Ontario's hot summer could make drug overdoses worse, expert says

Extreme summer heat in Ontario may be exacerbating a rise in drug overdoses, according to experts and public health officials. The Windsor-Essex region reported 29 overdoses, 19 involving fentanyl, in the first week of July, prompting a drug alert from the local public health unit.

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Last week in particular with the high heat advisory, it was indeed a noticeable increase.

Southwestern Public Health also issued an alert for xylazine, fentanyl, and benzodiazepines in the street drug supply. While specific data is scarce, community partners report an increase in overdoses. Waterloo Region Public Health issued separate alerts about fentanyl in street drugs and the dangers of extreme heat.

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The higher temperatures impact an individual’s thermoregulation, can increase risk of dehydration and without access to a cooler space those in active substance use are at a greater risk of overdose and/or heat-related illnesses.

Anastasia Adams, a harm reduction co-ordinator at a Windsor shelter for women and children, noted a "noticeable increase" in overdoses during a recent heat advisory. "The higher temperatures impact an individual's thermoregulation, can increase risk of dehydration and without access to a cooler space those in active substance use are at a greater risk of overdose and/or heat-related illnesses," she told Global News. The shelter opened its own cooling space, offering harm reduction services and trained staff to respond to overdoses.

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Because of this, during heat events, people who use substances should definitely be considered a priority population.

Dr. Hawre Jalal, a professor at the University of Ottawa's School of Epidemiology and Public Health, explained that heat can be a compounding factor. He noted that opioids slow metabolism and respiration, which can lead to fatal overdoses, especially when combined with heat-related physiological stress.

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Access to cooling centres is essential at this time with staff who are trained to respond to drug poisonings or overdoses and are able to offer harm reduction materials and education.