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David Eisenman says equity defines the disparities in heat-related health effects

Publication: Bloomberg

UCLA Expert: David Eisenman: Professor-in-Residence, Department of Community Health Sciences, Fielding School of Public Health; Professor, David Geffen School of Medicine; Director, Center for Public Health and Disasters; Deputy Director for Community Partnerships, Center for Healthy Climate Solutions

Synopsis: Reflective coating for parks and pavement can reduce temperatures in lower-income areas with limited shade. The article explores how one particular Los Angeles neighborhood is guarding itself against the deadly heat.

UCLA News: Eisenman said that equity more than environment explains the disparities in heat-related health effects. “It wouldn’t be as much of an issue if Pacoima were a leafier, shaded and wealthier community,” he said. “Those communities can protect themselves as streets are shaded, so they don’t accumulate as much heat or give off as much heat at night, and homes are more often air-conditioned.”

Read more at Bloomberg.