The impact of residential environment on health.

The impact of residential settings on one's health.

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People experiencing homelessness and those living in poor-quality housing face an increased risk of various health issues, including mental health conditions, infectious diseases, and respiratory problems. This is due to a myriad of factors related to the quality, safety, affordability, and neighborhood of their housing.

According to the State of the Nation's Housing 2018 report, cost-burdened homes are more common among Black and Hispanic households, suggesting a disparity in housing affordability. Housing affordability can result in major sacrifices, as people may not be able to pay for necessities like nutritious food, regular healthcare visits, energy, and home maintenance.

The quality of housing can directly impact a person's health. Factors that determine housing quality include air quality, home safety, space per individual, and the presence of possible irritants like mold, asbestos, and lead. Poor housing conditions, such as cold and damp environments, insufficient heating and ventilation, structural deficiencies, overcrowding, and the presence of pests or toxic substances, contribute to a range of health hazards.

These factors contribute to respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Cold and damp environments increase the risk of respiratory diseases like asthma and tuberculosis by promoting mold growth and poor air quality, which aggravate lung function and infections. Inadequate heating and thermal inefficiency also raise hospitalization rates for circulation and lung conditions.

Moreover, inadequate ventilation worsens respiratory health and may lead to repeated asthma attacks in children. Structural problems and overcrowding, common in unsafe or informal housing, contribute to the spread of infectious and respiratory diseases, exacerbated by lack of sanitation and clean water. Dust and mold from poor construction materials and flooding increase respiratory symptoms.

Lead poisoning from deteriorating housing materials poses serious neurological risks, especially in children. Injury hazards such as falls in poorly maintained homes also present broader health risks. Affordability issues exacerbate these risks as families may allocate scarce resources to housing at the expense of food, healthcare, and other essentials, compounding chronic disease burdens and limiting access to preventive care.

Experts associate poor quality housing with many negative health outcomes, including chronic disease, injuries, and poor mental health. Other research notes that minorities who typically have a lower socioeconomic position often reside in low-income neighborhoods due to a long history of discriminatory housing policy. It is of paramount importance to promote health equity, which can then improve both housing quality and availability, benefitting public health.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people living in lower-income neighborhoods faced barriers that prevented them from staying safe, leading to higher rates of complications due to COVID-19 in people from low-income communities. The link between lower neighborhood income and COVID-19 risk is also consistent with showing a higher COVID-19 risk among racial and ethnic minorities.

In summary, poor housing impacts health by exposing residents to cold, damp, poor ventilation, structural and environmental hazards, overcrowding, and stress from unaffordable costs, all of which elevate risks for respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Promoting health equity and improving housing quality and affordability is crucial for improving public health outcomes.

References:

National Centre for Biotechnology Information. (2020). The Impact of Housing on Health. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554823/
World Health Organization. (2018). Health and Housing: Making the Connections. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240016164
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Healthy Homes: Indoor Allergens and Asthma. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes/dampness/asthma.html
American Public Health Association. (2017). Housing and Health: A National Call to Action. Retrieved from https://www.apha.org/-/media/files/apha/advocacy-policy-and-programs/public-health-policy-and-advocacy/housing-and-health/apha-housing-and-health-call-to-action.pdf
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Health equity in the public sector should prioritize addressing these housing-related health issues to improve overall health outcomes.
Mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, can also be aggravated by poor housing conditions and a lack of space.
Science and research continue to uncover the profound impact of housing on general health, mental health, and various specific medical conditions.
Workplace wellness programs can contribute to better health and well-being by addressing housing-related issues like stress and housing affordability.
The medical community often overlooks the connection between housing conditions and chronic diseases, such as type-2 diabetes and respiratory conditions.
Digestive health is another area that may be affected by the quality of housing, particularly in relation to sanitation and food safety.
Eye health can also be influenced by poor housing conditions, as deteriorating homes may contain hazardous substances, such as lead, that can lead to vision problems.
Hearing loss or impairment may develop over time due to prolonged exposure to loud noises and poor acoustics in poorly maintained homes.
Health and wellness, in its entirety, should consider housing-related factors to provide comprehensive and holistic solutions.
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Climate change could further worsen housing-related health issues, particularly as it contributes to extreme weather events and rising temperatures.
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Manufacturing industries can also contribute to health-related issues due to pollution and the use of hazardous materials in some products.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, with many mental health issues closely linked to the quality of housing and living conditions.
Skin-care products and therapies can play a role in addressing and preventing skin conditions that may be exacerbated by poor housing conditions.
Nutrition plays a crucial role in overall health, yet the availability and affordability of nutritious food can be compromised by housing issues and finance-related obstacles.
The industry must recognize and address the link between housing quality and health outcomes to promote a healthier society and workforce.
CBD oil, derived from hemp, is increasingly being explored for its potential therapeutic benefits, including improved mental health and chronic pain relief.
Environmental science can provide valuable insights into identifying and mitigating the health risks associated with poor housing conditions.
Finance plays a critical role in housing affordability, as it determines the ability of individuals and families to secure safe, healthy, and affordable housing.
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Skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis may be worsened or even triggered by environmental factors present in poor-quality housing.
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Entrepreneurship focused on social impact and health equity can help address the nexus between housing, health, and economic opportunity.
Interior design considerations can have a significant impact on mental health and overall well-being by promoting a calming, healthy environment.
Cooking and diet play a critical role in maintaining and improving health, which may be compromised by factors like limited kitchen space, food scarcity, and energy costs in poor-quality housing.
Transportation options and infrastructure can influence the accessibility of healthcare services, healthy food choices, and employment opportunities.
Leadership in all sectors can foster a commitment to promoting health equity and addressing housing-related health issues to build a healthier, more equitable society.
Diversity and inclusion in the housing market and the broader real estate industry can help address historical disparities in housing access and affordability, ultimately improving health outcomes for all.