Heat kills. Heat waves bring numerous bad health effects, including heat stroke, pavement burns, heart and lung problems from heat-driven pollutants, risks to pregnant women and their babies — and even mental health effects like increased anger, depression, violence and poor learning in children.
The Nevada State Medical Association recognizes the health risks of a warming climate to our state and supports actions to reduce heat impacts on our most vulnerable residents. Establishing a heat office for Clark County or the state is a sound idea that could direct resources across multiple agencies to implement policies to reduce the dangers of heat to our communities.