A brief introduction to... The built environment and health

摘要

The built environment through its form, layout and design has an impact on the health of individuals and populations. The health impacts of the built environment are firstly the direct physical impacts on health through polluted air and water, poorly ventilated and heated buildings and the hazards of road traffic. But there are also significant impacts on the wider determinants of health. These include many indirect social and behavioural effects: on the exercise we take and the people we meet; on access to housing, employment opportunities, health services and other facilities. This piece provides a brief overview of the connections between the built environment and health.