Links between Housing
and Health quality of the home has a substantial impact on health; a warm, dry
and secure home is associated with better health. In addition to basic housing
requirements, other factors that can help to improve well being include the
neighborhood, security of tenure and modifications for those with disabilities.
The exact relationship between poor housing and health is complex and difficult
to assess. However; research based on the various sources of housing and health
data suggests that poor housing is associated with increased risk of
cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases and depression and anxiety.
Housing - related hazards that increase the risk of illness are include damp,
mould, excess cold and structural defects that increase the risk of an accident
(such as poor lighting, and ventilation).
EFFECTS
OF POOR HOUSING ON THE HEALTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL
·
Cardiovascular diseases
·
Impacts on mental well-being
·
Anxiety Related Disorders
·
Increased Aggression And Tension
·
Asthma
·
Respiratory Problems
·
Cardiovascular
diseases
Evidence
suggests that living in poor housing can lead to an increased risk of
cardiovascular disease as well as anxiety and depression. Problems such as
damp, mould, excess cold and structural defects which increase the risk of an
accident which also present hazards to health.
Impacts
on mental well-being
Damp and mouldy
conditions have a number of direct and indirect impacts on health and mental
well-being Studies have also shown that far beyond mitigating against mental
well-being that in fact dampness directly reduces the ambient air temperature
within the dwelling. This is a caused by a direct reduction of thermal
insulation properties of the building fabric and heating systems attempting to
remove atmospheric water through evaporation. Thus with marginal heating
supplies the premises will feel colder in damp conditions causing
dissatisfaction. Evidence has suggested that a temperature of 21oC is
necessary to provide an adequate level of comfort. This is frequently
unachievable in premises with significant dampness.
·
Anxiety
Related Disorders
Dampness can also
exacerbate social isolation with residents unwilling to invite friends and
family into properties with mould and dampness. Such conditions may be linked
directly to higher incidence of depression and anxiety related disorders. As stated earlier premises in poor conditions
mitigate against the creation of strong social networks which are seen as
buffer against ill-health.
·
Increased
Aggression, Tension and educational
attainment
Poor
housing conditions has an undeniable effect on children that find their selves
in poor houses, as they appear to be significantly affected in such
accommodation with increased irritability, tension, increased aggression and
lower levels of interaction with other children and poorer educational attainment
and mental adjustment.
·
Asthma
In
another dimension, Poor housing conditions has an undeniable effect as cold and
related condition can lead to sleep loss, restrictions on children’s daily
activities, and absence from school, all of which have long-term implications
for a child’s personal development. Findings have shown that children of all ages
have shown that asthma symptoms are more common among children living in mouldy
and damp homes.
·
Respiratory
Problems
The
evidence is particularly strong on the effect of Cold, damp and mould. Cold
temperatures lower resistance to respiratory infections; damp conditions are favorable to bacteria and viruses; and mould and fungi produce allergens that
can lead to respiratory problems. Damp and mould impact more strongly on
children than adults. Reviews of the
evidence in the UK and other countries have concluded that children living in
damp, mouldy homes are between one and a half and three times be more prone to
coughing and wheezing symptoms of asthma and other respiratory conditions –
than children in dry homes.
SUMMARY
Evidence
suggests that improving housing conditions can lead to measurable mental health
gains. Rehousing may also have a positive impact on mental health. However
there is a link that has been demonstrated between unfit and overcrowded
housing and psychological distress in eight- to 11-year old as living in such
conditions children may have difficulty coping, feel angry, anxious or
depressed, or have difficulty sleeping. Evidence suggests that
living in poor housing can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular and
respiratory disease as well as to anxiety and depression. Problems such as
damp, mould, excess cold and structural defects which increase the risk of an
accident also present hazards to health.
It
is well recognized that good quality homes are important for the health and
well-being of those living in them. Environmental health practitioners play a
key role in promoting decent homes in the private sector to assist its members
and local housing managers in achieving a better understanding of the links
between housing and health.
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