The health effects of extreme heat

A construction worker rests on grass with a safety vest over his face.

How our research is contributing to the public health response

In the United States, heat-related mortality is the number one weather-related killer—and these deaths are nearly all preventable. As global warming continues, scientists predict extreme and dangerous heat waves will be much more common.

The UW Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences (DEOHS) is at the leading edge of research into how extreme heat affects people’s health. We particularly focus on those who are most vulnerable to the health risks, including farmworkers, outdoor laborers and the elderly.

Our research is also identifying new ways to help communities adapt to heat through risk communication, evidence-based policies, land-use strategies and other approaches.

Learn more about this research led by our Center for Health and the Global Environment, Collaborative on Extreme Event Resilience and the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, all part of DEOHS.

Our impact

A smoke plume rises from a wildfire on a hillside near a group of houses.

Planning for disaster

Disaster researchers gather at the University of Washington this week to consider how to integrate their research into future disaster response

LEARN MORE
A worker rests on a grassy hill on a sunny day with his safety vest covering his face.

Staying safe in the heat

Extreme heat can be deadly. Get tips on caring for yourself and others from DEOHS researcher Tania Busch Isaksen

LEARN MORE
A young woman with long black hair and a white jacket sits at an outdoor table.

Managing the health impacts of extreme heat

DEOHS student Juliette Randazza examines how smart public policy can protect public health in a warming world

LEARN MORE
Photo of floating houses in Peru made of wood and corrugated metal propped up on piers with floodwater underneath.

Planetary health projects win population health grants

Population Health Initiative pilot grants fund DEOHS collaborative research in Senegal and Peru

LEARN MORE
A yellow sign reading "water over roadway" is reflected in floodwaters.

An urgent call to action on climate change

UW authors in new IPCC report emphasize the accelerating threats to human health and well-being

LEARN MORE
A farmworker with his back to the camera carries a bunch of bananas on his back, with a grove of trees in the background.

What's silvopasture, and how can it help workers in the tropics?

Planting trees in pastureland provides significant cooling in the tropics, new UW-led study finds

LEARN MORE

In the news

PODCAST: Climate Change -- A Health Threat for Humanity
December 17, 2024 | The Princeton Pulse Podcast | Featured: Jeremy J Hess View

Younger people at greater risk of heat-related deaths this century – study
December 6, 2024 | The Guardian | Featured: Kristie L. Ebi View

When is it too hot to use a fan?
November 6, 2024 | Science | Featured: Kristie L. Ebi View

Clinician Friendly Information Needed on Diseases Emerging Because of Climate Change
October 21, 2024 | Managed Healthcare Executive | Featured: Peter Rabinowitz View

Amid high asthma rates, Snohomish County seeks climate solutions
October 12, 2024 | The Everett Herald | Featured: Joel D. Kaufman, Catherine Karr View