Health Impacts of Urban Environmental Parameters: A Review of Air Pollution, Heat, Noise, Green Spaces and Mobility

Ainhoa Arriazu-Ramos (), Jesús Miguel Santamaría, Aurora Monge-Barrio, Maira Bes-Rastrollo, Sonia Gutierrez Gabriel, Nuria Benito Frias and Ana Sánchez-Ostiz
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Ainhoa Arriazu-Ramos: School of Architecture, BIOMA Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment, University of Navarre, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Jesús Miguel Santamaría: BIOMA Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment, University of Navarre, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Aurora Monge-Barrio: School of Architecture, BIOMA Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment, University of Navarre, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Maira Bes-Rastrollo: Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Navarre, 31009 Pamplona, Spain
Sonia Gutierrez Gabriel: Gobierno Clínico y Docencia de Sanitas Hospitales y Bupa Perú, Sanitas, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Nuria Benito Frias: Gobierno Clínico y Docencia de Sanitas Hospitales y Bupa Perú, Sanitas, 28042 Madrid, Spain
Ana Sánchez-Ostiz: School of Architecture, BIOMA Institute for Biodiversity and the Environment, University of Navarre, 31009 Pamplona, Spain

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-23

Abstract: This literature review examines the relationship between the urban environment and human health, focusing on five key parameters: air pollution, extreme temperatures, noise, green spaces, and urban mobility. A systematic review was conducted using indexed scientific databases (Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed) and technical reports, following predefined search terms and exclusion criteria. A total of 131 publications were selected and analyzed. The study highlights the negative health effects of air pollution, heat, and noise—particularly on the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, and reproductive systems—especially in vulnerable populations including older adults, children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. In contrast, green spaces and sustainable mobility have shown beneficial impacts, including improvements in mental health, increased physical activity, and indirect benefits as they contribute to reducing air pollution, urban heat, and noise. Among all parameters, air pollution emerges as the most extensively studied and regulated, while significant research gaps persist in the fields of urban mobility and noise pollution. Furthermore, regulatory development remains limited across all parameters analyzed, highlighting the need for more comprehensive and consistent policy frameworks. Based on the evidence, three key urban strategies are proposed: renaturalizing cities, promoting sustainable mobility, and implementing data-driven management and educational tools. These actions are essential to create healthier, more resilient, and sustainable urban environments.

Keywords: morbidity; mortality; hospital admissions; urban design; public health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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