Photo credit: www.sciencedaily.com
Long-Term Health Implications of Flooding: A Comprehensive Study
A groundbreaking research initiative has unveiled the long-lasting health consequences of flooding, based on the analysis of over 300 million hospitalization records from eight flood-prone nations. This study indicates a startling 26% increase in the likelihood of hospitalization for various diseases in the aftermath of flooding, with these health effects persisting for as long as seven months following such events.
Conducted by researchers from Monash University and published in the journal Nature Water, the study emphasizes that flooding, an occurrence becoming more common globally due to climate change, correlates with significant increases in hospitalizations across diverse health categories. Notable increases have been documented for cardiovascular diseases (35%), respiratory diseases (30%), infectious diseases (26%), digestive diseases (30%) such as gastroenteritis, mental health issues (11%), diabetes (61%), cancer (34%), nervous system disorders (34%), and renal diseases (40%).
The research, led by Professors Yuming Guo and Shanshan Li, spanned from 2010 to 2019, and analyzed data from 747 communities across countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Vietnam, New Zealand, Taiwan, and Thailand that were affected by significant flood events during this time period.
Approximately 23% of the global population faces the threat of floods equivalent to a severe 1-in-100-year event. Professor Guo has highlighted the growing concern, noting, “We will witness an escalation in the severity, duration, and frequency of floods due to the increasing incidence of extreme precipitation and the rising sea levels associated with global warming.”
While immediate health risks from flooding, such as drowning and hypothermia, are widely recognized, this study is pioneering in its examination of the broader health impacts, indicating that the consequences of flooding on health may be significantly underestimated. “The health effects of floods are expected to worsen in line with climate change,” Professor Guo added.
Understanding the Long-Term Health Effects of Flooding
The health repercussions of flooding extend beyond immediate physical injuries; they include contamination of water supplies, which increases the likelihood of gastrointestinal and infectious diseases. Floods can also foster environments that promote the proliferation of harmful organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and vectors like rodents and insects, leading to respiratory and infectious disease outbreaks. Furthermore, large-scale evacuations and subsequent displacement can create unsanitary conditions in temporary shelters, exacerbating health issues related to hygiene and sanitation.
Access to healthcare services frequently diminishes following floods, which can delay essential medical treatments for renal disease, cancer therapies, and ongoing management of various chronic conditions. Additionally, the psychological toll of flooding—stemming from property loss and economic instability—can further compromise health outcomes. This long-term stress can weaken the immune system, disturb sleep patterns, increase the risk of substance abuse, and inhibit effective self-care, contributing to an overall decline in community health.
Source
www.sciencedaily.com