Investigators publish new data in the report 'A simple method for estimating excess mortality due to heat waves, as applied to the 2006 California heat wave.' In this recently published article, scientists in the United States conducted a study 'To characterize excess mortality during a major heat wave in California and its regions; to assess the validity of a simple method. We calculated mortality rate ratios for the heat-wave period, using a reference period of the same number of days from the same summer.'
'We conducted alternative analyses and compared our results with those from a time-series model. We estimated 655 excess deaths, a 6% increase (95% confidence interval, 3-9%), impacting varied geographic/climate regions. Alternate analyses supported model validity. California experienced excess heat-wave related mortality not restricted to high heat regions,' wrote S. Hoshiko and colleagues, (see also Life Sciences).
The researchers concluded: 'As climate change is anticipated to increase heat events, public health efforts to monitor effects assume greater importance.'
Hoshiko and colleagues published their study in International Journal of Public Health (A simple method for estimating excess mortality due to heat waves, as applied to the 2006 California heat wave. International Journal of Public Health, 2010;55(2):133-7).
For more information, contact S. Hoshiko, Environmental Health Investigations Branch, California Dept. of Public Health, 850 Marina Bay Parkway, Building P, 3rd Floor, Richmond, CA 94804 USA.
Publisher contact information for the International Journal of Public Health is: Springer, 233 Spring Street, New York, NY 10013, USA.
Keywords: City:Richmond, State:CA, Country:United States, Life Sciences, Public Health, Epidemiology.
This article was prepared by Biotech Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2010, Biotech Week via NewsRx.com.
