Climate and Health in Lower Manhattan

Daytime summer surface temperature (YEAR)

Surface temperatures vary based on vegetative cover (which promotes cooling), as well as by materials that retain heat (like paved roads, sidewalks, and buildings). Hotter neighborhoods tend to have more heat-exacerbated deaths associated with extreme heat events.

For daytime summer surface temperature, Lower Manhattan is better than most neighborhoods.

Degrees Fahrenheit

Degrees Fahrenheit

Degrees Fahrenheit

Heat stress: yearly hospitalizations (YEAR)

Heat stress hospitalizations weather are part of the public health burden due to hot weather.

For heat stress: yearly hospitalizations, Lower Manhattan is in the middle of NYC neighborhoods.

Estimated annual rate per 100,000

Estimated annual rate per 100,000

Estimated annual rate per 100,000

Asthma emergency department visits (age 5 to 17) (YEAR)

Severe asthma attacks can result in a visit to the ED. Things like smoke, air pollution, dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen and pet dander can trigger asthma.

For asthma emergency department visits (age 5 to 17), Lower Manhattan is in the middle of NYC neighborhoods.

Estimated annual rate per 10,000

Estimated annual rate per 10,000

Estimated annual rate per 10,000

Homes near structures rated good or excellent (YEAR)

Building quality predicts the number of housing maintenance deficiencies in a residence that place residents at increased risk of acute or chronic health problems.

For homes near structures rated good or excellent, Lower Manhattan is better than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Secondhand smoke at home (YEAR)

Adults reporting secondhand smoke at home. Secondhand smoke, especially indoors, is bad for health - particularly for the health of children.

For secondhand smoke at home, Lower Manhattan is worse than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Vegetative cover (YEAR)

Vegetative cover is the land covered by trees, grass, or other plants instead of a hard surface like roads, sidewalks, or buildings. Vegetative cover tends to reduce temperatures in the immediate area and may increase air quality.

For vegetative cover, Lower Manhattan is worse than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Older adults with air conditioners (age 65+) (YEAR)

Older adults (over 65) are more vulnerable to hot weather and heat stress. Air conditioning reduces the risk of heat stroke and other heat-related illness.

For older adults with air conditioners (age 65+), Lower Manhattan is worse than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Neighborhood poverty (YEAR)

The percent of households with incomes below the federal poverty level. Households without sufficient resources are often deprived of access to items such as health care and good quality housing that are needed to maintain good health.

For neighborhood poverty, Lower Manhattan is better than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Obesity (adults) (YEAR)

People who are obese are at increased risk for heart disease and diabetes. Neighborhood factors such as walkability and the types of food retail outlets available can impact residents' risk of being overweight or obese.

For obesity (adults), Lower Manhattan is better than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Independent living difficulty (adults) (YEAR)

People with disabilities or access or functional needs may need additional support during extreme weather. For example, they may need extra planning for safe travel out of evacuation zones during a hurricane, or back-up electricity to support medical equipment during power outages. Information provided here about adults with independent living difficulties can help emergency management professionals better prepare our residents for emergencies.

For independent living difficulty (adults), Lower Manhattan is better than most neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Serious psychological distress (YEAR)

Mental health conditions like series psychological distress can be worsened by extreme weather such as heat waves and coastal storms.

For serious psychological distress, Lower Manhattan is in the middle of NYC neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent

Older adults living alone (YEAR)

Older adults are more vulnerable to extreme weather. Those living alone may have more difficulty getting resources they need in an emergency, and are at higher risk of weather-related illnesses like heat stroke and hypothermia.

For older adults living alone, Lower Manhattan is in the middle of NYC neighborhoods.

Percent

Percent

Percent