By euronews
As Europe braces for a record June heatwave, with temperatures that could approach 40°C in some regions, two studies reported by France Info highlight the health consequences of heatwaves in France.
According to an Oxfam study on the impact of climate change on health, heat is thought to be responsible for around 5,400 deaths a year in the country. The NGO warns of a genuine "public health emergency" that is still not being sufficiently taken into account by the public authorities.
Pointing out that the effects of heat go far beyond dehydration among older people, Oxfam notes that the risk of dying from a heart attack rises by 7% during heatwave episodes, with mortality twice as high among women on the hottest days. When these episodes last for more than a week, the risk of acute kidney failure increases by 70%.
Disadvantaged neighbourhoods particularly exposed
