Housing and Health

While most of us would not see the connection, the two are actually more interrelated than we realize.  The last year of grad school I spent a lot of time looking at the impact of social determinants on health (lack of affordable/safe housing is an example) and was where I figured out that I wanted to work in an FQHC. 

Some quick stats:

• Studies show that 84% of U.S. homes have a bedroom with detectable levels of dust mite allergens. Many of these have levels that can contribute to allergies or asthma. (Arbes et al. 2003).
• Exposure to dampness and mold in homes is estimated to contribute to approximately 21% of current asthma cases in the United States. Annual cost: $3.5 billion. (Mudarri and Fisk 2007).
• Children in bad housing have increased risk of viral or bacterial infections and a greater chance of suffering mental health and behavioral problems. (Harker: 2006) 

 

Want to test you knowledge on how housing and health are related? 

Click here to try out the Jeopardy powerpoint I put together for the SUS crew!