SACRAMENTO – (INT) – Californians are getting a first look at their vulnerability to climate change from a health perspective.

“Every county will experience the impacts of climate change in a unique way,” said State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith.

For example, the reports show that 5-10 additional heat waves of 100-degree temperatures are expected in Central Valley counties each year by 2100. These counties have fewer tree canopies that cool the air, and residents in the Central Valley are less likely to have air conditioning. Many Central Valley residents also work outdoors, often in agricultural fields, putting them at increased risk of being impacted by climate change due to illness and death related to extreme heat.

“Health risks from climate change are more prevalent in low-income communities and some communities of color,” Dr. Smith said.

In some other findings:
· · A 28 percent decrease in the incidence of AIDS among Californians 13 and older. San Francisco’s incidence of AIDS has decreased 45.5 percent from the previous three-year period, but remains above the state average.
· · Decreases in cancer death rates. The death rate for lung cancer showed a decrease of more than 11 percent.
· · Births among teen mothers (15-19 years) decreased nearly 27 percent.
· · Tuberculosis decreased nearly 8 percent.
· · Substantial increases in gonorrhea cases among 15-44 year-olds, including a 65 percent increase among males, and a 37 percent increase in females. Chlamydia rates increased 6 percent.

Story Date: May 4, 2017