Health

Atmospheric conditions influence the growth and development of almost all life forms. Weather and climate also have an influence on man and his health. We can differentiate between direct and indirect meteorological influences.

The most important direct influences are extreme weather situations, such as storms (hurricanes), extreme heat or cold, floods, drought or avalanches. All of these occurrences can endanger the health and even the lives of human beings. The damaging effects of too much UV radiation have also been proven. In particular, an increase in the incidence of skin cancer and eye cataracts has been established. Another of the direct influences is what we know as "meteorosensitivity". 30 to 50% of the population suffer under certain weather conditions. Well known in this respect are the influence of the Föhn wind, the Bise (a cold wind in Switzerland) and changes in the weather in general. The symptoms of meteorosensitivity are manifold. It is accepted that the weather can be an extra stress factor, as the human organism has to adapt to changing conditions in the atmosphere (changes in the weather).

Human health is indirectly influenced by pathogens, air pollution and allergies. Many transmitters of illnesses are dependent on meteorological conditions. The distribution of air pollutants is also closely related to meteorology. Air pollution can have a negative influence on people with respiratory diseases, such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Allergies can be triggered by, amongst other things, pollen, fungal spores or dust mites.

Although these negative influences exist, we must not forget the positive ones. For centuries we have known about the beneficial effects on our well-being of a stay at a health resort in the mountains or beside the sea. Meteorological elements such as sunshine, wind and certain temperature conditions stimulate the human organism. Also, a specific dose of UV radiation is vital for human health (it helps the body manufacture Vitamin D).

Because of increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, we can count on a warmer climate. Changes in air temperature, air humidity, UV radiation and precipitation affect human health both directly and indirectly. For example, mild winters can reduce the number of deaths caused by the cold, whereas hot summer temperatures can increase the death rate. Pathogens are able to develop and spread more rapidly. This could mean that, in the future, malaria may crop up in areas where it is not to be found today.