Spring Break
Expert discusses health consequences of global warming
By: Kelsey Gibbons
Issue date: 2/23/07 Section: News
Originally published: 2/23/07 at 7:48 AM EST
Last update: 2/23/07 at 7:47 AM EST
Originally published: 2/23/07 at 7:48 AM EST
Last update: 2/23/07 at 7:47 AM EST
McGeehin emphasized that as a nation, we need to prepare for these possibilities, and we need to adapt to prepare. On a more worldwide scale, the spread of vector-borne illnesses, such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome.
The standard of living in the United States creates a small safety net for the country. Luxuries such as screens and glass on windows, and few stagnant bodies of water make these diseases less of concern to those in America. Additionally, the presence of antibiotics combats illness.
However, an increase in these diseases will be especially crippling to those with compromised immune systems, such as cancer or AIDS patients, or those living in developing nations. McGeehin also pointed out that many storm water and sewer systems are linked, leading to the contamination of drinking water further downstream.
McGeehin offered valuable adaptations to these problems, including emergency preparation and planning, advanced warning systems, better urban planning, and the presence of a public health infrastructure. It remains, however, that the CDC does not make policy; it only issues recommendations to citizens and governmental agencies. McGeehin said that the CDC frequently sends warnings to be issued by local governments, but citizens often ignore these cautions.
The standard of living in the United States creates a small safety net for the country. Luxuries such as screens and glass on windows, and few stagnant bodies of water make these diseases less of concern to those in America. Additionally, the presence of antibiotics combats illness.
However, an increase in these diseases will be especially crippling to those with compromised immune systems, such as cancer or AIDS patients, or those living in developing nations. McGeehin also pointed out that many storm water and sewer systems are linked, leading to the contamination of drinking water further downstream.
McGeehin offered valuable adaptations to these problems, including emergency preparation and planning, advanced warning systems, better urban planning, and the presence of a public health infrastructure. It remains, however, that the CDC does not make policy; it only issues recommendations to citizens and governmental agencies. McGeehin said that the CDC frequently sends warnings to be issued by local governments, but citizens often ignore these cautions.
