Climate and Health Resources: United States I HI ¦ A IV I A Environmental Protection INDIANA 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 Indiana has warmed about 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 Indiana residents include: - Heat waves have become more common in the Midwest over the last 60 years. Higher temperatures will increase heat-related illnesses, hospital visits, and deaths. 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. - 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. - More intense rain can overwhelm combined sewer systems (where storm water and sewage share the same pipes). Overflows into Lake Michigan are expected to increase 120% over the next 80 years. This could pollute recreational and drinking water sources. 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. 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 ------- RESOURCE FOR INDIANA RESIDENTS Resource Topic Information Source Climate Change Impacts Learn more: What Climate Change Means for Indiana U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Learn more: National Climate Assessment: Midwest U.S. Global Change Research Program. 2014. Find Resources: EPA Region 5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Public Health Information Find Resources: Indiana Department of Health State of Indiana Find Resources: Indiana Emergency Response Commission State of Indiana June 2016 ------- |