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Document Type: | General |
Publish Date: | 2020 |
Primary Author: | Sherry Ahrentzen and Lynne Dearborn |
Edited By: | Saba Bilquis |
Published By: | Research Brief |
Our homes have a powerful impact on our physical and mental health, as evidenced in a growing body of research. Data from the National Center for Healthy Housing concluded that the home is one of the most dangerous places for American families. Nearly 40 percent of residences have at least one health or safety hazard, costing the US billions annually in treatments for asthma, injuries, lung cancer, and other health problems. Research also shows that many neighborhood environmental characteristics and physical access to services affect resident health in terms of morbidity; obesity and related chronic health outcomes; diet and physical activity; mental health conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression; and social well-being emanating from social interaction, social cohesion, and social capital. The COVID-19 pandemic adds new dimensions to the built environment’s intersections with mental and physical health that renew attention to indoor air quality, fixtures and materials, and safe opportunities to recreate and socialize indoors and outdoors. Research has revealed four pathways linking health and housing: home stability, financial burdens, safety, and housing quality, and certain neighborhood characteristics. Our research focused on the latter two.