Distinguished Lecture Series: John Spengler - Climate Change Hits Home, June 18th, 2012

Climate Change Hits Home:
Impacts on the Built Environment and Health
Monday, June 18, 2012

John Spengler
Akira Yamaguchi Professor of Environmental Health & Human Habitation
Harvard School of Public Health and Director of the Sustainability and Environmental Management Program Harvard Extension School.

The effects of climate change do not stop at the front door. However, to date there has been little recognition of the potential impacts of climate change on the indoor environment and thus the public's health. Key issues to be discussed include:
Potential health consequences of climate-induced alterations in building operation and maintenance practices, including weatherization and energy efficiency efforts.
Potential consequences of climate-induced alterations to the indoor environment, including exposure pathways, occupant behavior and disease progression. Some examples are: allergies, asthma, infectious disease, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, aldehydes, polychlorinated biphenyls, molds, reduced ventilation, and heat stress.
The segments of society that may be most affected by these consequences: seniors, low income populations, and those with chronic medical conditions
The possible role of current government and private sector requirements and guidance—building codes, "green building" certification criteria, professional association standards and the like—in inadvertently exacerbating indoor health problems.
Priority issues for action.

• Category

  Science & Technology