In terms of understanding how housing affects population health, a lot of recent epidemiological research has suggested that subpar housing environments increases the risk of developing chronic diseases. Specifically, these studies suggested that cold, damp and mould within houses is very strongly associated with asthma, cancer as well as other severe respiratory diseases (Krieger & Higgins, 2002).
One of the key factors contributing to the cold, damp and mouldy conditions within houses is water intrusion. More than over 11 million occupied homes in America were reported to have interior and exterior water leaks (Krieger & Higgins, 2002). Water intrusion can occur through broken pipes, walls as well as windows, which permit water flow into …show more content…
Majority of these substandard houses are built in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods, which tend to be very small and cramped. Overcrowding of houses in small neighbourhoods thus prevents airflow (ventilation) and it leads to moisture build up between and within homes. If preventative steps are not taken to clear up or control the moisture, it will then lead to the formation of mould, mites and other pathogens. Studies have shown that each of these factors that contribute to poor housing conditions lead to fever, nausea, sore throats and possibly even flu like conditions (Institute of Medicine, …show more content…
The approaches assess housing as a determinant of health on the individual, community as well as policy level.
On an individual level, the people living in the low SES homes need to be educated on the current health issues that arise from poor living conditions. This will allow the individuals to act on trying to keep their homes and communities clean in order to prevent the development of mould and other illness causing compounds such as asbestos.
Further, these individuals also need to partake in policy level decision making in order to have the best possible outcomes for themselves. This includes participating in community meetings as well as paying attention to current political discussions. They need to be apart of the policy making so they can give their direct input in what needs to be changed because they are the ones that are dealing with the issues on a day-to-day
One of the key factors contributing to the cold, damp and mouldy conditions within houses is water intrusion. More than over 11 million occupied homes in America were reported to have interior and exterior water leaks (Krieger & Higgins, 2002). Water intrusion can occur through broken pipes, walls as well as windows, which permit water flow into …show more content…
Majority of these substandard houses are built in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods, which tend to be very small and cramped. Overcrowding of houses in small neighbourhoods thus prevents airflow (ventilation) and it leads to moisture build up between and within homes. If preventative steps are not taken to clear up or control the moisture, it will then lead to the formation of mould, mites and other pathogens. Studies have shown that each of these factors that contribute to poor housing conditions lead to fever, nausea, sore throats and possibly even flu like conditions (Institute of Medicine, …show more content…
The approaches assess housing as a determinant of health on the individual, community as well as policy level.
On an individual level, the people living in the low SES homes need to be educated on the current health issues that arise from poor living conditions. This will allow the individuals to act on trying to keep their homes and communities clean in order to prevent the development of mould and other illness causing compounds such as asbestos.
Further, these individuals also need to partake in policy level decision making in order to have the best possible outcomes for themselves. This includes participating in community meetings as well as paying attention to current political discussions. They need to be apart of the policy making so they can give their direct input in what needs to be changed because they are the ones that are dealing with the issues on a day-to-day