Disparities by Race in Heat-Related Mortality in Four US Cities: The Role of Air Conditioning Prevalence

MS O'neill; A Zanobetti; J Schwartz
Journal of Urban Health

June 1, 2005

(2005) 82(2); 191-7.

Daily mortality is typically higher on hot days in urban areas, and certain population groups experience disproportionate risk. Air conditioning (AC) has been recommended to mitigate heat-related illness and death. Central AC prevalence explained some of the differences in heat effects by race, but room-unit AC did not. Efforts to reduce disparities in heat-related mortality should consider access to AC.

Website: