US Climate and Health Alliance

Climate Change and Health in LA County: Opportunities for Clinical Intervention

Abstract

As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify across Los Angeles County, clinicians can expect an exacerbation of many patient health problems ranging from respiratory illness to infectious diseases. Residents of LA County are especially vulnerbale to health risks associated with increasing extreme heat events, declining air quality, longer and more intense wildfire seasons, expanding habitats of vectors, and conditions that increase risk of water and food-borne disease. One acute example of the burden climate change places on regional health is the 2006 record-breaking heat wave which resulted in over 650 excess deaths across California. Certain populations within LA County, such as low-income communities, are particularly at risk and may require additional care and resources to protect their health.

Resource Type
Magazine/newspaper article
Authors
Kristen Lew Elizabeth Rhoades
Resource URL
http://rx.ph.lacounty.gov/RxClimate1117
Publication
Rx for Prevention
Date
November 2017
Organization Type
State/local health department (inc. international)
Health and Human Impact
Heat illness/extreme temperature
Climate and Environmental Impacts
Air pollution Heat

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