Housing plays a crucial role in determining our physical health. The conditions of our homes can either increase or reduce the risk of various health problems, including respiratory illness, heart disease, and injury. Improving housing conditions has the potential to not only enhance health outcomes but also lead to a reduction in healthcare costs.
A recent study conducted by a research team, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, estimated that eradicating mold and damp in Australian housing could result in a significant reduction in health expenditure by A$117 million per million people. Additionally, it could increase income by $174 million, translating to 0.5%–2.1% of annual health spending and 0.08%–0.36% of gross domestic product. Furthermore, tackling mold and damp could potentially add 4,190 health-adjusted life years per million people over 20 years, equivalent to about 1.5 healthy days per person, with the most significant gains seen among disadvantaged populations.
In countries like Australia, housing conditions are often influenced by factors such as affordability and the lack of recognition of housing as a human right. However, the compelling evidence of the adverse effects of poor housing on health underscores the need for healthy housing policies to be prioritized.
Respiratory health is particularly impacted by poor housing quality, with exposure to damp, mold, and inadequate ventilation being linked to higher rates of asthma, allergies, and other respiratory conditions. On the other hand, interventions to improve housing conditions, such as insulation and ventilation upgrades, have shown positive effects on respiratory health.
Heart health is also influenced by housing conditions, with cold and damp environments increasing the risk of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Implementing measures to improve insulation and heating can mitigate these risks and lead to better health outcomes.
Injuries such as falls and burns are more prevalent in poorly maintained housing, where hazards like inadequate lighting and faulty wiring pose significant risks. Simple modifications like installing grab bars, improving lighting, and ensuring fire safety measures can substantially reduce injury rates.
It is crucial to address housing-related health disparities, especially among lower-income households and renters, to promote health equity. By focusing on both direct interventions to improve housing conditions and structural reforms in the housing sector, we can ensure that everyone has access to affordable, secure, and suitable housing.
The evidence is clear that investing in healthy housing not only improves health outcomes but also offers economic benefits. By prioritizing housing as a key social determinant of health and implementing cost-effective strategies to enhance housing quality, we can create healthier communities and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.
