Power outages affect physical and mental health, experts say
Power outages have been identified as both a significant threat to physical and mental health, with experts warning about the serious effects they can have. Recent storms in the United States have highlighted the struggles that many Americans face when they go a long time without any electricity
People who rely on medical devices requiring electricity, such as respirators, electric wheelchairs, heart pumps, and oxygen concentrators, are always at risk during power outages.
According to Dr. Joan Casey, an assistant professor at the University of Washington, while outages may be an inconvenience for some, they can be life-threatening for others.
Power outages affect physical and mental health, experts say
Respiratory diseases, such as asthma, pose additional challenges during power outages. Electrically operated nebulizers may malfunction, leading to an increase in respiratory hospital admissions.
High-rise building residents face difficulties in obtaining necessary medical care during power outages as elevators break down. Furthermore, outages can result in carbon monoxide poisoning if individuals resort to alternative fuel and heat sources.
Not only do power outages have physical implications, but they also have mental health impacts. Research has shown that individuals may experience anxiety and stress due to disruptions caused by outages. Concerns about heating, food spoilage, and access to health care contribute to these emotional responses.
With climate change leading to more frequent and severe weather events, power outages are becoming increasingly likely.
Approximately 83% of major outages in the United States between 2000 and 2021 were connected to weather-related events. Dr. Casey emphasizes the need for collective efforts to mitigate climate change. She asserts that this is not an individual problem but a societal one.
By recognizing the risks and putting appropriate measures, society can work towards minimizing the impact of power outages on physical and mental health. Urgent action should be taken to address the underlying issues.
