HEAL has opened a new chapter in its work in Poland - launching an initiative to address the growing concerns about harmful chemicals; as a recent Eurobarometer survey shows that 84% of Poles are worried about the effects of harmful chemicals on their health.
As floods in Europe increase due to climate change, HEAL Poland analyses the health impacts of floods and calls for policy action to protect health.
Climate change disrupts natural water cycles, altering rainfall patterns and causing alternating episodes of heavy rain, floods, and drought. According to a European Environment Agency report, heavy rainfall in Northern and Central Europe has intensified since 1950 and is expected to become even more frequent. Without proper adaptation measures, floods are likely to become more common in the region. Forecasts suggest that by the end of the century, between 252,000 and 484,000 people in Europe could be exposed to river flooding annually due to global warming. In Poland, 10% of the population lives in flood-prone areas, and climate change could increase the flooding risks of residential buildings by up to sevenfold.
Floods, like the one that hit southwestern Poland in 2024, can cause fatalities, damage infrastructure, and displace people from their homes and livelihoods. Health impacts range from drowning and injuries to diseases from contact with contaminated water, along with mental health consequences. Long-term shortages of water and food, as well as restricted access to healthcare, may further deteriorate health.
Floods also raise the risk of disease. Heavy rains can increase the concentration of dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli, in drinking and bathing water, raising the risk of infections. The EEA report also notes an increase in cases of hepatitis A, tetanus, gastrointestinal diseases, and respiratory infections following floods.
Studies also show that mental health issues rise by 50% in flood-affected regions. Floods can trigger trauma and stress, which may evolve into serious disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
In the event of a flood, ongoing monitoring of water quality is essential to prevent contamination. Health education, training for healthcare workers, and providing appropriate medical and psychological support to flood victims is critical.
To effectively limit the long-term health consequences of floods, integrated climate change adaptation and mitigation actions are needed.
“The climate will continue to change, and extreme weather events will intensify unless we take decisive action. We need to quickly implement European policies on climate, water, and health issues, while also improving existing solutions across all sectors and levels of government to prevent adverse health effects,” urges Weronika Michalak, Director of HEAL Poland.
For more details, visit the HEAL Poland website (in Polish).
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