Health effects of climate change: Focusing on health sector risks
오지은* ․ 김아영** ․ 강신우* ․ 김호***†
Oh, Jieun* ･ Kim, Ayoung** ･ Kang, Cinoo* and Kim, Ho***†
Climate change poses a serious public health challenge and is expected to yield diverse health impacts through various pathways. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effects of climate change on health by reviewing previous domestic reports and studies in South Korea. This study categorized research into four health sector risks: 1) Heatwave and rising temperature, 2) Air pollution, 3) Increasing temperature variability, and 4) Weather disasters. Regarding 1) Heatwave and rising temperature, consistent adverse health impacts have been identified, including heat-related illness, cardio-cerebrovascular disease, kidney disease, and respiratory disease. However, research on allergic disease, mental health, and infectious disease is limited. 2) Among major air pollutants, PM2.5 has been reported to increase the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular disease, respiratory and allergic disease, and mental health. Nevertheless, although the health risks of O3 are expected to increase in the future, there is a lack of research on the health impacts. Previous studies have revealed that 3) Temperature variability is associated with cardio-cerebrovascular disease but needs to be defined by various criteria and period. The impact of 4) Weather disasters on mental health has been actively studied recently, emphasizing the need for related studies in South Korea. In conclusion, we expect that the results of this research review and summary will provide directions for future research and will be used as a basis for environmental policy development in South Korea.
Climate Change, Health Impacts, Health Sector Risks, Heatwave, Air Pollution, Temperature Variability, Weather Disasters
140601-15.pdf
