Rising humidity could be linked to increase in suicides, report finds

 

 https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2021/nov/15/rising-humidity-could-be-linked-to-increase-in-suicides-report-finds

 

Kaamil Ahmed
Mon 15 Nov 2021 06.54 EST

 

 More frequent spells of intense humidity caused by the climate crisis are more likely than heatwaves to be linked to increased rates of suicide, according to new research.

The study found that women and young people were particularly affected by levels of humidity, the intensity and frequency of which are increasing because of global heating.

Based on data from 60 countries between 1979 and 2016, the study, by researchers at the universities of the UN, Sussex and Geneva, as well as University College London, found that periods of intense humidity were more strongly linked to suicide than high temperatures.

Dr Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, who co-authored the research, said humidity interfered with the body’s ability to regulate its temperature and that this increased discomfort could exacerbate conditions for people already struggling with mental illnesses.

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Those already struggling with their mental health could be more affected by increased humidity than other people because antidepressants can interfere with the body’s ability to regulate its temperature, she added.

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