Vancouver’s summer heatwaves impact young adults, not just seniors: Study

With predictions of more frequent extreme weather in the years ahead, a study from UBC and Boston University has found heatwaves are a threat to a wider range of people than originally thought.

Researchers looked at the association between extreme temperatures and visits to the emergency room.

A relevant new study from Dr. Kate Weinberger (@palynivore) and collaborators at @BUSPH indicates that extreme heat poses a threat to a wider range of people than previously thought. https://t.co/J9y39m3I1z

— UBC’s School of Population and Public Health (@ubcspph) November 25, 2021

They found extreme heat is a threat to everyone’s health, not just older people. There were pronounced risks among younger and middle-aged adults.

“Previous large-scale studies on extreme heat have largely looked at either mortality or hospitalizations among older adults. In contrast, we examined emergency department visits among adults of all ages, allowing us to gain a clearer picture of how heat may affect the health of both younger and older adults,” said Dr. Kate Weinberger, one of the authors of the study.

“By looking at emergency department visits as an indicator of the adverse health impacts of heat, we were able to capture illnesses that can be treated in a short period of time in an emergency department.”

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Researchers also noticed extreme heat was associated with a higher number of emergency visits for all health causes, but especially heat-related illness, renal disease, and mental disorders.

“Our results were also consistent with previous research showing that heat may be especially dangerous in regions with cooler climates that are less adapted to heat, an important takeaway for countries like Canada. As temperatures continue to rise due to climate change, the implementation of heat adaptation measures in these historically cooler regions will be critically important,” said Weinberger.

More research is needed to figure out why.

During BC’s recent heatwaves, over 445 people died from heat-related deaths. Of which 79% were 65 years or older. @hrw‘s impact report on the climate change-fueled disaster shows what happened to seniors and what action Canada must take moving forward. AThttps://t.co/KTPcLntCFt

— Global Reporting Program (@GR_Program) November 23, 2021

It could be several factors, including that younger adults are more likely to be working or playing outdoors, and that they may not realize how much the heat affects them.

July’s heat dome caused hundreds of sudden deaths in B.C., and Vancouver will likely be seeing more extreme weather during the hot summer months.

“The big takeaway is just how wide-ranging the health impacts of heat are in terms of age, geography, and resulting health conditions,” said Weinberger.

“This can help health experts and policymakers anticipate what to expect and implement appropriate mitigation strategies. It also serves as an important reminder to everyone of just how dangerous heat can be.”