A new report from VELUX has revealed a strong link between poor housing quality and the ill-health of residents living in these environments
The conditions in which you live is just as important as the location. Research from roof window manufacturer VELUX has warned UK residents living in a dark home are 27 per cent more likely to suffer ill-health such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Those living in damp conditions are 34 per cent more likely to be unwell.
The research from the VELUX Healthy Homes Barometer has revealed a correlation between the quality of housing and the health of inhabitants. The barometer, which was developed in partnership with Ecofys, Fraunhofer IBP and Copenhagen Economics, examined the effects of housing on European residents, as well as the associated costs to society. It used data from the European Commission’s vast Eurostat Database to collate the findings.
Poor living conditions cause poor health
The barometer found one in six households across Europe were deemed to be living in damp or mouldy conditions. This fact alone increased the risk of developing illnesses by 66 per cent. Living in these conditions also increases the chances of suffering from asthma by 40 per cent when compared to those who do not.
Now, VELUX is calling for buildings in the UK to be made more energy efficient.
Grant Sneddon, Product Manager at VELUX-GBI said: “We know instinctively that living in unhealthy surroundings is bad for our health.
“This study reveals to just what extent those in the UK and Europe are suffering on account of their homes; and also the staggering financial costs to society of not bringing our aging housing stock up to par.”
Europeans who are unable to keep their homes warm in winter are twice as likely to report ill-health and nearly three times more likely to report a damp home.
Living in poor conditions has a major impact on society as a whole, and is reportedly costing European governments a whopping €82bn a year to treat asthma and COPD alone.
Modernise to improve health
VELUX recommended Europe modernises its building stock to improve health outcomes, lower the cost to society, and reduce CO2 emissions. The firm also suggested private capital could be used to renovate existing homes across EU member states and said some €30tr could be made available if it was unlocked.
