Climate and Health Resources:
United States
Wk J| A I Rl ^	Environmental Protection
MAINE
Climate change poses risks to human health. Already in the United States, we are seeing rising
temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of some types of extreme weather, sea level rise, and
other changes in weather and climate patterns. We are all vulnerable to the health impacts associated
with climate change. However, these climate and health risks vary across the country.
Maine has warmed 3°F since 1900. This and other climate impacts, like rising sea levels, mean increasing
risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Maine residents include:
-	Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. People
without air conditioning are at risk in the Northeast where heat waves have been rare. Learn
how you can take action to protect against heat waves, such as:
o Respond: Watch for signs of dehydration and overheating, especially in children,
o Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.
-	Sea level rise and coastal droughts can cause saltwater to move into fresh groundwater,
threatening drinking water supplies. Learn how you can take action to ensure drinking water
safety, such as:
o Prepare: Have an emergency water supply ready for your family (1 gallon per
person/pet per day).
o Respond: Check the news for tap water safety notices, such as boiling water before use.
-	Longer warm seasons mean that ticks that carry Lyme disease will emerge earlier in the
season and will move north into new areas. Learn how you can take action to protect against
ticks, such as:
o Respond: Check for and remove ticks promptly after coming indoors. Remember that
pets may bring ticks into the house,
o Respond: Wear protective clothing (such as high boots and long sleeves and pants), and
consider using insect repellent.
Learn more in the USGCRP Climate and Health Assessment.
The examples of risks and actions provided in this document are not a comprehensive list. They
provide users with illustrative impacts and resources for further information. Examples were
selected based on relevance to the state or region and representation of a diversity of health
threats. Selection does not imply ranking of severity of impacts nor prioritization of actions. The
examples of impacts are based on "The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the
United States: A Scientific Assessment," available at https://health2016.globalchange.gov, as well
as the National Climate Assessment at http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/
June 2016

-------
RESOURCES FOR MAINE RESIDENTS
Resource Topic
Information
Source
Climate Change
Impacts
Learn More: What Climate Change Means for Maine
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency

Learn More: Maine's Climate Future: 2015 Update
Maine Department of
Environmental
Protection. February
2015.

Learn More: National Climate Assessment:
Northeast
U.S. Global Change
Research Program. 2014.

Explore Actions: People and Nature Adapting to a
Changing Climate: Charting Maine's Course, 2010
Includes Health Concerns for: Coastal Flooding,
Inland Flooding, Extreme Heat, Drought
State of Maine

Find Resources: EPA Region 1 (New England)
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Public Health
Information
Find Resources: Maine Department of Health and
Human Services
State of Maine

Find Resources: Maine Emergency Management
Agency
State of Maine
June 2016

-------