Title: Human Development - Climate and Human Health
Headings: Human Development
Human Development
Climate and Human Health
Health Impacts
Mitigation and Adaptation
Research Needs

Content: Health Impacts
Foodborne illness and food insecurity leads to malnutrition. Nutritional reductions to a developing fetus have lasting effects throughout life. Malnutrition and under-nutrition during pregnancy are a global cause of low birth weight and later developmental deficits
Changes in the patterns and concentration of contaminants, such as mercury and lead, entering the marine environment can increase contaminations in seafood, which can lead to developmental effects including a reduction in IQ of the developing fetus
Increase in weeds and pests leads to an increase in the use of herbicides and pesticides, resulting in increased exposure and increasing the risk of developmental changes
Increase in prevalence of certain toxins, including certain metals, inorganic arsenic, PCBs, persistent organic compounds, in human environments as released by extreme weather events. These toxins have been known to be human carcinogens and can alter the immune system. Increases in the frequency and location of harmful algal blooms, increasing the amount of biotoxins in fish and seafood, leading to developmental effects if eaten by a pregnant woman
Mitigation and Adaptation
Access to prenatal care and to early intervention services will be critical in preventing and treating birth defects. In areas where the availability of water is a concern, alternative water sources or reusing water can result in water of a lower quality, which can result in the additional use of toxic chemicals. Changes in energy source policies to reduce increase exposures to airborne metal particulates
Research Needs
Understanding the impacts of changes in weather patterns and ecosystems on the incidence, exposure, and distribution of chemical contaminants and biotoxins known to cause developmental disorders
Expanding the use of marine species as biomedical models and sentinels for understanding effects of contaminants and biotoxins on human reproduction and development
Understanding the implications of mitigation strategies, including changes in energy policies and new technologies, on the production, use, and storage of heavy metals and chemicals that are known to cause developmental disorders
For more information, please visit the chapter on Human Developmental Effects in A Human Health Perspective on Climate Change (Full Report) (4MB). File Assistance: Downloads for viewing files
Adobe Reader
This content is available to use on your website. Please visit NIEHS Syndication to get started.