Family Weather Health Advice
Factors of new and increased health risks and effective actions.

AIR QUALITY

Ozone Pollution (Smog)
A high accumulation of ozone gas in the lower atmosphere at ground level is air pollution and can be harmful to
people. Elevated levels may cause lung and respiratory disorders. Short-term exposure can result in shortness
of breath, coughing, chest tightness, or irritation of nose and throat. Individuals exercising outdoors, children, the
elderly, and people with pre-existing respiratory illnesses are particularly susceptible.

Asthma
Warmer climate means increased growing periods Natural airborne allergens such as pollens and fungal spores
could change in concentration and distribution and contribute to allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.

Particulate Matter
Perhaps the leading cause of air pollution related death. Particulate matter, soot and dirt particles that
cause respiratory failure and lung cancer.

Colds
There is a danger that bacteria would no longer die-off seasonally because of shorter and less
cold winters meaning that colds and flus may spread more widely.

Actions

1. Avoid strenuous activity on bad days.
2. Watch smog and pollen alerts carefully.
3. Monitor activities and reactions of children and elderly.
4. Spend time away from polluted urban areas. Go to the park or beach.

                                                      HEAT WAVES

Heat related illness like stroke, dehydration, cardiovascular and respiratory illness, physical and mental stress.
People with heart problems are vulnerable because their cardiovascular system mustwork harder to keep the
body cool during hot weather. Heat exhaustion and some respiratory problems increase.
Be cautious of occupational health risks.

Actions

1. Use fans.Open windows.
2. Eat cold foods.
3. Take cool showers.
4. Be careful at work do not over exert yourself.
5. Use air conditioner or go to cool public places indoors.
6. Drink lots of liquids even if not thirsty.
7. Leave no children, elderly or any pets in cars.

                                         

 

 

 

   Page 2                           VECTOR - BORNE DISEASES

Diseases, or their carriers, may be able to move to areas that were previously too cold for them to survive.
Mosquitos carry West Nile Virus. Ticks carry Lyme disease and deer mice droppings cause Hanta virus.

Actions

Mosquitos (West Nile Virus / Malaria)
1. Wear long sleeves and pants.
2. Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk.
3. Report dead birds to local authorities.
4. Fix door and window screens.
5. Remove standing water where larvae breed.
6. Use DEET repellents (DEET is safe to use, follow instructions. Consider natural products for the very young.)

                                                    ULTRAVIOLET RAYS

Stratospheric ozone destroying chemicals have been phased out but effects will continue for the next 50 years. Ultraviolet radiation which will increase as a result of depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer has a number of
adverse effects on human health such as disturbed immune function, eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration, skin damage and skin cancer.

Actions

1. Wear a wide brimmed hat and proective clothing.
2. Use approprate sunscreens and mineral blocs.
3. Wear certified UVA and UVB protective sunglasses.
4. Avoid midday sun exposure.
5. Check skin frequently for bumps or blemishes and consult doctor.

                                                     WATER QUALITY

Droughts affect the availability of water. Higher water temperatures degrade water quality. An increase in flooding will promote the spread of water-borne diseases while droughts encourage white flies, locusts and rodents, all affecting water supplies and health.Hot weather can cause microorganism outbreaks at beaches and in shellfish.

Actions

1. Store clean drinking water.
2. Buy a tap or portable water filter and purification tablets.
3. Monitor and test well water quality.
Food
Warmer summers may cause many extra cases of food poisoning each year. Be careful storing and cooking food.

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