Heat Wave Impact on Mortality in Beijing in 2010

Objectives  To assess the impact of heat wave on the mortality in Beijing.

Methods  The days in July 2-8 and July 23-29 in 2010 were defined as heat wave periods. The days in June 11-17 and August 13-19 in 2010 were selected as control period according to the same number of days and in the same week days, which were closed to the heat wave period. Excess death and the rate ratio (RR) of mortality in heat wave period were calculated and compared with those in the control period.

Results  The total number of excess death during the heat wave period was 513, and the heat wave in 2010 caused a 22% increase of all-cause mortality. The impact was statistically significant for the mortality of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

Conclusion  There was a substantial impact of heat wave in 2010 on the mortality in Beijing, particularly for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.