The synergistic effects of air pollution and urban heat island on public health: A gender-oriented nationwide study of China

Abstract

Under global development and urbanization, the worldwide climate temperature has risen significantly, particularly exacerbating air pollution and urban heat island. Chinese residents are at a high risk of developing various physical and mental chronic diseases. The synergetic effect of air pollution and urban heat island on human health has rarely been identified in the existing literature. This nationwide study aims to investigate how climate change-induced air pollution and urban heat island impact the health of Chinese citizens from a gender perspective. A total of 33,598 Chinese community dwellers from 25 provinces participated in the study. Participants' socioeconomic and demographic information, geographical-associated PM2.5 index, and urban heat island index in the surrounding environment were extracted for both gender groups and included in the random intercept cross-lagged panel model. Results showed that females' health conditions deteriorated when air pollution and urban heat island were worsened, while males' health conditions debilitated with increasing urban heat islands. The improvement in environmental changes has distinctive impacts on the health of both gender groups. Future policies for improving climate change and human health using innovative technology, urban design, and healthcare services should be tailored to address the dispositions and characteristics of different gender roles.