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Some health effects of drought are easy to observe and measure, but drought’s slow rise can result in indirect health implications that are more difficult to recognize.

Drought and Public Health

A mosquito on a leaf

 

Over the last century, droughts have caused more deaths internationally than any other weather- or climate-related disaster. In the United States, drought impacts on public health include changes in air quality, changes in water quality and quantity, increased incidence of illness and disease, and mental health effects.

 

Data, Maps, and Tools

Vulnerable populations—people living in neighborhoods with social factors such as poverty, lack of vehicle access, or crowded housing—may be disproportionately affected by drought impacts. 

Public Health and Drought Conditions

Air Quality
Value Map Hex Color Description
Good #01e400 AQI 0 to 50: Good Air quality is satisfactory, and air pollution poses little or no risk. Learn more.
Moderate #ffff00 AQI 51 to 100: Moderate Air quality is acceptable. However, there may be a risk for some people, particularly those who are unusually sensitive to air pollution. Learn more.
Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups #ff7e00 AQI 101 to 150: Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups Members of sensitive groups may experience health effects. The general public is less likely to be affected. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Unhealthy #ff0000 AQI 151 to 200: Unhealthy Some members of the general public may experience health effects; members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects. Learn more.
Very Unhealthy #8f3f97 AQI 201 to 300: Very Unhealthy Health alert: The risk of health effects is increased for everyone. Learn more.
Hazardous #7e0023 AQI >301: Hazardous Health warning of emergency conditions: everyone is more likely to be affected. Learn more.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
Social Vulnerability Index (SVI)
Value Map Hex Color
High SVI Areas in Drought #225ea8
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color
D0 #ffff00
D1 #ffcc99
D2 #ff6600
D3 #ff0000
D4 #660000

Impacts and Related Content

Air Quality

Air quality can decrease during drought events as a result of dust storms or wildfires. Particulates in the air irritate the lungs and bronchial passages and exacerbate chronic respiratory conditions.

Increased Incidence of Illness and Disease

Drought conditions can change how often and where certain diseases occur. For instance, mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus can move to new locations when water bodies become stagnant and create new breeding grounds. Also, there is a higher risk for contracting a lung infection called Valley Fever, caused by a fungus in the soil, in dry and dusty soil conditions. 

Mental Health Impacts

Complex relationships between drought and its associated economic consequences can increase mood disorders, domestic violence, and suicide. 

By Sector | Public Health

The impacts of drought on hospital admissions and deaths depend on drought severity and the history of droughts in a region. Learn more about drought's impacts on the public health sector.

Public Health Research and Resources