Heat waves environmental effects

Natural disasters can be categorized as acute or slow in their onset (Noji, 1996). They are predictable because they cluster in geographic areas. Natural hazards are unpreventable and, for the most part, uncontrollable. Even if quick recovery occurs, natural disasters can have long-term effects. Natural disasters with acute onsets include events such as avalanche blizzard or extreme cold earthquake fire flood heat wave hurricane, cyclone, or typhoon tornado tsunami or storm surge volcanic eruption and wildfire. Natural hazards with a slow or gradual onset include deforestation, desertification, drought, and pest infestation. The most important natural disasters and examples of their environmental effects are listed in Table 17.1. 

Heat waves result in adverse health effects in cities more than in rural areas. During periods of sustained environmental heat—particularly during the summer— the numbers of deaths classified as heat related (e.g., heatstroke) and attributed to other causes (e.g., cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and respiratory disease) increase substantially. Those at an increased risk for heat-related mortality are elderly persons, infants, persons with chronic conditions (including obesity), patients taking medications that predispose them to heatstroke (e.g., neuroleptics or anticholinergics), and persons confined to bed or who otherwise are unable to care for themselves. 

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