Disability Leaves for Diseases and Health Conditions Impacted by Climate Change

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies several diseases and health conditions that are complicated by climate change. These include cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, mental health conditions, and intestinal, vector-borne and mycological infections. As climate change continues, these impacted health problems have the potential to disrupt work patterns for many employees as they can exacerbate disability leave burden as well as increase lost income for workers and lost productivity for employers and society at large. This research report reviews how common short-term leave is taken for these climate-impacted conditions throughout the United States.