Work

Heat Hurts: The influence of heat stress on subjective wellbeing of urban residents and farmworkers in Florida, USA

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: • 47–78% Florida residents and 66–75% farmworkers report heat impacts • Heat impacts on work cost farmworkers 5.7% of their annual income • Heat stress (HS) poses unequal health burdens for outdoor workers in Florida • Urban residents and outdoor workers report lower life satisfaction from HS In coastal subtropical southern Florida, extreme and chronic heat poses significant though disproportionate challenges to people’s daily life, productivity, health, and wellbeing. Using an integrated socioeconomic model comprising primary household data, a multi-layered subjective wellbeing (SWB) model, and an approach derived from behavioral and health economics, we analyzed multiple and differential heat stress (HS) impacts on the SWB of general residents (n=589) and migrant farmworkers (n=141) in urban southern Florida. About 47%–78% general residents and 66%–75% farmworkers report HS impacts on multiple daily life activities. The total economic loss from heat stress-related absenteeism and work productivity impairment was 1.7% and 5.7% of median annual income for general residents and farmworkers, respectively. General residents reported lowered life satisfaction and happiness because of HS impacts affecting daily activities. Farmworkers, who experienced negative physical (79%), cognitive (68%), and emotional (69%) health outcomes from HS, reported declined life satisfaction and feelings of life’s worth. Policy makers should consider appropriate heat adaptation measures, especially for low-income families and outdoor workers. Heat stress management measures at work prioritizing water, rest, shade, appropriate clothing, personal protective equipment, and accessible healthcare will not only alleviate health impacts and income loss for workers but will be critical for sustaining the local agriculture industry. Energy efficient and accessible residential cooling devices could lower heat stress impacts on sleep and health outcomes for low income outdoor worker families while increasing green infrastructure and tree cover could make cities more livable and resilient for all. Conceptual framework of heat stress and subjective wellbeing (adapted from Tawatsupa et al., 2010 and Arifwidodo & Chandrasiri, 2020).

Source: Environmental Challenges

DOI: 10.1016/j.envc.2025.101343

Authors: Meenakshi Chabba, Mahadev G. Bhat

Institution: Florida International University

Language: English

Topic: Thermoregulation and physiological responses

Subfield: Physiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,140