//0609/BIE 20 , 2009-2010, ( 2009-2010) (). November 2 nd, 2011
Dr Edna Yamasaki Patrikiou University of Nicosia
Slide 2
Slide 3
Climate change is the major environmental problem facing the
globe. World Health Organization - Health effects of global warming
is one of the major problems of the century.
Slide 4
In recent years, interest in the impact of weather on human
health has increased Climatic change Correlation between extreme
weather events and thermal stress to populations Specifically
Larger temperature fluctuations, resulting in increased occurrence
of heat waves and cold spells in certain regions. The thermal
stress caused by the increased intensity, frequency and duration of
such phenomena is expected to lead to an increase in heat related
mortality and morbidity in southern Europe, Middle East and North
Africa.
Slide 5
Populations tend to adapt to the local prevailing climate
through physiological, behavioral, cultural and technological
responses, HOWEVER extreme weather events may stress populations
beyond their adaptation limits.
Slide 6
Impacts of climate on human health will not be evenly
distributed around the world. Greatest in urban areas - urban heat
island effect, city geographical location, housing conditions.
Affecting elderly and sick people, who have diminished
physiological capacity for thermoregulation, pregnant women,
children and workers in thermally stressful fields.
Slide 7
There is an optimum temperature at which the daily death rate
is at lowest. Mortality rates rise at temperatures outside this
comfort temperature range. A U-shaped relationship between outdoor
temperature and mortality has been reported in many studies in
Europe and the USA. Such a U-shaped trough represents the comfort
zone, whereas the arms of the trough represent the mortality
increase at extremely hot and cold temperatures.
Slide 8
A U-shaped relationship between outdoor temperature and
mortality has been reported in many studies in Europe and the USA.
Such a U-shaped trough represents the comfort zone, whereas the
arms of the trough represent the mortality increase at extremely
hot and cold temperatures. U
Slide 9
Although in most industrialized countries, death rates are
higher in winter months, a summer peak in mortality associated with
heat waves has also been observed in several urban areas. This has
also been the case in typical Mediterranean urban environments such
as Rome, Athens and Barcelona.
Slide 10
Substantial research - effects of heat-waves on cardiovascular,
cerebrovascular and respiratory diseases. PHEWE project - a
large-scale European study, including 30 million European citizens
was the first to apply standardized scientific approaches to
investigate the health effects of extreme weather and the role of
several effect modifiers.
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However no similar research has been done so far for Cyprus, a
typical Mediterranean environment which is well known for extreme
thermal stress during summertime.
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Our project aims at protecting public health and improving
quality of life through Establishing the association between
climate- change-driven extreme weather and acute health effects, in
terms of daily death rates and hospital admissions in the warm
season in Cyprus, and Developing a framework of innovative
prevention and mitigation strategies to reduce the public health
impact of thermal stress in Cyprus.
Slide 13
Through close co-operation between 3 multi- disciplinary
groups: (a) the epidemiology and statistics group, (b) the
meteorology and air quality group, and (c) the public and
environmental health group.
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University of Nicosia Research Foundation (HO) Dr Edna Yamasaki
Patrikiou Dr Haritini Tsangari Dr Zoi Konsoula Ms Stephani Christou
Mr Haris Pavlides (IR) Environmental Service, Ministry of
Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment (PA1) Dr Theodoulos
Mesimeris Ms Nikoletta Kythreodotou Department of Environmental
Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace (PA2) Dr Anastasia
Paschalidou Dr Glykeria Loupa Department of Physics, University of
Ioannina (PA3) Dr Pavlos Kassomenos UK Health Protection Agency
(PA4) Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis Dr Clare Heaviside
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Specifically, through the following actions: (a) the analysis
of the meteorological data which will provide a synoptic
classification index for meteorologically homogeneous days in terms
of the prevailing air mass types, (b) the analysis of the mortality
and hospital admission data related to respiratory, cardiovascular
and cerebrovascular disease in Cyprus, (c) the detection of the
potential synergies between thermal stress and air pollution
variables on mortality and morbidity,
Slide 16
Specifically, through the following actions: (d) the
development of a HHWWS which will include validated algorithms for
the predictions of heat stress-related mortality and morbidity and
a set of protocols for the operation of the system, and (e) the
analysis of public health implications, including a health impact
assessment, a survey of current policies and practices, as well as
a set of generic and tailored mitigation measures in the form of
intervention plans.
Slide 17
The protection of public health in urban areas in Cyprus,
contributing significantly to the improvement of quality of life of
the population and the enhanced management of health services.
Slide 18
Additionally, the proposed HHWWS and guidelines could be fully
exploited on an operational basis by the local policy-makers for
the development of warning systems and intervention policies, as
well as for harmonisation with relevant EU guidelines and
directives. Finally, the project will contribute to the
technological development of Cyprus in the field of public health,
and the dissemination of scientific knowledge to Cyprus through the
development of a European network of experts.