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After Another Year of Record-Breaking Heat, a Heightened Focus on Public Health

Summary

Amidst a record-breaking year of heat in 2023, concerns over public health have surged, particularly in Texas, Arizona, and across the United States. A rise in heat-related deaths, with more than 300 reported in Texas alone, emphasizes the disproportionate impact on the elderly and people of color. Oscar Rodriguez, a Texas bricklayer, recounts his brush with a heat-related illness during a scorching day. As scientists predict 2024 to be even hotter, researchers are focusing on the myriad effects of heat on the human body, particularly among vulnerable populations. Racial disparities in heat-related health effects underscore the environmental justice issue, with workers of color facing higher temperatures due to outdoor occupations. As authorities grapple with rising heat-associated deaths, efforts in places like Maricopa County, Arizona, are considered a model for monitoring temperatures, issuing alerts, and informing residents about cooling centers.

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