Keep Warm This Winter
The Health Impacts of Cold Homes and Fuel Poverty
The Health Impacts of Cold Homes and Fuel Poverty published in a report written by the Marmot Review Team for Friends of the Earth highlight direct and immediate impacts on health, but also indirect impacts and a wider effect on well-being and life opportunities, as well as on climate change.
Summary of Direct impacts of living in cold homes identified in the report:
- There is a strong relationship between cold temperatures, cardio-vascular and respiratory diseases, which has been associated with fuel poverty and cold housing.
- Children living in cold homes are more than twice as likely to suffer from a variety of respiratory problems than children living in warm homes.
- Mental health is negatively affected by fuel poverty and cold housing for any age group.
- More than 1 in 4 adolescents living in cold housing are at risk of multiple mental health problems.
- Cold housing increases the level of minor illnesses such as colds and flu and exacerbates existing conditions such as arthritis and rheumatisms.
Summary of Indirect impacts of living in cold homes identified in the report:
- Cold housing negatively affects children’s educational attainment, emotional well-being and resilience.
- Fuel poverty negatively affects dietary opportunities and choices.
- Cold housing negatively affects dexterity and increases the risk of accidents and injuries in the home.
Click on the following link to read the full report by the Marmot Review Team for Friends of the Earth:
