Under the background of climate change, the escalating air pollution and extreme weather events have been identified as risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases (CRD), causing serious public health burden worldwide. This review aims to summarize the effects of changed atmospheric environment caused by climate change on CRD. Results indicated an increased risk of CRD (mainly COPD, asthma) associated with environmental factors, such as air pollutants, adverse meteorological conditions, extreme temperatures, sandstorms, wildfire, and atmospheric allergens. Furthermore, this association can be modified by factors such as socioeconomic status, adaptability, individual behavior, medical services. Potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking climate change and increased risk of CRD involved pulmonary inflammation, immune disorders, oxidative stress. Notably, the elderly, children, impoverished groups and people in regions with limited adaptability are more sensitive to respiratory health risks caused by climate change. This review provides a reference for understanding risk factors of CRD in the context of climate change, and calls for the necessity of adaptive strategies. Further interdisciplinary research and global collaboration are needed in the future to enhance adaptability and address climate health inequality.

Background: Previous studies have shown that carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning occurs mostly in winter and is associated with severe cold weather (e.g., ice storms, temperature drops). However, according to previous studies, the impact of low temperature on health has a delayed effect, and the existing research cannot fully reveal the delayed effect of cold waves on CO poisoning.Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze the temporal distribution of CO poisoning in Jinan and to explore the acute effect of cold waves on CO poisoning.Methods: We collected emergency call data for CO poisoning in Jinan from 2013 to 2020 and used a time-stratified case-crossover design combined with a conditional logistic regression model to evaluate the impact of the cold wave day and lag 0–8 days on CO poisoning. In addition, 10 definitions of a cold wave were considered to evaluate the impact of different temperature thresholds and durations.Results: During the study period, a total of 1,387 cases of CO poisoning in Jinan used the emergency call system, and more than 85% occurred in cold months. Our findings suggest that cold waves are associated with an increased risk of CO poisoning in Jinan. When P01, P05, and P10 (P01, P05, and P10 refer to the 1st, 5th, and 10th percentiles of the lowest temperature, respectively) were used as temperature thresholds for cold waves, the most significant effects (the maximum OR value, which refers to the risk of CO poisoning on cold wave days compared to other days) were 2.53 (95% CI:1.54, 4.16), 2.06 (95% CI:1.57, 2.7), and 1.49 (95% CI:1.27, 1.74), respectively.Conclusion: Cold waves are associated with an increased risk of CO poisoning, and the risk increases with lower temperature thresholds and longer cold wave durations. Cold wave warnings should be issued and corresponding protective policies should be formulated to reduce the potential risk of CO poisoning.

What is already known about this topic? The mortality rate due to pneumonia varies depending on the infectious agents present in a low- temperature environment. What is added by this report? This study aimed to examine the relationship between low temperatures and cold waves and the risk of mortality from infectious pneumonia in the elderly. The findings indicate a significant increase in the risk of infectious pneumonia, specifically bacterial pneumonia, during periods of low temperatures and cold waves. What are the implications for public health practice? This study presents compelling evidence that highlights the importance of proactive public responses to infectious pneumonia among the elderly population during periods of cold waves.

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a public health concern in developing countries especially in China with a high disease burden. We aimed to focus on non-occupational CO poisoning caused by household coal heating secular trends based on registry data in Jinan, China, and we aim to provide further evidence and suggestions for public health policy. We analyzed the occurrence and development trend and assess the spatial–temporal epidemiological characteristics of non-occupational CO poisoning caused by household coal heating in Jinan between 2007 and 2021. Among total of 6588 CO poisoning, 5616 cases (85.25%) and 180 deaths caused by household coal heating was identified during study period. The cumulative incidence rate was 5.78 per 100,000 person-years and the mortality rate was 0.19 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence in urban areas (6.55 per 100,000 person-years) was higher than rural areas (5.04 per 100,000 person-years), and there was a statistical difference between urban and rural (P < 0.001) (P < 0.001). The poisoning time point mainly occurs in the sleep stage. In Jinan, socioeconomic status, accessibility to health services and rural status are determinants for CO poisoning incidence and mortality. Implementation of urban and rural central heating renovation is an effective way to further reduce the disease burden of CO poisoning in the future.