Health and Climate

Rising temperatures are associated with a rise in ozone and nitrogen dioxide in the air. Without cooling rains, the particulate matter in urban areas increases. Ozone, particulates and pollens are respiratory irritants.

Strong storms and flood events may result in leaks and water damage in homes and businesses.  There may also be increased humidity and warmer temperatures, which create ideal conditions for mold growth. Molds are allergens and can aggravate asthma conditions. Some toxic molds can impact your nervous system.

Climate change is predicted to increase the incidents of intense rain storms, fuel stronger tropical storm systems with higher storm surge and thus increase the incidence of flooding.

Warmer temperatures and rain patterns will change where certain disease-carrying species will live. Things found in the tropics will become more common in Florida.  Without cold winter temperatures to kill off the insect populations or their eggs, they will increase in number, paving the way for higher rates of illness.

Flooding can occur as a result of heavy rain, a storm surge, a broken water main, or sea-level rise, which periodically causes water to seep up through storm drains or spill over sea walls.

Heavy rainfalls flush fertilizers from lawns and fields into retention ponds and canals. This, along with warmer water temperatures, creates favorable conditions for algae blooms. Conversely, during droughts, lower water levels allow ponds and canals to get warmer and move less, creating favorable conditions for algae.