Climate and Health in the Midwest States
Climate is the prevailing condition of weather in an area over a long period, typically around 30 years or more. It means the typical temperature, rainfall, and severe weather conditions in a particular area for an extended time.
The world’s climate is changing; the world is getting warmer, extreme weather is becoming common such as floods, dry spells, and cyclones. However, the Midwest is becoming wetter. A more significant part of the Midwest has greater rainfall in winter months and fall, warmer summertime, and wetter in the southern region during springtime.
Cause of Climate Change
To live, we need a certain amount of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere; too much of it will create a problem. More than ever, there’s a greater volume of carbon dioxide and greenhouse gasses in our atmosphere. This suggests that more heat is absorbed than needed, resulting in a warmer planet called the greenhouse effect.
Heavy Precipitation
Over the last half-century, the average annual rainfall has increased by 5 to 10 percent in some parts of the Midwest. A substantial area is expected to have heavier rain in spring and extreme storms increasing during the next century. It is more likely to increase the frequency of flooding too.
Floods are the most common natural disaster in some parts of the Midwest. Flooding can cause substantial economic harm to the counties; it destroys agricultural output, businesses, and houses.
Whenever a flood-affected your home, it is always a good idea to call property restoration Oak Park for water mitigation and damage restoration to prevent contacting hazardous materials from floodwater.
Water-borne diseases
Most infections with water-borne bacteria can lead to dysentery, vomiting, nausea, fever, and stomach problems. The following are examples of the most common microorganisms identified in floodwater.
- C. parvum
- Cholera
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Shigella
A person can contact water-borne bacteria by eating or drinking something with bacteria. It’s less likely to be airborne. Flood runoff or sewer issues might pollute water sources or food. Let professional restoration companies like PuroClean Oak Park manage any water damage; they are capable of properly cleaning and disinfecting your place and preventing cross-contamination on clean areas.
Heat Stress
Another problem that climate change brings to the Midwest States is the sweltering summer seasons. Several illnesses can arise from scorching weather. The elderly are at greater risk of the health hazards of hot weather. There are higher occurrences of deaths from cardiac arrest in hotter weather. These are a few of the heat-related health problems:
- Heat rash
- Heat cramps
- Heat exhaustion
- Heatstroke
Of course, increasingly hot summers likewise impact farming output. We’ll be seeing reduced yields of corn and soybeans in the years to come. Severe droughts and floods would hurt crop yields as a whole.
Conclusion
Storms and floods can disrupt electricity and can contaminate the supply of water. This puts tension on health centers, pharmacies, and dialysis centers that rely upon a stable supply of water and electricity. Dry spells and heatwaves put the elderly and individuals with comorbidities at greater health risks.
Every residence must keep an emergency preparedness kit, recognize the symptoms and signs of heat stress, check on family and friends during hot days and severe weather conditions. And reduce the carbon footprints by driving less, planting trees, and making your residence energy efficient.
