The Spanish EATRIS node started its Spotlight Programme in May 2024 with the topic of “The Impact of Climate Change on Health”. One of the main aims of the Programme is to highlight national research infrastructures, institutions, and researchers. To that end, Spanish node has selected publications co-authored by researchers from EATRIS Spanish member institutes to showcase the research that is conducted on the topic of climate change and health exploring it through various subtopics. The first of five topics is Allergies and Respiratory Diseases, which you can explore below. This will be followed by Severity of Chronic Diseases in Vulnerable Populations, Infectious Diseases and Vector Redistribution, Data Management and Analysis soon.
Allergies and Respiratory Diseases
Climate change has a significant and multifaceted impact on allergies and respiratory diseases, posing a growing threat to public health worldwide. Indeed, change is a major driver of the increasing burden of allergies and respiratory diseases globally. The key aspects of this impact include:
- Increased Pollen Production and Allergen Exposure: Rising temperatures and carbon dioxide levels are stimulating plant growth and leading to longer pollen seasons. This results in increased allergen exposure, triggering and exacerbating allergic rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma in susceptible individuals.
- Air Pollution Exacerbation: Climate change worsens air quality through various mechanisms. Warmer temperatures promote the formation of ground-level ozone, a potent respiratory irritant. Additionally, wildfires, which are increasing in frequency and intensity due to climate change, release vast amounts of smoke and particulate matter into the air, further compromising respiratory health.
- Changes in Mold and Fungi: Warmer and more humid conditions favor the growth of mold and fungi, both indoors and outdoors. Exposure to mold spores can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory problems, particularly in people with asthma or pre-existing lung conditions.
- Extreme Weather Events: Climate change is associated with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods. These events can directly impact respiratory health, particularly for vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and those with chronic respiratory diseases.
- Geographic Shifts in Allergens: Climate change is altering the distribution of plants and animals, including those that produce allergens. As a result, people may encounter new allergens to which they have not previously been exposed, potentially leading to allergic reactions and respiratory problems.
Spanish Health Research Institutes are studying all these impacts, in collaboration with other European Institutions, leading to relevant publications on the field. We highlighted some of them below. Click on the title to read the abstract and more.
Coming soon
Selected publications on topics such as Severity of Chronic Diseases in Vulnerable Populations, Infectious Diseases and Vector Redistribution, Data Management and Analysis.