The Relationship between the Parameters That Characterize a Built Living Space and the Health Status of Its Inhabitants

Constantin C. Bungau, Codruta Bendea, Tudor Bungau (), Andrei-Flavius Radu (), Marcela Florina Prada, Ioana Francesca Hanga-Farcas and Cosmin Mihai Vesa
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Constantin C. Bungau: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania
Codruta Bendea: Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Energy Engineering and Industrial Management, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Tudor Bungau: Civil Engineering, Faculty of Constructions, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania
Andrei-Flavius Radu: Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
Marcela Florina Prada: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania
Ioana Francesca Hanga-Farcas: Department of Architecture, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania
Cosmin Mihai Vesa: Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 5, 1-35

Abstract: Housing is an essential component of the living environment, and it has a substantial effect on physical and mental well-being. Multiple housing factors, including inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, construction materials, and exposure to allergens and pollutants, have been linked to a variety of diseases, such as respiratory ailments and dermatologic, rheumatologic, and cardiovascular disorders. The present narrative review shows the current state of knowledge in the field by centralizing and evaluating scientific publications with a focus on this linkage, detailing the implications for health status and the benefits of using natural materials in construction, implementing green building concepts, and applying technological transfer, where various decision factors can contribute to improving quality of life. Therefore, it is achievable to enhance the indoor air quality (IAQ) by promoting ventilation and air filtration, decreasing mold and moisture, and employing low-emitting materials in building construction and development. Overall, promoting healthy housing environments through an enhanced IAQ and using sustainable building practices can have a substantial positive effect on public health. To reduce the risk of housing-related diseases, future research should concentrate on identifying the most effective interventions to improve the living environment–health condition axis.

Keywords: housing; sustainable building; living environment; healthy environment; sick building syndrome; indoor air quality (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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