Higher Temps Overdose Deaths US
News Context
At a glance
- This study provides compelling evidence of a growing public health threat: the intersection of climate change and the opioid crisis.
- The study, published in Addiction, examined county-level mortality data from 1999-2020.
- The research highlights that both opioid and stimulant overdoses are linked to heat exposure.
key Findings & Data
The study, published in Addiction, examined county-level mortality data from 1999-2020.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Study Period | 1999-2020 (June-September each year) |
| Geographic Scope | Continental United States (county level) |
| Excess Deaths Annually (hottest months) | 150 |
| Heat Metric Used | Monthly Average Maximum Heat Index (temperature & humidity) |
| Key Finding | Heat exposure associated with increased overdose deaths, irrespective of drug type. |
| Timing of Increased Effect | After 2013 (coinciding with fentanyl dominance) |
The research highlights that both opioid and stimulant overdoses are linked to heat exposure. Drug use can impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature, and certain drugs (like opioids) can suppress respiratory function, hindering the body’s cooling mechanisms. Stimulant use combined with heat exposure can exacerbate cardiovascular risks.
Researchers: Julia Dennett (lead author, currently at Hasso Plattner Institute), Gregg Gonsalves (senior author, Yale School of Public Health), Daniel Carrión (Yale School of Public Health), and David Fiellin (Yale School of Medicine).