Poor housing often cause of winter health problems

Poor housing often the cause of winter health problems

There is a lack of research into the numbers of substandard houses in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes district. However, what is known, says Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service Regional Manager, Graeme Savage, is that there are areas within the region that are characterised by poor housing. “These include eastern and western Bay of Plenty, pockets of urban Rotorua and Turangi in the south,” he says.

During winter months we spend a great deal of our time indoors, up to 70% - most of that at home. Cold and damp homes typically support mould and fungal growth, air pollution, mites and cockroaches: all of which play a role in the development and continuance of asthma and other chronic respiratory illnesses.

Furthermore, in tough times when rent or mortgage repayments are high in comparison to the household income, additional stress may cause poor mental health and psychological distress for the occupants.

Affordable housing and healthy living conditions have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing,” says Mr Savage.

Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service has paid particular attention to healthy homes in recent months and has developed three easy-to-read fact sheets. The fact sheets contain tips, and suggestions for improving the quality of home environments, how to control mould in homes and tips for improving indoor air quality.

These important community resources are available now for social service agencies to download free from Toi Te Ora – Public Health Service’s website: http://www.toiteorapublichealth.govt.nz/healthy_homes

“We encourage everyone to make the most of this free information and to take the time to assess your home environment before winter arrives”.

ENDS

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