The synergies of heat stress and air pollution and its health impacts
Science and policy snapshots on air quality, energy and health
Overview
Projections indicate that climate change will result in more frequent and intense extreme weather events in the coming decades. Among these, an increase in frequency, duration, intensity and magnitude of heatwaves and prolonged excess heat conditions are already being observed globally. Heat impacts health directly and acutely. Increases in mortality associated with high temperatures, particularly heatwaves, have been documented around the world. Vulnerable population groups include infants, young children, pregnant women, persons with chronic conditions and older people. Additionally, outdoor and manual workers and civil protection personnel are exposed to excessive heat, making them vulnerable to exertional heat stress.
The synergies of heat stress and air pollution and its health impacts highlights the synergies of heat stress and air pollution and the implications on health. The technical brief summarizes priority actions for the short, medium and long term to protect public health and success stories of addressing heat stress and air pollution jointly
This document is part of the WHO Air Quality, Energy, and Health Science and Policy Summaries (SPS). These summaries provide concise overviews of current knowledge and evidence on air quality, energy access, climate change, and health. They aim to support decision-makers by presenting key insights from scientific research.
The SPS are developed through a multistakeholder consultation process that includes experts from WHO Advisory Groups – i.e., the Scientific Advisory Group on Air Pollution and Health (SAG), and the Global Air Pollution and Health – Technical Advisory Group (GAPH-TAG) – as well as specialists from WHO Collaborating Centres, UN agencies as well as other experts from academia and civil society.
All Science and Policy Summaries can be accessed here