Environment, Environmental Health, Health News, Public Health

The Cost of Freeing Drinking Water from ‘Forever Chemicals’

In proposing the limits, EPA officials said that they had leveraged the latest science to protect the public from PFAS pollution. Environmental groups welcomed the move as long overdue. But the standard has drawn widespread criticism from the water utility industry and some scientists who say that in many places, small drops in PFAS water levels will matter little for exposure or health.

winter icicles ice cold
Environment, Injury Prevention, Prevention, Public Health

Resources and emergency shelters available statewide to keep people safe and warm during dangerously cold winter weather

Cold weather can be very dangerous if you are not prepared, particularly for people without homes, the elderly, and those with medical conditions. Health risks include hypothermia, frostbite, falls, vehicle accidents, and carbon monoxide poisoning from improper indoor use of fires or generators. Winter storms can make these problems worse by causing power outages and property damage.

Environment, Environmental Health, Public Health

Saving lives from extreme heat: Lessons from the deadly 2021 Pacific Northwest heat wave

The 2021 heat dome was Washington’s deadliest weather disaster on record. It contributed to 441 deaths in the state between June 27 and July 3, our research shows. Medical systems were overwhelmed. There are numerous ways to avoid this deadly of an outcome in the future. Many emerge from thinking about extreme heat as long-term risk reduction, not just short-term emergency response.

Environment, Environmental Health, Global Health

Climate Crisis Is on Track to Push One-Third of Humanity Out of Its Most Livable Environment

Climate change is remapping where humans can exist on the planet. As optimum conditions shift away from the equator and toward the poles, more than 600 million people have already been stranded outside of a crucial environmental niche that scientists say best supports life. By late this century 3 to 6 billion people, or between a third and a half of humanity, could be trapped outside of that zone, facing extreme heat, food scarcity and higher death rates, unless emissions are sharply curtailed or mass migration is accommodated.

Drugs, Environment, Seniors

FEELING THE HEAT? MAYBE IT’S YOUR MEDICATION.

Medications can make it harder to stay hydrated and regulate body temperature, including those for allergies and colds, thyroid, depression, heart/blood pressure, and weight loss. Check with your doctor to see if your health conditions or medications make you more sensitive to heat.