THE POTENTIAL HEALTH IMPACT OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Abstract

It is well known that airpollution can affect human health directly and indirectly. The direct effects as a result of inhalation or dermal contact are widely studied and reasonably well characterized. However, great uncertainty still exists about the magnitude and rate of global climate change. The potential adverse impact on man warrants attention even in these early stages of change. This paper summarises information on the potential health impacts of climate change, published in international literature since 1986 with special reference to the South African situation.