Citation
(2001), "Databank. Health effects of climate change", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 31 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2001.01731eaf.011
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2001, MCB UP Limited
Databank. Health effects of climate change
Databank
Health effects of climate change
The Department of Health recently published a comprehensive report into possible effects of climate change in the UK. The group that produced the report included experts from the meteorological and climate changes fields as well as from physiology, public health, epidemiology and microbiology. Cold related winter deaths are likely to decrease substantially, by perhaps 20,000 per year, but heat related summer deaths are likely to increase by around 2,800 per annum. Cases of food poisoning are likely to increase significantly by perhaps 10,000 cases per year. Insect-borne diseases may present local problems and water-borne diseases may increase but the overall impact of these two factors is likely to be small. The risk from disasters caused by severe winter gales and coastal flooding is likely to increase.
Cases of skin cancer are likely to increase by up to 5,000 per year and those of cataracts by 2,000. The report explains the importance of continual commitment to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, which may also have direct as well as indirect beneficial effects on health. Arrangements are being made to put the report on the Department's Web site at www.doh.gov.uk