Increasing Temperatures and Frostbite Consequences: Mortality Rates in Cold Climates
In a revealing study of cold-related deaths in the United States from 1979 to 2016, researchers have discovered notable trends that are heavily influenced by the definition and recording of "cold-related" deaths. The findings suggest a U-shaped relationship between temperature and mortality, with deaths increasing in both extreme heat and cold conditions.
The study, published in [1], highlights the significance of adopting broader definitions of cold-related deaths, which encompass indirect causes such as cardiovascular and respiratory issues exacerbated by cold weather. These broader definitions reveal a higher and more sustained burden of cold-related mortality compared to narrower definitions that only count deaths directly attributed to hypothermia or exposure to cold.
Detailed research over several decades indicates a decline in temperature-related mortality overall, primarily due to adaptations like the widespread use of residential air conditioning that dramatically reduced heat-related deaths after 1960 [3]. However, cold-related deaths remain a substantial concern, and the impact is sensitive to how cold-effect metrics are defined. Deaths from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases aggravated by cold spells contribute to the total cold-related mortality figures [1][5].
The persistent excess death rate in cold weather, despite declines, can be attributed to improved housing, healthcare, and behavioral adaptations. Nevertheless, cold-related mortality remains a significant health issue, particularly when considering broader definitions that encompass indirect deaths.
It's important to note that there is no comprehensive, US-only national dataset for the entire 1979-2016 period. However, global and broader multi-country studies reinforce these patterns and implications for the US.
The data for this indicator was provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The underlying cause data from 1979-2016 can be accessed through the CDC WONDER database at https://wonder.cdc.gov/mortsql.html. The 1999-2015 analysis was developed using data from CDC's Environmental Public Health Tracking Program.
Other factors such as overall population vulnerability, adaptation and acclimation to cold temperatures, human behavior, and alcohol abuse can also affect trends in cold-related deaths. It's essential to remember that classifying a death as "cold-related" does not mean it was the only factor causing or contributing to the death, as pre-existing medical conditions can increase an individual's susceptibility to cold temperatures. Deaths are classified using a set of standard codes, with the main cause of death being the underlying cause, and other contributing conditions also recorded.
In conclusion, the definition of "cold-related" deaths critically influences observed trends and policy implications. A broader understanding of cold-related mortality reveals a larger ongoing health burden from cold exposure in the US population.
- The broader definitions of cold-related deaths encompass medical conditions like cardiovascular and respiratory issues that are exacerbated by cold weather.
- The study revealed that deaths from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases aggravated by cold spells contribute to the total cold-related mortality figures.
- Classifying a death as "cold-related" does not necessarily imply it was the only factor causing or contributing to the death, as pre-existing medical conditions can increase an individual's susceptibility to cold temperatures.
- In the environmental science and health-and-wellness domain, it's crucial to understand the impact of climate change on water resources and how it may influence population health, particularly in relation to climate-change-induced changes in temperature patterns and land use.
