Study analyses 2006 California heat wave's substantial effect on morbidity
An extreme heat wave affected much of the state of California during mid- to late July 2006, breaking daily maximum temperature records in many regions of the State. A study conducted by researchers from the Mailman School of Public Health, the Natural Resources Defence Council, and the California Department of Public Health reports that the 2006 California heat wave had a substantial impact on morbidity throughout California, resulting in increased hospitalisations and emergency department (ED) visits. By better understanding these impacts and population vulnerabilities, local communities can improve heat wave preparedness to cope with global warming in the future. Findings from the study, 'The 2006 California Heat Wave: Impacts on Hospitalisations and Emergency Department Visits' are published in the January 2009 issue of Environmental Health Perspectives...