TERRA researcher warns of the effects of extreme heat on health
In an interview with RTP1, Paulo Nogueira (ISAMB/TERRA) highlighted that prolonged heat has cross-cutting consequences for all major disease groups, significantly affecting public health.
Paulo Nogueira, a researcher at the Instituto de Saúde Ambiental (ISAMB) and the TERRA Associate Laboratory, participated in a news report broadcast on RTP1’s Jornal da Noite last Saturday, August 9, dedicated to the effects of rising temperatures on public health, where he discussedthe effects of rising temperatures on diseases in Portugal.
Portugal was a pioneer in Europe in studying the impact of heat waves through the ICARUS Index, a tool that allows the effects of heat stress on the health of the population to be assessed – see the infographic developed by TERRA on the ICARUS Index here (content in Portuguese).
Paulo Nogueira (ISAMB/TERRA) was part of the team of experts that analyzed data from the last 20 years, revealing worrying conclusions. The analysis showed that prolonged heat has cross-cutting consequences for all major disease groups, contributing to an annual average of 2,500 deaths and between 18,000 and 20,000 heat-related hospitalizations. “Being exposed to heat stress for many consecutive days will cause organic decompensation and the body will give way,” said the researcher in an interview with RTP1.
According to Paulo Nogueira, Portugal currently faces between 8 and 9 heat waves per summer, which requires more effective protective measures. Access to water and shade are essential to mitigate the effects of prolonged exposure to heat.
This participation reinforces the commitment of the TERRA Associate Laboratory to contribute to research and scientific communication on the impacts of climate change on public health.
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