A pilot heat-health warning system co-designed for a subtropical city.

Significant heat-related casualties underlie the urgency of establishing a heat-health warning system (HHWS). This paper presents an evidence-based pilot HHWS developed for Taipei City, Taiwan, through a co-design process engaging stakeholders. In the co-design process, policy concerns related to biometeorology, epidemiology and public health, and risk communication aspects were identified, with knowledge gaps being filled by subsequent findings.

Application of Positive Matrix Factorization in the Identification of the Sources of PM in Taipei City.

Fine particulate matter (PM) has a small particle size, which allows it to directly enter the respiratory mucosa and reach the alveoli and even the blood. Many countries are already aware of the adverse effects of PM, and determination of the sources of PM is a critical step in reducing its concentration to protect public health. This study monitored PM in the summer (during the southwest monsoon season) of 2017.