A Health Geography of the Compound Effects of Contaminated Sites and Extreme Weather Events on Mental Health

Abstract

Health geographers have long been interested in how one’s relationship to the environment can shape health. Recently, much of this attention has explored the relationship between extreme weather events and mental health and wellbeing, considering that climate change is likely to increase the frequency and severity of such phenomena. However, less examined is how these weather events, such as prolonged drought or heavy rainfall, may interact with mental health and wellbeing when compounded by other disasters or hazards. A health geography framework would be especially capable of analysing this, considering its focus on unravelling how complex processes operating at different scales interact to produce health outcomes. Contaminated land is one such hazard that has the potential to compound the impacts of extreme weather events. It has been referred to as a “slow-onset” or “creeping” disaster for its gradual and consistent adverse effects, including mental illness, on those living in close proximity. This chapter explores this potentiality from a health geography perspective by drawing upon interviews with residents living around sites contaminated by per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in New South Wales, Australia. It also refers to resident submissions to an inquiry held by the Australian Federal Government into the management of land contaminated by PFAS. The experiences of residents are emphasised in regard to how the extreme weather events exacerbate their contaminated-land-related stress and also shift the way they perceive their home and local environment. It is critical that those managing contaminated sites consider this possibility and have plans in place that protect residents from these and more detrimental effects.KeywordsCompound disastersEnvironmental contaminationDroughtsFloodsMental healthHealth geography