A study out this week in the journal Environmental Science & Technology looked at the health effects when electrical grids fail during sustained heatwaves. The findings are alarming.
more weather-related blackouts than in the previous decade, with grids overwhelmed by intense electrical use during summer months, according to Climate Central, a nonprofit research group of scientists.
The warming climate and an inability to cool down “could have major implications for child health,” said another study, this one in, a journal published by the British Medical Association. Multiple researchers have found that preterm births go up“Really what we think is that with heat exposure, dehydration is really the root cause,” epidemiologist Rupa Basu
. “Dehydration causes hormonal changes, which gives a message to a mother to deliver an infant. The blood flow in the uterus decreases.”by Basu and her colleagues found that in California, for every extra 10 degrees, the risk of preterm birth went up by 8 percent. Theresearch found that “even apparently minor decrements in birth weight could have a major impact on public health as exposure to high temperatures is common and escalating.
One problem that can be addressed is that doctors have not been discussing the risks of high heat on their pregnant patients. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said in 2021 that it “recognizes that climate change is an urgent women’s health concern as well as a major public health challenge,” and recommended that doctors counsel patients on environmental hazards like extreme heat during prenatal care visits.
“Special consideration must be given to protecting pregnant people and newborns, in light of their increased vulnerability to climate-change–related harm,” doctors wrote in a
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Paws off! Keeping your pets safe in the Texas heatOn extra hot days, a variety of factors affect our 'feels like' temperature, or heat index, including humidity, wind and sky cover. However, different surfaces and terrain also influence it.
Read more »
Britain sees record net migration levels, increasing pressure on government | CNNThe level of net migration to Britain reached record levels last year, official figures showed Thursday, putting pressure on the UK government which has made the issue a political touchstone.
Read more »
Congressman Juan Ciscomani introduces bill increasing punishment for cartel membersThe bill targets individuals known as 'spotters' who assist the cartel by watching the border, communicating the location of law enforcement agents and interfering with their operations.
Read more »
Bill passed increasing pension payout for Dallas first responders who die from occupational illnessesA fight to fix death benefits for Dallas first responders who die not because of occupational hazards is over. Their deaths will now be considered line of duty deaths and their surviving family members will receive full benefits.
Read more »
NYC Traffic Enforcement Agents push for body cams amid increasing security concernsTraffic Enforcement Agents in New York City are calling for body cameras, so everyone can see the threats and abuse they endure during their job.
Read more »