Heat, Air Pollution and Health: Why Early Warnings Matter
Heat and Air Pollution as a Combined Health Risk
High temperatures are not only a matter of discomfort. They can place additional strain on the body, affect sleep, increase the risk of dehydration and worsen existing health problems. At the same time, air pollution can make it harder for the body to cope, particularly during heatwaves, wildfire smoke events or periods with high levels of particulate matter.
In the Mediterranean region, where extreme heat is becoming more frequent, the combination of heat and poor air quality is an important public health concern. Understanding when these risks occur, who may be more exposed, and how people can respond in time is essential for protecting health in everyday life.
Risk is not the same for everyone
Some groups may be more sensitive to the combined effects of heat and air pollution, including:
- Outdoor workers, who may spend many hours exposed to heat while performing physical tasks
- Pregnant women, who can be more vulnerable to heat stress, dehydration, sleep disruption and air pollution
- Older adults, especially during hot nights when the body has less time to recover
- People with cardiovascular conditions, including hypertension, who may face additional strain during heat and pollution events
For these groups, general advice is often not sufficient. Recommendations need to be timely, clear and realistic for daily life.
Why early warnings matter
Early warnings can help people act before exposure becomes harmful. A useful warning does not only say that a risk exists. It also explains what people can do.
This may include:
- adjusting outdoor work schedules
- taking more frequent breaks
- staying hydrated
- cooling indoor spaces
- reducing time outdoors during high-risk periods
- limiting exposure to polluted air
- paying attention to symptoms and seeking help when needed
How ISMED-CLIM connects science with real life
ISMED-CLIM is testing how early warning and response tools can support people in real conditions across the Mediterranean. Through its Living Labs, the project focuses on vulnerable groups such as outdoor workers, pregnant women and older adults with hypertension. It also develops digital tools such as a citizen application, personalised risk communication, wearable sensors and a policy dashboard.
The aim is to understand what works in practice, not only in theory. This means testing whether alerts are understandable, whether recommendations can be followed, and how local conditions affect people’s ability to respond.
From information to action
Heat and air pollution are complex health risks, but communication should be simple. People need alerts they can understand, advice they can apply, and tools that help them act in time.
By connecting citizens, healthcare professionals, researchers and policy makers, ISMED-CLIM is helping explore how early warnings can become more targeted, more practical and more useful for Mediterranean communities facing climate-related health risks.