Over 190 million individuals are being tragically impacted by a heatwave striking the United States, impacting those across the Midwest, Plains, and Northeast. The burdens brought about by this crisis are being distributed unequally.
Facing a natural decline in ability to regulate body temperature, older adults face increased health risks during high temperatures. Heat is known to exacerbate symptoms of cardiovascular or respiratory diseases, chronic health conditions which many elderly people suffer from.
In addition to the elderly population, outdoor workers are also increasingly vulnerable to the devastating impacts of heat due to being exposed to extreme temperatures for long hours, often lacking adequate protection.
Another group disproportionately impacted by extreme heat is low income families and groups. Many of these individuals reside in urban neighborhoods that directly suffer from the Urban Heat Island Effect.
Through a combination of both immediate and long term solutions, vulnerable populations can be protected from extreme heat and its effects in the future. Federal and state governments must ensure heat safety standards are established and secured.