LAUSR

Key Points Question Is heat during warm months associated with an increased risk of mortality in Texas prisons without air conditioning? Findings In this case-crossover study of 3464 deaths in Texas prison, a 1-degree increase above 85 °F in prisons without air conditioning was associated with a 0.7% increase in the risk of daily mortality. Approximately, 13% of deaths in Texas prisons during warm months between 2001 and 2019 may be attributable to extreme heat days. Meaning These findings suggest that an air conditioning policy for Texas prisons may be an important part of protecting the health of one of our most vulnerable populations.