Jamie, "Global Warming and Your Health"

Some scientists are now finding out that global warming might affect human health. The number of hot days in the temperate zones is suspected to double, which will cause problems to the very young and the very old. People with chronic respiratory diseases, heart disease or high blood pressure are said to be affected by the heat as well. Poor people with no access to air conditioning may have problems with their health too. Not only are people’s health at risk, an increase in domestic violence and civil disturbances are possible; this tends to occur in the hot weather. However there is a positive side to this. The milder winters could cause a decrease in cold-related illnesses; therefore, reducing the winter mortality rate.

The amount of insects carrying certain diseases might increase too. The warming climate allows mosquitoes to reproduce faster and bite more often which would allow the disease to spread. Not only do mosquitoes pose a threat, so do the cholera rates. The warming of the ocean surface water causes an increase in coastal blooms of algae. The algae are breeding grounds for cholera.

I think that global warming needs to be taken more seriously since people health is at risk. If people know they are at risk they should take the necessary precautions. No one can control the weather, but you can control yourself.

Baird, Colin. Chemistry in Your Life: Second Edition. “Changes in climate may affect human health.” W.H. Freeman and Company. New York. 2006. Pages 608-609