Climate change and health: Indoor heat exposure in vulnerable populations

Jalonne L White-Newsome; Brisa N Sánchez; Olivier Jolliet; Zhenzhen Zhang; Edith A Parker; J Timothy Dvonch; Marie S O'Neill

doi:10.1016/j.envres.2011.10.008

Back

Climate change and health: Indoor heat exposure in vulnerable populations

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Climate change and health: Indoor heat exposure in vulnerable populations

Jalonne L White-Newsome, Brisa N Sánchez, Olivier Jolliet, Zhenzhen Zhang, Edith A Parker, J Timothy Dvonch and Marie S O'Neill

Environmental research, Vol.112, pp.20-27

01/2012

DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.10.008

PMCID: PMC4352572

PMID: 22071034

Files and links (1)

url

http://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2011.10.008View

Open Access

Abstract

Climate change is increasing the frequency of heat waves and hot weather in many urban environments. Older people are more vulnerable to heat exposure but spend most of their time indoors. Few published studies have addressed indoor heat exposure in residences occupied by an elderly population. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between outdoor and indoor temperatures in homes occupied by the elderly and determine other predictors of indoor temperature. We collected hourly indoor temperature measurements of 30 different homes; outdoor temperature, dewpoint temperature, and solar radiation data during summer 2009 in Detroit, MI. We used mixed linear regression to model indoor temperatures' responsiveness to weather, housing and environmental characteristics, and evaluated our ability to predict indoor heat exposures based on outdoor conditions. Average maximum indoor temperature for all locations was 34.85°C, 13.8°C higher than average maximum outdoor temperature. Indoor temperatures of single family homes constructed of vinyl paneling or wood siding were more sensitive than brick homes to outdoor temperature changes and internal heat gains. Outdoor temperature, solar radiation, and dewpoint temperature predicted 38% of the variability of indoor temperatures. Indoor exposures to heat in Detroit exceed the comfort range among elderly occupants, and can be predicted using outdoor temperatures, characteristics of the housing stock and surroundings to improve heat exposure assessment for epidemiological investigations. Weatherizing homes and modifying home surroundings could mitigate indoor heat exposure among the elderly. ► This study is the first to monitor home indoor temperatures over a whole summer. ► Senior residents experienced heat exceeding the “comfort” temperature of 28.0°C. ► Outdoor temperatures and home characteristics predicted indoor temperatures. ► These models can be used for temperature exposure assessment in epidemiology. ► This work can inform climate change adaptation and weatherization in urban areas.

Climate change

Built environment

Indoor heat exposure

Elderly

Building characteristics

Details

Title: Subtitle: Climate change and health: Indoor heat exposure in vulnerable populations
Creators: Jalonne L White-Newsome - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences Department, 109 S. Observatory, SPH II, Rm. M6314, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Brisa N Sánchez - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department, M4164 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
Olivier Jolliet - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences Department, 6622 SPH tower, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
Zhenzhen Zhang - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Biostatistics Department, M4164 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
Edith A Parker - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Health Behavior and Health Education Department, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
J Timothy Dvonch - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences Department, 1415 Washington Heights, 6642 SPH Tower, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Marie S O'Neill - University of Michigan School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences Department, 6631 SPH Tower, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Environmental research, Vol.112, pp.20-27
DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2011.10.008
PMID: 22071034
PMCID: PMC4352572
NLM abbreviation: Environ Res
ISSN: 0013-9351
eISSN: 1096-0953
Publisher: Elsevier Inc
Language: English
Date published: 01/2012
Academic Unit: Public Health Administration; Injury Prevention Research Center; Public Policy Center (Archive); Community and Behavioral Health
Record Identifier: 9984064185202771

Metrics

26 Record Views

154 Times Cited - Web of Science