Long-Term Mortality Impacts of Tropical Cyclones in the United States

المفاهيم الأساسية

Tropical cyclones in the contiguous United States impose a substantial long-term mortality burden, exceeding immediate deaths reported in government statistics.

الملخص

This study conducts a large-scale evaluation of the long-term effects of tropical cyclones (TCs) on human mortality in the contiguous United States (CONUS) from 1930 to 2015. The key findings are:

There is a robust increase in excess mortality that persists for 15 years after each TC event.
The average TC generates 7,000-11,000 excess deaths, far exceeding the average of 24 immediate deaths reported in government statistics.
The TC climate of CONUS imposes an undocumented mortality burden that explains a substantial fraction of the higher mortality rates along the Atlantic coast, equal to roughly 3.2-5.1% of all deaths.
The excess mortality is particularly pronounced among infants, people aged 1-44, and the Black population.

Understanding the mechanisms behind this long-term mortality impact of TCs is crucial for improving public health outcomes.

الإحصائيات

The average TC generates 7,000-11,000 excess deaths.
The TC climate of CONUS imposes a mortality burden equal to roughly 3.2-5.1% of all deaths.

اقتباسات

"Tracking the effects of 501 historical storms, we compute that the TC climate of CONUS imposes an undocumented mortality burden that explains a substantial fraction of the higher mortality rates along the Atlantic coast and is equal to roughly 3.2–5.1% of all deaths."
"These findings suggest that the TC climate, previously thought to be unimportant for broader public health outcomes, is a meaningful underlying driver for the distribution of mortality risk in CONUS, especially among infants (less than 1 year of age), people 1–44 years of age, and the Black population."

الرؤى الأساسية المستخلصة من

Mortality caused by tropical cyclones in the United States - Nature

by Rachel Young... في www.nature.com 10-02-2024

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07945-5

استفسارات أعمق

What are the specific mechanisms and pathways through which tropical cyclones lead to excess mortality in the long term?

Tropical cyclones (TCs) contribute to excess mortality through a variety of mechanisms and pathways that extend beyond immediate physical impacts. Firstly, the immediate destruction caused by TCs, such as flooding, wind damage, and infrastructure collapse, can lead to direct fatalities. However, the long-term effects are often more insidious.

Health Infrastructure Disruption: TCs can severely damage healthcare facilities, leading to reduced access to medical care. This disruption can result in delayed treatment for chronic conditions, increased rates of infectious diseases, and higher mortality from preventable causes.

Mental Health Impacts: The psychological toll of experiencing a TC can lead to long-term mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. These conditions can indirectly increase mortality rates by exacerbating existing health problems and reducing individuals' ability to seek care.

Economic Hardship: The economic fallout from TCs can lead to increased poverty and reduced access to resources necessary for maintaining health, such as nutritious food and stable housing. Economic stress can also lead to increased substance abuse and other risky behaviors that contribute to mortality.

Environmental Changes: TCs can alter local environments, leading to long-term public health issues such as water contamination, increased vector-borne diseases, and respiratory problems due to mold and other allergens.

Vulnerable Populations: Certain demographic groups, particularly infants, young adults, and marginalized communities, may experience heightened vulnerability due to pre-existing health disparities, making them more susceptible to the long-term health impacts of TCs.

How do the socioeconomic and demographic factors, such as income, education, and access to healthcare, influence the long-term mortality impacts of tropical cyclones?

Socioeconomic and demographic factors play a critical role in shaping the long-term mortality impacts of tropical cyclones.

Income Levels: Lower-income individuals often have fewer resources to recover from the immediate impacts of TCs. They may lack insurance, savings, or access to financial assistance, which can prolong recovery times and increase vulnerability to health issues.

Education: Education levels influence health literacy, which affects individuals' ability to respond to health crises effectively. Those with lower educational attainment may not be as informed about health risks or available resources, leading to poorer health outcomes post-TC.

Access to Healthcare: Access to healthcare is crucial for mitigating long-term mortality. Communities with limited healthcare facilities or providers may experience higher mortality rates due to untreated conditions or lack of preventive care following a TC.

Demographic Factors: Certain demographic groups, such as the Black population and infants, are disproportionately affected by TCs due to systemic inequalities. These groups often face barriers in accessing healthcare, which can exacerbate the long-term health impacts of TCs.

Community Resilience: Communities with strong social networks and support systems tend to recover more effectively from TCs. Conversely, isolated or marginalized communities may struggle to access necessary resources, leading to increased mortality.

What policy interventions and public health measures could be implemented to mitigate the long-term mortality burden associated with the tropical cyclone climate in the United States?

To mitigate the long-term mortality burden associated with tropical cyclones, several policy interventions and public health measures can be implemented:

Strengthening Healthcare Infrastructure: Investing in resilient healthcare facilities that can withstand TCs is essential. This includes ensuring that hospitals and clinics are equipped with backup power and resources to continue operations during and after a storm.

Mental Health Support Programs: Establishing mental health support services in the aftermath of TCs can help address the psychological impacts of disasters. Programs should focus on providing counseling and resources to affected individuals and communities.

Economic Recovery Initiatives: Implementing economic recovery programs that provide financial assistance, job training, and support for small businesses can help communities rebuild and reduce the long-term economic impacts of TCs.

Public Health Education: Increasing public health education and awareness about the risks associated with TCs and the importance of preparedness can empower communities to take proactive measures to protect their health.

Targeted Support for Vulnerable Populations: Developing targeted interventions for vulnerable populations, such as low-income families and marginalized communities, can help address health disparities and improve resilience to TCs.

Research and Data Collection: Investing in research to better understand the long-term health impacts of TCs and the effectiveness of various interventions can inform future policies and improve public health responses.

By implementing these measures, policymakers can significantly reduce the long-term mortality burden associated with the tropical cyclone climate in the United States, ultimately leading to healthier and more resilient communities.