Doctors warn of health problems with rising global temperatures

By Theo Emery, Associated Press, 3/1/2001 02:01

BOSTON (AP) Rising global temperatures could have serious health consequences for Massachusetts residents, including more heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems and toxic algae affecting the fishing industry, according to a report released Thursday.

The Washington-based Physicians for Social Responsibility released a 54-page report called ''Death by Degrees'' that warned of a host of problems that could plague the Bay State if global warming is not addressed.

PSR Executive Director Robert Musil said the report was intended ''to put to rest'' any doubts about the effect of climate change and to address what can be done to prevent it.

''Climate change is occurring and is related to man-made production of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels. Our goal is to find out what the consequences are and what we can do about it,'' Musil said.

The organization has released similar reports in seven other states outlining how rising temperatures linked to greenhouse gases could affect local health and environment.

The report was scheduled to be formally released Thursday morning at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, and in the afternoon at the Statehouse in Boston.

Citing data from the United Nations-sponsored Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other climate research groups, Physicians for Social Responsibility said rising temperatures are likely to have wide-ranging effects from property damage to disease to day-to-day health problems.

The organization predicts that a 4 to 5 degree rise in temperature could result in a 50 percent increase in deaths from heat-related illness heat exhaustion and heat stroke, for example to more than 150 per year in Massachusetts alone.

The hotter climate and an accompanying decrease in air quality could also lead to more asthma and respiratory disease, while air pollutants and higher pollen levels could increase allergies.

Elderly, very young and poor people who lack insurance tend to be disproportionately hit by illnesses and disease that could result from climate change, the group says. They're also more likely to use emergency services, which could boost health care costs, Musil said.

''As we try as a society to talk about climate change ... we're also talking about saving medical costs and saving lives,'' he said.

The report also suggests the state could see an increase in toxic oceanic algae or ''red tide'' that could cut into the state's fishing and shellfish industry and pose health risks for consumers.

The report also predicts property damage resulting from coastal erosion, as well as more food contamination, water-born illness in the state's drinking water supply and diseases spread by ticks and mosquitos.

The report included a 10-point program for taking steps to reducing greenhouse gases. Among the group's recommendations are fuel conservation, use of more energy efficient cars and political action aimed at reducing greenhouse gas buildup.

-- Anonymous, March 01, 2001