Climate and Health Resources:
KANSAS
v>EPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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.
In the past century, most of Kansas has warmed by at least 0.5°F and the soil is becoming drier. These,
and other climate impacts, mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Kansas
residents include:
-	Rising temperatures and changing rain patterns will lead to more frequent or intense
droughts. Droughts limit the availability and quality of drinking water. Learn how you can take
action to protect against droughts, such as:
o Prepare: Reduce water use. For example, use low-flow faucets.
o Prepare: Be aware that droughts may reduce the quality of drinking water from private
wells.
-	Droughts also make it easier for soil dust to become airborne. Dust storms lower air quality
and cause breathing and visibility problems. Learn how you can take action to protect against
dust storms, such as:
o Respond: Seek shelter immediately.
o Respond: Stay low, and cover eyes, nose, and mouth.
-	Heavy downpours cause more frequent and severe floods. Floods, such as those that occurred
during Thanksgiving in 2015, can lead to injuries, deaths, and diseases. Learn how you can take
action to protect against floods, such as:
o Respond: Fill bathtubs, sinks, and plastic containers with clean water.
o Respond: Avoid driving or walking in or near flood waters, even after the flood or during
cleanup.
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

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

Learn more: National Climate Assessment: Great
Plains
U.S. Global Change
Research Program. 2014.

Find Resources: EPA Region 7 (Midwest)
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
Public Health
Information
Find Resources: Kansas Department of Health and
Environment
State of Kansas

Find Resources: Kansas Division of Emergency
Management
State of Kansas
June 2016

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