Research Findings: Where people live: Effect of housing conditions on health Summary papers

Indoor heating, house conditions, and health

Many studies have shown a link between damp housing and health, but some research suggests having a cold home could have a worse effect on health than dampness.  We wanted to assess the link between certain aspects of housing and ill-health among the oldest (1930s) cohort of the 2nd wave (1990) of the Twenty-07 study, focusing on the adequacy of indoor heating.  Those people who told us they felt their homes were cold in winter most of the time were more likely to suffer from a limiting long-term illness than those who felt their homes were never cold, even after accounting for socioeconomic factors and house conditions.  Although living in a cold house may not be the cause of poor health it is likely to make existing health conditions worse. Social housing policy needs to address the issue that people living with a limiting health condition may require warmer housing because they are likely to be inactive for long periods of time.   

Gemmell, I. (2001). "Indoor heating, house conditions, and health." Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 55: 928-929.
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