Many struggle with extreme heat in homes without air conditioning

Many struggle with extreme heat in homes without air conditioning

As extreme heat becomes more common, those living in uncooled homes face increasing risk of heat-related illness and death.

Anita Snow reports for The Associated Press.


In short:

  • Avelino Vazquez Navarro, a Mexican farm worker, died in Washington state due to extreme heat while living in a mobile home without air conditioning.
  • People without air conditioning, often living in mobile homes, face greater risks as summers become hotter, with many victims being older and from low-income communities.
  • Laws in Arizona and elsewhere have begun requiring landlords to provide cooling solutions, but many renters still struggle with high electricity costs.

Key quote:

“Air conditioning is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s a public health issue and it’s an affordability issue.”

— Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association

Why this matters:

Extreme heat is a growing threat, especially for vulnerable populations without adequate cooling. Addressing energy inequities and improving access to air conditioning can help prevent heat-related deaths and improve public health outcomes.

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