The relationship of ambient temperature and humidity with mortality on the Maltese Islands 1992-2005

Abstract

Key messages -Daily mortality rates during winter are higher than during the remaining seasons - this difference is more conspicuous in persons aged 65 years and over;

-The optimum average apparent temperature during which mortality rate was at a minimum was found to be around 27°C;

-Mean average apparent temperature during winter during the period 1992-2005 was 11.57oC and average daily mortality rate during this season was 18.07/100000 in persons over 65 years and 0.64/100000 in persons under 65 years. During the summer the mean average apparent temperature was 29.93oC and the average daily mortality rate during this season was 12.46/100000 in persons over 65 years and 0.57/100000 in persons under 65 years.

-At temperatures above 27oC the daily mortality rate increases more rapidly per degree compared to when it drops below 27oC;