started · updated
Extreme heat increases health risks and pesticide toxicity
Research indicates that extreme heat significantly expands the spectrum of health risks and occupational hazards. A study published in Science Advances, analyzing nearly one million emergency room visits in Chicago between 2011 and 2023, identified over 30 health issues linked to intense heatwaves. These include acute kidney failure, the exacerbation of multiple sclerosis, skin issues, and psychiatric or behavioral disorders. The study also noted a correlation between extreme temperatures and increased physical injuries, including assault and gun violence, potentially driven by increased irritability and loss of concentration.
In the agricultural sector, approximately 2.4 million workers in the United States face heightened dangers. Heatwaves alter the chemistry of pesticides, causing them to evaporate faster or transform into more toxic compounds. High temperatures also increase skin permeability, making workers more susceptible to chemical absorption. Furthermore, standard protective gear, such as PVC gloves, becomes less effective in extreme heat. These risks extend beyond the field, as pesticide residues on clothing can expose family members, including children, to chemical contact at home.
Entities
Chicago · Daniel Horton · Ismaniza Ismail · Science Advances · University of Adelaide
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heat increases pesticide risk by making skin more permeable and causing chemicals to evaporate more quickly. www.duurzaamnieuws.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There is a correlation between extreme heat and higher rates of physical injury, including assault and gun violence. newsmonkey.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] High temperatures can change the chemical composition of pesticides, potentially making them more toxic. www.duurzaamnieuws.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Extreme heat is linked to over 30 different health issues beyond heatstroke. newsmonkey.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Heat exposure is linked to acute kidney failure and the exacerbation of multiple sclerosis. newsmonkey.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Extreme temperatures are associated with increased insect-related injuries and psychiatric or behavioral disorders. newsmonkey.be
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Standard protective equipment, such as PVC gloves, becomes less effective at high temperatures. www.duurzaamnieuws.nl
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 2.4 million agricultural workers in the United States face increased risks due to pesticide use during heatwaves. www.duurzaamnieuws.nl