Poor Housing - be in the know
There is a lack of research into the numbers of substandard houses in the Bay of Plenty and Lakes district.
However, what is known 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.
Housing is widely acknowledged as a determinant of health. Cold and damp housing, housing affordability, substandard housing and crowing all contribute to the health of our communities.
Some Quick Facts
- substandard housing and in particular crowded, cold, damp and mouldy homes have been linked to poorer mental health and psychological distress for dwelling occupants
- lack of safety devices are the leading hazards associated with falls resulting in injury for both children and older adults
- crowding is strongly associated with a range of communicable diseases including meningococcal disease, tuberculosis and acute rheumatic fever
- cold, damp homes and indoor pollutants play a role in the develoment of asthma and a host of a other respiratory health problems including cancer
- house type has also been known to influence the quality and quantity of interactions within neighbourhoods, affecting social cohesion, trust and a collective sense of community
- unaffordable housing is a significant issue for many New Zealand families and contributes to families living in substandard housing and overcrowding.
Key Reasons for Unhealthy Homes
- low indoor temperatures
- high moisture content
- mould and fungal growth
- indoor pollunts
- mites and cockroaches
- unflued gas heaters
- lack of basic chattels such as carpet and curtains
- lack of fireguards
- structural deficiencies
- inadequate outside areas for children to play
- unsafe driveways
- overcrowding
- housing affordability
Guidelines for Heathier Homes
- The World Health Organisation recommends that homes be heated to a minimum of 18 degrees and states that the risk of ill health increases once the temperature drops below 16 degrees.
- Adequate insulation acts to increase thermal resistance within a dwelling, thus slowing the rate of health loss.
- Mould will not grow in homes if moisture is not present. Read our "mould in homes" fact sheet for for advice on how to clean up and reduce the affects of mould in the home.
- Poor ventilation and indoor air quality is often caused by the releases of gases or contaminants from gas heaters and tobacco smoke. Read our "ventilation - improving the air quality in you home" fact sheet.
