Today is our topic of discussion Environmental Housing
Environmental Housing
Definition:
Housing means ‘the physical structure that man uses for shelter and environs of that structure including all necessary services, facilities, equipment and devices needed and desired for the physical, mental and social well-being of the family and the individual’.
WHO describes ‘housing’ as more than the physical structure and substitutes ‘housing’ by the term ‘Residential Environment’.
Functions/goals/purpose of housing:
1. To provide shelter and privacy.
2. To provide protection from noise and pollution hazards.
3. To provide protection from excess heat and cold
4. To provide adequate light without undue glare.
5. To provide protection against natural elements, e.g., rain, thunderstorms, direct sunlight, fire etc.
6. To give protection against diseases and accidents
7. To keep away from rodents and insects
8. To establish normal social and community life
9. To provide security and protection from loss of belongings
10. To develop mental well-being and happiness of the householders.
Healthful Housing:
It means ‘housing standard’ which ensures physical, mental and social well- being of the individual.
Criteria for ‘Healthful Housing’/’Good Housing”:
1. Healthful housing provides physical protection and shelter.
2. It provides adequately for cooking, eating, washing and excretory functions.
3. It is designed, constructed, maintained and used in a manner such as to prevent the spread of Tank communicable diseases.
4. It provides protection from hazards of exposure to noise and pollution.
5. It is free from unsafe physical arrangements due to construction or maintenance, and from toxic or harmful materials and
6. It encourages personal and community development, promotes social relationships, reflects a regard for ecological principles, and by these means promotes mental health.
Factors responsible for good housing:
1. Site
2. Design and Architecture
3. Construction
4. Ventilation
5. Lighting
6. Proper sanitation and water supply system
Effects of ‘poor housing’ on health:
1. Respiratory infections: Common cold, tuberculosis, influenza, bronchitis etc
2. Skin infections: Scabies, leprosy, impetigo, ringworm etc.
3. Rat infestation: Plague.
4. Arthropods: Houseflies, mosquitoes, fleas and bugs.
5. Accidents: Scald, burn and injury.
6. Morbidity and mortality: High morbidity and mortality are observed with poor housing quality.
7. Psychosocial effects: Poor housing status may also causes ill psychosocial behaviour, such as.
self-underestimation etc..
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