Humanos

THE CLIMATE AND ITS IMPLICATION ON THE HUMAN HEALTH
1. Read the following information and make a summary on your notebook about the topic. Then, answer the questions.
Impacts from Extreme Weather Events
The frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events is projected to increase in some locations, as is the severity (wind speeds and rain) of tropical storms. These extreme weatherevents could cause injuries and, in some cases, death. As with heat waves, the people most at risk include young children, older adults, people with medical conditions, and the poor. Extreme events can also indirectly threaten human health in a number of ways. For example, extreme events can: Reduce the availability of fresh food and water. 
Interrupt communication, utility, and health careservices. 
Contribute to carbon monoxide poisoning from portable electric generators used during and after storms.
Increase stomach and intestinal illness among evacuees. 
Contribute to mental health impacts such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Impacts from Reduced Air Quality
Increases in Ozone
Scientists project that warmer temperatures from climate change willincrease the frequency of days with unhealthy levels of ground-level ozone, a harmful air pollutant, and a component in smog.  Ground-level ozone can damage lung tissue and can reduce lung function and inflame airways. This can increase respiratory symptoms and aggravate asthma or other lung diseases. It is especially harmful to children, older adults, outdoor workers, and those with asthma and otherchronic lung diseases. 
Ozone exposure also has been associated with increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, medication use, doctor visits, and emergency department visits and hospital admissions for individuals with lung disease. Some studies suggest that ozone may increase the risk of premature mortality, and possibly even the development of asthma. 
Ground-level ozone is formedwhen certain air pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen (also called NOX), and volatile organic compounds, are exposed to each other in sunlight. Ground-level ozone is one of the pollutants in smog. 

Changes in Fine Particulate Matter
Particulate matter is the term for a category of extremely small particles and liquid droplets suspended in the atmosphere. Fine particlesinclude particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers (about one ten-thousandth of an inch). These particles may be emitted directly or may be formed in the atmosphere from chemical reactions of gases such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds.
Inhaling fine particles can lead to a broad range of adverse health effects, including premature mortality, aggravation ofcardiovascular and respiratory disease, development of chronic lung disease, exacerbation of asthma, and decreased lung function growth in children.
Sources of fine particle pollution include power plants, gasoline and diesel engines, wood combustion, high-temperature industrial processes such as smelters and steel mills, and forest fires. 
Other climate-related changes in stagnant air episodes, windpatterns, emissions from vegetation and the chemistry of atmospheric pollutants will likely affect particulate matter levels.  Climate change will also affect particulates through changes in wildfires, which are expected to become more frequent and intense in a warmer climate. 
Changes in Allergens
Climate change may affect allergies and respiratory health.   In addition, climate change mayfacilitate the spread of ragweed, an invasive plant with very allergenic pollen. Tests on ragweed show that increasing carbon dioxide concentrations and temperatures would increase the amount and timing of ragweed pollen production.
Impacts from Climate-Sensitive Diseases
Changes in climate may enhance the spread of some diseases.  Disease-causing agents, called pathogens, can be transmitted through...