Hurricanes, or tropical cyclones, are some of the most powerful storms in the world. Between flooding, flying debris punching holes in surfaces, heavy rainfall, falling trees, and serious wind gusts, these storms can easily lead to our homes becoming toxic spaces. Mold, bacteria, and other contaminants can run rampant after these devastating events.
- Hurricane Ian hit Florida this week, reaching Category 4 status.
- Aside from structural damage, the aftermath can bring about multiple health concerns.
- Physical well-being can be impacted by infections, pollutants, and unsafe buildings.
- Stress and anxiety may lead to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
No stranger to storms, Florida doesn’t always live up to its Sunshine State moniker. This week, the region faced one of its biggest natural disasters in decades: Hurricane Ian.
Before hitting Florida, the Category 3 hurricane caused wide-scale destruction in Cuba. As the storm headed towards the U.S., it picked up pace and was upgraded to a Category 4 classification within days.
This is the second-highest level possible — whereby winds up to 156 mph or more cause ‘catastrophic damage’, according to the Saffir-Simpson wind scale.
After a Category 4 hurricane the scale states that, ‘most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.’
Experts warn significant and varying health concerns will also arise in the wake of a hurricane’s devastation.
Read the full article here: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/hurricane-ian-impact-the-unexpected-health-effects