Climate and Health Resources:
IOWA
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.
Most of Iowa has warmed about 0.5°F to 1°F in the last century and floods are becoming more frequent.
These and other climate impacts mean increasing risks to health. Examples of risks and actions for Iowa
residents include:
-	Heat waves have become more common in the Midwest over the last 60 years. Heat-related
illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths will increase. Learn how you can take action to protect
against heat waves, such as:
o Respond: Drink plenty of water.
o Respond: Check on elderly neighbors or anyone else who may need assistance.
-	Extreme weather events, such as floods, can disrupt infrastructure (damage to roads, bridges,
or utilities), which can prevent access to health care. Learn how you can take action to manage
infrastructure disruptions, such as:
o Respond: Keep power generators outside to avoid fire and carbon monoxide risks.
o Respond: Discard perishable food if your refrigerator has lost power for longer than four
hours.
-	Longer warm seasons mean that ticks will emerge earlier in the season. Already common in
the Midwest, Lyme disease infections will increase. 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

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

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

Learn More: Climate Change Impacts on Iowa, 2010.
Iowa Climate Change
Advisory Council.
January 2011.

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

Find Resources: Iowa Homeland Security and
Emergency Management Agency
State of Iowa
June 2016

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