Deaths, floods and pestilence cited in White House climate study

Droughts and floods will become more frequent. And extreme weather events — and their disruption to public services and health infrastructure — will be more likely and more severe. (Photo: Thinkstock)

(Bloomberg) – Deadly heat waves, worsening air quality, and the increasing spread of illnesses like Lyme disease and West Nile Virus could kill tens of thousands of Americans and leave scores more battling chronic disease over the next century, the White House warned in a report released Monday.

All Americans are vulnerable to climate change affecting their health and the risks are varied and severe, administration officials said Monday. Air pollution and longer allergy seasons will exacerbate asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The chances of food and waterborne illnesses will increase. Droughts and floods will become more frequent. And extreme weather events — and their disruption to public services and health infrastructure — will be more likely and more severe.