The data were collected at the city level, small area level (municipalities or similar administrative units) and the individual level. At the city level, data from 15 countries are included: Czech Republic, England and Wales, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
The researchers in EXHAUSTION found:
An increased risk of cardiopulmonary mortality and morbidity during heat exposure.
That the heat effect was stronger for respiratory mortality and morbidity than for cardiovascular causes.
Women and the elderly (65+ years) being more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of heat.
There are geographical variations in temperature effects by areas (e.g., by municipalities and/or counties) and across cohorts in Europe, with more prominent heat effects in the south of Europe. E.g. the largest effect for respiratory disease was seen in Portugal.
The policy note “Effects of Air Temperature on Cardiopulmonary Mortality and Morbidity in Europe” was prepared as a milestone of the EU Project EXHAUSTION. It summarizes the evidence on the effects of different levels and changes in ambient air temperature on cardiopulmonary mortality and morbidity across Europe and puts a spotlight on the vulnerable and susceptible population.
Photo credit top-banner: Ralf @Unsplash
Women and elderly people (65+ years) are more vulnerable to the adverse health effects of heat. Photo: Micheile Henderson
