Children, primarily because of physiological and developmental factors, will disproportionately suffer
from the effects of
heat waves, 50 air pollution, infectious illness, and trauma resulting
from extreme weather events.137, 17,19,22,256,241,231,232
During
extreme heat events, nighttime temperatures in the region's big cities are generally several degrees higher28 than surrounding regions, leading to increased
heat - related death among those less able to recover
from the
heat of the day.36 Since the hottest days in the Northeast are often associated with high concentrations of ground - level ozone and other pollutants, 37 the combination of
heat stress and poor air quality can pose a major health risk to vulnerable groups: young
children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions including asthma.29 Vulnerability is further increased as key infrastructure, including electricity for potentially life - saving air conditioning, is more likely to fail precisely when it is most needed — when demand exceeds available supply.