Hazard 3: Excess Heat

Housing Health and Safety Rating System

2013 1

Description of the Hazard

• This category covers threats from excessively high indoor temperatures.

• Those 65 years old or older are the most vulnerable populations

Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. (year). Healthy Home Rating System – Operating Guidance (DHHS Publication No. ). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.

2013 2

More on Excess Heat

• Mortality rates in urban areas increase approximately 3.74% during heat events.1

• The isolated, poor and elderly are particularly vulnerable to excess heat.2

• Those who cannot afford fans or air conditioning (or high electric bills), the disabled, and those who fear “street dangers” face acute threats.2

2013 3

1. Anderson, G. Brooke, and Michelle L. Bell. 2011. “Heat Waves in the United States: Mortality Risk during Heat Waves and Effect Modification by Heat Wave Characteristics in 43 U.S. Communities.” Environmental Health Perspectives 2. Klinenberg, Eric. 2005. “Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago.” University of Chicago Press

Contribution of Housing

• Lack of cooling systems, or fans

• Inability to open windows

• Poor ventilation

• Orientation of the home and presence of tree canopy or shade

• Upper-level bedrooms (heat rises)

• Poor insulation

• Size

• Presence of glazing and/or shutters or blinds

2013 4

Complicating Factors

• Heat can lead to failures in the electric grid

• Opening of fire hydrants can lead to reduced water pressure, especially for those in multi-story buildings

2013 5

Klinenberg, Eric. 2005. “Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago.” University of Chicago Press

Impact of Community (In) Action

• Enduring or excessive events may lead to the opening of “cooling centers”

• Message must reach the needy audience, and the audience must be willing to respond

• Encouraging churches, non-profits and neighbors to check on neighbors may help

2013 6

Klinenberg, Eric. 2005. “Heat Wave: A Social Autopsy of Disaster in Chicago.” University of Chicago Press

Health Impacts

• Dehydration

• Heat stroke or illness

• Cardiovascular complications

• Stroke

• Exacerbation of existing conditions

2013 7

Additional Impacts

• Road surface failure

• Transformer explosion

• Water-line failure

• Drought and Dust

• Wildfire

• Violent crime

• Industrial accidents

• Air quality

2013 8

Potential for Harm

• The elderly are more vulnerable to excessive heat

• Some medications increase risk from heat.

2013 9

2013 10

Potential for Harm

1Table from HUD Guidance Manual on HHSRS, p. 63.

Excess Heat

Average likelihood and health outcomes for all persons aged 65 or over, 1997-1999

Average

likelihood

1 in

Average

HHSRS

scores

Class I Class II Class III Class IV

Houses All Ages -- 31 8 25 36 0 (J)

Flats Pre 1920 60,000 31 8 25 36 5 (J)

1920-45 90,000 31 8 25 36 4 (J)

1946-79 130,000 31 8 25 36 3 (J)

Post 1979 110,000 31 8 25 36 3 (J)

All Dwellings 900,000 31 8 25 36 0 (J)

Spread of health outcomes

Dwelling type and age

2013 11

Potential for Harm

1. NOAA

Hazard Prevalence: National

2013 12

1. Basu, Rupa; Jonathan M. Samet (2002). "Relation between Elevated Ambient Temperature and Mortality: A Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence". Epidemiologic Reviews (Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health) 24 (2): 190–202

• Annualized death toll from heat has been estimated at 400.1

• Estimated 155 deaths in 2012. 2

Hazard Prevalence: National

2013 13

• Deadliest heat waves in U.S. (death toll)

1. 1936 2. 2011 3. 2012 4. 2010 5. 2013

• Hottest summers on record in the U.S.

1. 1980 Plains States (10,000) 2. 1936 North America (>5,000) 3. 1972 Northeast (900) 4. 1995 Chicago (600) 5. 1999 Mid-Atlantic/Appalachians (502)

Hazard Prevalence: Metro Detroit (MI)

• 1936: Eight days greater than 100 degrees

• 1953: 11 days above 90

• 1964: 14 days above 95

• 1988: 36 days above 90

• Latest heat waves in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010

2013 14

Hazard Prevalence: Oakland (CA)

2013 15

• 2006: 4 days greater than 110 degrees

• 1972: 2 days above 110

• Latest heat waves in 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009,

Hazard Prevalence: Greensboro (NC)

2013 16

• 2007: 4 consecutive new-high-temp days

• 1977: 4 consecutive new-high-temp days

• Latest heat waves in 2011, 2006, 20007

Outcome Data: National

2013 17

• No outcome data at a national level

18

Healthy Home Rating System Project Leadership

2013

Lyke Thompson Director CUS/WSU (313) 577-5209 ad5122@wayne.edu

Carrie Beth Lasley Research Associate CUS/WSU (313) 577-9280 cblasley@wayne.edu

Angie Sarb Research Assistant CUS/WSU (313) 577-8911 angie.sarb@wayne.edu

David Ormandy Professorial Fellow University of Warwick +44 (0) 76524 936 david.ormandy@warwick.ac.uk