Healthy homes are critical to good health. These spaces provide a place for relaxation, productivity, and connection with others. Unhealthy homes, on the other hand, can have negative impacts on occupants’ health. They can make it harder to sleep, increase stress levels, and decrease productivity. An unhealthy home can also make it harder for people to access healthcare services if they need them. A new poll commissioned by the American Institute for Building Construction Excellence (AIBCE) found that nearly two-thirds of Americans (62%) believe that a home can have an impact on a person’s health. Here are some examples of how unhealthy homes can negatively affect people’s health:

Lack of sleep

Lack of sleep is a common problem for many people. In fact, about one-third of Americans say they don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis. Sleep deprivation has been linked to a wide range of negative health outcomes, including increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. And it can also negatively impact mental health. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can make people more impulsive, increase risk-taking behavior, and reduce concentration and memory. It can also increase the risk of depression.

Stress and anxiety

Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can increase stress and anxiety. In fact, a recent study found that people who live in homes with poor IAQ have higher levels of stress and anxiety than people who live in homes with better IAQ. The study also found that these feelings of stress and anxiety can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and drinking more alcohol. This can have serious consequences for people’s health over the long term, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Reduced productivity

Poor indoor air quality can also reduce productivity. In fact, a recent study found that people who live in homes with poor IAQ are about 25% more likely to take time off from work than people who live in homes with better IAQ. The study also found that poor IAQ can lead to reduced productivity at work. This can have serious consequences for people’s health over the long term, including an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

Limited access to healthcare services

Unhealthy homes can make it harder to access healthcare services if people need them. This can make it harder for people to manage their health conditions, which can have serious consequences for their long-term health. For example, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions can experience serious health issues if they aren’t able to access healthcare services quickly. Unhealthy homes can also make it harder for people to maintain healthy habits, such as eating a nutritious diet, getting enough exercise, and managing their weight.

Conclusion

Healthy homes are important to good health. They provide a place for relaxation, productivity, and connection with others. Unhealthy homes, on the other hand, can have negative impacts on occupants’ health. They can make it harder to sleep, increase stress levels, and decrease productivity. An unhealthy home can also make it harder for people to access healthcare services if they need them. A new poll commissioned by the American Institute for Building Construction Excellence (AIBCE) found that nearly two-thirds of Americans (62%) believe that a home can have an impact on a person’s health.

Frequently Asked Question

Air and water quality are among the most important aspects of a healthy environment. Air and water are two basic needs of any living thing on the planet. Pollution will affect the ecosystem putting at risk the biodiversity. Just like in any home, the very basic need of each occupant is clean water and breathable air. For most urban and suburban areas, it is important to keep these maintained and checked regularly to ensure the quality and safety of every member of the family.

Make sure to remove dust and dirt through vacuuming and wet-mopping, especially in the morning. Check the vents and air conditioning to ensure the air quality. Check for moist places where molds tend to grow. Let the natural light in and open up windows in the morning to decrease the humidity inside the house.

Our homes are connected with our physical and mental well-being. A safe, clean, and hazard-free home, creates a sense of stability and security for every family member. If left unclean, it plays a huge factor contributing to diseases and accidents, especially to co-morbid members and children.