Durham Region Health Department assesses the impacts of Solar UV Radiation and Vector-borne disease

BRANDON CLARK The Standard

BROCK: Brock Township met in the Council Chambers on Monday, July 28th, where representatives from the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD), Alex Swirski and Tara Zupancic, gave a presentation on climate change and health in Durham Region.

Assessing climate change and health vulnerability is important for a few reasons. It follows the Ontario Public Health Standards mandate. The health impacts of climate change are increasing; however, these impacts and inequities are preventable.

The report series of primer and vulnerability assets has four objectives: clarifying risks and health impacts, reports on available data, prioritizing equity, and establishing a baseline.

In Durham Region, UVR exposure levels are highest from April to September, between 11 a.m and 3 p.m. 60 percent of [cancer-related] radiation is received by the human body before 2 p.m. Solar UVR causes sunburns, with melonoma skin cancer possibly surfacing later in life. UVR can accelerate the aging of one's eyes, potentially leading to cataracts. Skin cancer and environment-acquired cancer are directly caused by UVR exposure. Climate change is projected to increase skin cancer cases over the next several years.

Individuals who have a genetic history of skin cancer, are prescribed specific medications, and those spending time outdoors should be prioritized the most.

To support sun protection, consider the following actions: Gain an understanding of UVR exposure patterns in children and prioritize shade for the latter demographic.

Another growing risk in the Durham Region is Vector-borne diseases. Climate change is a major contribution to spreading disease carrying vectors. In biology, vectors are disease-spreading agents (such as mosquitos and ticks) which transmit pathogens into another organism. Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus are increasing, in addition to new emerging VBDs. Vector populations are expected to rise persistently.

Health impacts can range from mild to severe. Being aware of bites and related symptoms are proactive health promotion strategies to prevent diseases.Individuals above 60 years old, pregnant individuals, young children and infants, people with weakened immune systems, and those who spend time outdoors, culturally, recreating or to work, are vulnerable to VBDs. Lyme Disease exposure is highest between May and November, while West Nile virus exposure is at its highest from June to September with August being its peak. Climate change extends the exposure season and increases vector populations.To prevent infections, outdoor workers should enhance protection. Health promotion, engaging priority populations, and recognizing the role of climate change can also be beneficial.

For further information, visit Durham.ca to learn about Climate and Health, Sun Safety, Ticks, and West Nile Virus. Mrs. Swirski and Mrs. Zupancic can be reached at Tara.Zupancic@durham.ca and Alex.Swirski@durham.ca

Brock Council will meet on September 8th for its next council meeting.