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- Title
Extreme Winter Storms: Environmental Impacts of Public Utility Policies on Vulnerable Populations.
- Authors
Cardinal, Christine; Ratnapradipa, Dhitinut; Scarbrough, Amanda; Robins, Anthony; Boes, Kevin
- Abstract
Winter Storm Uri, one of the coldest in decades, brought snow and ice to Texas along with record subfreezing temperatures for 5 days February 13-17, 2021, and was followed by Winter Storm Viola, which brought more of the same February 18-19, 2021. Millions of Texans lost electricity and clean, running water for several days, which some suggest was due in part to a state-regulated energy market. Many Texas schools shut down for the entire week, as the death toll rose from these storms due to hypothermia and exposure, carbon monoxide poisoning, fire, drowning, and poor road conditions. Not only were COVID-19 vaccinations halted due to impassable roads but also Texas hospitals struggled to provide electricity and water pressure needed to perform life-saving medical treatments for their patients. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the historic winter storm event, identify vulnerable populations and key public health policies, and highlight the potential environmental public health risks associated with the storms.
- Subjects
TEXAS; HEALTH policy; FREEZING; HOSPITALS; TEMPERATURE; RESUSCITATION from drowning; COVID-19 vaccines; WEATHER; PUBLIC health; WATER; CARBON monoxide poisoning; DROWNING; ENVIRONMENTAL health; ELECTRICITY; RISK assessment; NATURAL disasters; AT-risk people; SCHOOLS; HYPOTHERMIA; DEATH; ENVIRONMENTAL exposure; FIRES; DISEASE complications
- Publication
Journal of Environmental Health, 2022, Vol 84, Issue 7, p12
- ISSN
0022-0892
- Publication type
Article