New research method determines health impacts of heat and air quality 

Researchers discover the rise in health concerns due to heat waves in Canada The planet experienced the hottest day on record earlier this month and climate projections estimate the intensity of heat waves and poor air quality will increase and continue to cause severe impacts. Researchers from the University of Waterloo and Toronto Metropolitan University have refined and expanded a method of data collection to assess their health impacts. They discovered that even moderate temperature increases, for example night-time temperatures starting at 18.4 degrees Celsius, can lead to increased hospital visits and death for older adults and those with cardiorespiratory conditions. The new method will help municipalities make a strong case for choosing which mitigation and adaptation measures to pursue to effectively respond to climate changes. The options could include planting more trees for shade, investing in our emergency warning programs, or planning to have more staff available to run ambulances, support hospitals and long-term care homes.    "Heat waves cause more deaths in Canada than any other climate hazard," said Dr. Mohamed Dardir, postdoctoral researcher in the School of Environment, Enterprise and Development at Waterloo. "We are getting better at being proactive and planning for climate emergencies, but we still aren't responding to temperatures in the same way we respond to big weather events, such as floods and fires."  The study analyzed the spring and summer in Mississauga and Brampton, Ontario.