Climate change could affect Britain's health

London, Feb 13 (UNI) A severe heat wave could kill thousands of Britons within five years due to climate change, a report said.

Climate change could lead to thousands of deaths during heat waves and outbreaks of malaria.

Looking at the way Britain has responded to the rising temperatures, the report, by the Department of Health, stated the number of heat related deaths stayed the same.

However, in case of no action, there is a possibility that the heat wave could kill more than 6,000 people before 2017.

Ozone levels may go up, aggravating breathing difficulties for those with asthma and other lung diseases leading to 1,500 deaths a year. Warmer weather is also likely to cause an increase in food poisoning.

''The UK Government is leading the way in persuading the world that we must all turn our attention to the health effects of climate change,'' Daily Mail quoted Dawn Primarolo, Public Health Minister as saying.

''Climate change is accepted as a reality and this report shows that it might impact on the nation's health. We are taking these risks very seriously and have already set plans in motion,'' he added.

UNI XC PD HT1435