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Unit 3
Biometeorology

During certain weather conditions many people complain about problems in their well-being or even illness. For example, we talk about the effect of overbearing humidity. The weather can exacerbate certain illnesses and elderly people and young children can be especially susceptible to health effects related to the weather conditions.

It has been proven statistically that weather events can have a strong influence on the life of humans and animals. During the heat wave in summer 2003 the mortality rate in some countries increased to many times its normal value.

Biometeorology is a scientific branch, which can be seen as the link between meteorology, biology and medical sciences. It investigates the direct and indirect influence of the atmosphere on humans and other living organisms. In this unit we will look at what these influences are.

About this page:

author: Elmar Uherek
language reviewing: Sally Taylor, University of Leeds
last update: 2005-07-15