De impact van klimaatverandering op gezondheid in Nederland

• This synthesis provides the latest insights into the impact of climate change in the Netherlands for which five separate health effects are particularly relevant.
• Climate change is associated with increased frequency, intensity and duration of heat waves.
• Major heat-related health risks include heat stroke, exacerbations of renal dysfunction due to dehydration and cardiovascular disease due to overheating.
• Climate change is associated with more hours of sunshine and more ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Heat and air pollution, both effects of climate change, lead to significant cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Climate change is associated with an increase in water, food and vector-related infectious diseases due to, among other things, an increased temperature, increased water recreation and an altered water quality.
• Another effect is an increase in allergies and respiratory complaints via the prolongation and intensification of the pollen season.
• Our conclusion is that climate change in the Netherlands mainly entails negative health effects.

Conflict of interest and financial support: none declared.