![]() 24Ĭertain people may be part of other groups vulnerable to climate change. 23 They may also have higher flood insurance costs and more difficulty getting insurance. Low-income households near floodplains can also be more exposed to water pollutants, particularly due to sea level rise, heavy rainfall, or extreme weather events. As a result, these areas can be more vulnerable to water quality issues. 21 In both urban and rural low-income areas, water resources-such as sewer, stormwater, and drinking water systems-may be old or not able to withstand climate impacts such as storm surge and heavy rains. For example, changes in water and air temperatures, heavier and longer rains, flooding, and rising sea levels can introduce disease-carrying organisms into drinking water supplies and recreational waters. Photo caption endnote: 20 Water-Related IllnessesĬlimate change will impact water resources in many ways. 19 Lower-income households may lack the resources to buy air cleaners that can help reduce some of these pollutants. Dampness can increase mold, bacteria, and other indoor air pollutants, especially after floods and extreme weather events. Low-income individuals who live in buildings that are older or in poor condition can be exposed to damp indoor environments. Wildfire smoke can be a hazard in both urban and rural areas. ![]() 18ĭust from agriculture and droughts can also affect individuals in rural communities. ![]() 17 Asthma is more common among some communities of color and low-income households than the general population. Data show the ragweed pollen season is already becoming longer in some U.S. In addition, climate change can increase allergens like pollen that can trigger or worsen asthma. 15 As a result, they are at a higher risk for developing severe illnesses, needing to go to a hospital, or prematurely dying. Socially vulnerable groups are often more sensitive to air pollutants because they have more exposures and higher rates of underlying medical conditions. In 2019, the asthma mortality rate was three times higher for Black and African American individuals than for white individuals. These pollutants can affect some socially vulnerable people, such as those living in cities with high air pollution levels or those with limited access to measures to reduce their exposure. Photo caption endnote: 12 Respiratory IllnessesĬlimate change may lead to more outdoor air pollutants, including particulate matter and ground-level ozone. Others may not be able to afford air conditioning. ![]() 10 Some may also live in housing that does not have adequate insulation or cooling. Many of these groups live in urban areas that are prone to extreme heat ( urban heat islands). 8 These include low-income households, communities of color, those experiencing homelessness, and immigrant populations. Increases in average and extreme temperatures and heat waves are expected to lead to more heat illnesses and deaths among vulnerable groups, including certain socially vulnerable groups. Heat illnesses can occur when a person is exposed to high temperatures and their body cannot cool down. These occupations put them at higher risk for heat exposure. Hispanics make up 17 percent of the workforce, but hold more than half of all construction and agriculture jobs. Key Threats to the Health of Socially Vulnerable People.Photo caption endnote: 5, 6 On this page: They may have limited financial resources or cultural, language, or citizenship barriers that restrict their access to health care, social services, and safe, nutritious food.Individuals in these communities may also struggle to access resources and care during and after extreme weather events. Such infrastructure can include buildings, utilities, and transportation and health care systems. They may live in urban and rural areas with poorly maintained or aging infrastructure that may not be able to handle climate-related events. ![]() They can have greater rates of existing medical conditions, such as physical disabilities, poor mental health, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, or heart disease, which can be worsened by climate change impacts.They may live in locations that are prone to climate-related health hazards, such as flooding, extreme heat, and air pollution.1 These groups may be more at risk because: Socially vulnerable groups in the United States include communities of color, low-income groups, certain immigrant groups, and those with limited English proficiency. Such factors can affect people’s ability to prepare and cope with climate hazards. About 46 million Americans live in rural areas, where health care may be hard to access and residents are more likely to be uninsured.Ĭertain groups are more vulnerable than others to the health impacts of climate change due to social and economic factors like income, education, health care access, and housing. ![]()
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