Skip to Navigation
Skip to Content

Support PSR!

Make a difference in the challenge to confront global warming and prevent nuclear war and the development and use of nuclear weapons.

Donate Now »

Latest Action

Tell President Obama to abolish the Nuclear Loan Guarantee Program.

TAKE ACTION

Heat-Related Illness

As the average global temperature increases, heat waves are expected become more frequent, more intense, and longer lasting. Health problems resulting from exposure to extreme heat include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. These conditions are caused by a reduction in, or collapse of, the body's ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating. In especially severe cases of heat stress, death can result. The heat wave that struck Europe in the summer of 2003, claiming the lives of more than 22,000 people, is a tragic example of what may occur more regularly as global warming continues. If a heat wave of similar magnitude were to occur in the United States, heat-related deaths would surge to more than five times the current average. Already, heat waves kill more U.S. residents than any other natural disaster. The elderly, infants and children, people suffering from chronic illness, and the urban poor are especially vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Download PSR's Fact Sheet:
The Medical and Public Health Impacts of Global Warming (PDF)

 

Action Alerts

More action alerts»

Resources

  • Sustancias quimicas peligrosas en el sector de la salud

    The Spanish-language version of the PSR report, "Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care," written with the American Nurses Association and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), details the first investigation of environmental chemicals found in the bodies of health care professionals. Read more »

  • Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care

    Read PSR’s October, 2009, report: "Hazardous Chemicals In Health Care." Of 20 health care professionals tested for the presence of industrial chemicals in their bodies, all 20 had at least 24 individual chemicals present, many of which are associated with chronic illness and physical disorders. Read more »

  • Toxics tools and resources

    Happy holidays from the Environmental Health Policy Institute! This holiday season we highlight some of our favorite tools and resources for health professionals and others concerned about the health effects of industrial chemicals. Read more »

In the Spotlight