Weather and Human Mortality: An Evaluation of Demographic and Interregional Responses in the United States

• DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-8306.1989.tb00249.x
• Publication Date: 2005-02-23T13:52:24Z
• Authors: Laurence S. Kalks...; Robert E. Davis
• Keywords: 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences; 3. Good health

Abstract This study describes the impact of weather on human mortality at numerous locations around United States. We evaluate forty-eight cities and determine differential an intercity interregional level. The data are analyzed separately for different age, race, cause death categories. possible geographical within-season acclimatization is also analyzed. Thresh-old temperatures, which represent temperature beyond increases, identified all categories in summer winter. correlate variables with days temperatures threshold. In summer, warm, humid, calm conditions (especially night) relate to highest mortality. strongest relationships occur regions where hot uncommon weakest hottest locales. Regional appears be especially important summer. A strong intra-seasonal factor apparent, early season produces a more pronounced response than similar late season. Winter generally weaker, cloudy, damp, snowy associated greatest both seasons, elderly appear disproportionately stressed when compared other age groups. Racial responses national seasonal level, but there regional Non-whites sensitive whites South during seasons. Key Words: climate assessmenthuman mortalityacclimatizationweather/mortality relationshipsweather stress Notes research was supported by Environmental Protection Agency under contract no. CR-814301-01-0. authors thank Guanri Tan, Kathleen Valimont, Jon Skindlov their technical support helpful suggestions. Lisa Davis Darcy Kenton cartographic assistance.