Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/72466
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Type: Journal article
Title: The impact of summer temperatures and heatwaves on mortality and morbidity in Perth, Australia 1994-2008
Author: Williams, S.
Nitschke, M.
Weinstein, P.
Pisaniello, D.
Parton, K.
Bi, P.
Citation: Environment International, 2012; 40(1):33-38
Publisher: Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd
Issue Date: 2012
ISSN: 0160-4120
1873-6750
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Susan Williams, Monika Nitschke, Philip Weinstein, Dino L. Pisaniello, Kevin A. Parton and Peng Bi
Abstract: Climate change projections have drawn attention to the risks of extreme heat and the importance of public health interventions to minimise the impact. The city of Perth, Western Australia, frequently experiences hot summer conditions, with recent summers showing above average temperatures. Daily maximum and minimum temperatures, mortality, emergency department (ED) presentations and hospital admissions data were acquired for Perth for the period 1994 to 2008. Using an observed/expected analysis, the temperature thresholds for mortality were estimated at 34-36°C (maximum) and 20°C (minimum). Generalised estimating equations (GEEs) were used to estimate the percentage increase in mortality and morbidity outcomes with a 10°C increment in temperature, with adjustment for air pollutants. Effect estimates are reported as incidence rate ratios (IRRs). The health impact of heatwave days (three or more days of ≥35°C) was also investigated. A 9.8% increase in daily mortality (IRR 1.098; 95%CI: 1.007-1.196) was associated with a 10°C increase in maximum temperature above threshold. Total ED presentations increased by 4.4% (IRR 1.044; 95%CI: 1.033-1.054) and renal-related ED presentations by 10.2% (IRR 1.102; 95%CI: 1.071-1.135) per 10°C increase in maximum temperature. Heatwave days were associated with increases in daily mortality and ED presentations, while total hospital admissions were decreased on heatwave days. Public health interventions will be increasingly important to minimise the adverse health impacts of hot weather in Perth, particularly if the recent trend of rising average temperatures and more hot days continues as projected.
Keywords: Humans
Air Pollutants
Hospitalization
Morbidity
Mortality
Public Health
Seasons
Emergency Service, Hospital
Western Australia
Hot Temperature
Extreme Heat
Climate Change
Rights: Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2011.11.011
Grant ID: http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP0880933
http://purl.org/au-research/grants/arc/DP0880933
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2011.11.011
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 5
Environment Institute publications
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