Impact of Climate Change on Mental Diseases and Occupational Load

Occupational health: effects, at-risk groups and mitigation.

Many workers are more vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change than the general population because:

Ø They work outdoors, in fields such as agriculture, construction, or transportation. This can make them more exposed to extremes in temperature and weather, poor air quality, and disease-carrying pests.

Ø They work in hot indoor environments that lack adequate air conditioning, such as in manufacturing plants, warehouses, and other facilities.

Ø They are emergency response workers, such as paramedics, firefighters, and police officers. These workers are more likely to be exposed to climate-related risks such as wildfire smoke or flooding from a heavy rainfall.

Disease types:

Ø Heat Illnesses. High working temperatures can put indoor and outdoor workers at greater risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and exhaustion, especially in jobs that are physically demanding. Heat-related fatigue can also impact a worker’s alertness to job-related dangers, which can increase the chance of injury or death. Construction, utility, transportation, and other outdoor workers face additional risks from urban heat islands, which can intensify both daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Ø Respiratory Illnesses. Climate change impacts air quality - some outdoor air pollutants (O₃ and PM) are expected to increase. Outdoor workers, including agricultural and migrant workers, may be more exposed to these pollutants, which can lead to respiratory illnesses, including asthma. Pollen levels are elevated due to earlier spring warming, precipitation changes, and rising temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations. These effects can increase the length and severity of the pollen season. Outdoor workers, such as farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers, may face more exposure to pollen and other allergens that cause hay fever or asthma. Wildfires: as the climate changes, the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires will lead to increased respiratory health risks for firefighters (lung inflammation and decreased lung function). Indoor environments: climate change can increase the frequency and severity of some extreme weather events, including heavy rainfalls. More humidity and moisture can lead to increases in mold, bacteria, and pests, which can worsen asthma and other respiratory effects for indoor workers in damp environments.

Ø Physical and mental health effects. Floods, storms, droughts, and wildfires often require complex emergency response, recovery, and rescue operations. These operations put many types of workers at risk, including first responders, health care workers, and those involved in pre- and post- disaster support. Workers can experience both physical and mental health effects from these events. Physical impacts can include deaths, injuries, and illnesses. Mental health effects can include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ø Pesticide-related effects. Changes in pest populations and distribution are expected to increase the use of pesticides in agriculture. Climate change has already contributed to an expanded range for ticks. These changes could increase pesticide exposures for agricultural workers. It could also put family members in danger if workers bring pesticide residues into their homes, such as on their skin, tools, and clothing. Sprayed pesticides can also drift into communities and homes close to farms, increasing residents’ risk.

Mitigation. Both employees and employers can take steps to reduce the health impacts of climate change, including:

1. Keep cool and stay hydrated. Outdoor employees should drink enough water, take breaks, and seek out shade when possible. Employers should require workers to take breaks in a cool location, and make sure that employees don’t skip these breaks.

2. Plan, train, and monitor. Employers should have a written plan to prevent heat illnesses. They should also train employees to recognize heat hazards and should monitor heat-related conditions at work sites.

3. Check outdoor air quality. Look at the local weather reports. Pay attention to wildfire, smoke, and ash warnings.

4. Improve indoor air quality. Employers of indoor workers can take steps to ensure their workplaces have adequate ventilation and moisture control.

5. Take care of your mental health. Employers can ensure proper mental health services are available for their employees, especially during and after an extreme weather event or climate-related disaster.

6. Prevent bites. Outdoor workers can use insect repellent and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to prevent mosquito bites. Be aware of where ticks live. Check yourself for ticks if you have been outdoors. This is especially important during warmer months and if you have been in wooded or grassy areas.

7. Protect workers who handle or come in contact with pesticides. Employers can provide training and protective equipment and take other steps to reduce pesticide exposures. Famers may be able to reduce pesticide use through integrated pest management or other actions.