will be
at risk of infection by malaria.” |
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Outbreaks occurred in New York, Texas and Florida. |
| Dengue Fever: |
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Outbreak occurred in Texas. |
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No vaccine right now, one strain is deadly. |
| Encephalis: |
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Outbreaks occurred in several states, including California, Arizona, Colorado
and Texas. |
| Yellow Fever |
| Cholera: |
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More frequent algal blooms mean higher incidents of cholera. |
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120,000 people died from cholera in 1995. |
| Encephalitis: |
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There have been outbreaks in several states, including California, Arizona,
Colorado and Mississippi. |
| Cryptosporidiosis: |
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Already exists in the US. |
| Disruptions to Agricultural and Water Supplies Due to Droughts and/or Flooding.: |
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These potential disruptions would mean lack of safe drinking water and malnutrition. |
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Human migration and increased megacities due to land loss. |
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Nearly one in 13 school-aged children has asthma (five million children under
the age of 18). |
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Asthma increased by 160 percent between 1980-1994. |
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Nearly one in five of all pediatric emergency room visits is asthma related. |
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Asthma is the leading chronic illness of children and the leading cause of
school absenteeism in the United States. |
