How living in green homes improve mental and physical health

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FineMind44
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by FineMind44 on Thu Apr 23, 2020 10:29 am

How living in green homes improve mental and physical health

Science and research have continuously linked human health to the environment, specifically the immediate environment at home. Humans spend a significant amount [/b]of their time in homes and when the quality and standard of the home are sub-par, it poses serious health threats.
The U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development reports millions of dollars lost to lost wages and medical bills linked to inefficient and poor housing standards. Furthermore, 6 million American households are exposed to the risk of respiratory illnesses, slips, and falls due to moderately to severely dire housing problems.

Beyond physical health risks are also mental health consequences for poor housing. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Preventive Medicine found compelling evidence of the negative consequences for mental health due to the persistence of poor housing conditions. Such statistics paint a clear picture of the repercussions of housing standards and a solution to minimize these risks was born. Green homes are designed to be sustainable and environmentally friendly. Thus far in their development, they have garnered the support of NGOs and environmental protection agencies.
However, most governments have not engaged in defining and regulating green homes. Generally speaking, however, green homes emphasize improving the quality of a home by improving air quality through smart construction, conserving water and energy, reducing waste in the building process, as well as the use sustainable and environmentally friendly materials. It is these elements that are potentially critical in combating the negative outcomes of poor housing on physical and mental health.

Poor housing standards are characterized by insufficient airflow, inadequate space, and faulty construction. As a result of these, compromised air quality, compounded with hazardous chemicals in building materials pose a threat to respiratory health. Furthermore, risks of injury resulting from slips and falls due to poor construction skyrocket in these conditions. All these are problems related to construction, specifically construction approach, material choices, and space planning.
Green homes bring awareness to these shortcomings and propose sustainable and cost-effective solutions to building houses. First, they do so by leveraging a home's or a site's natural elements to generate natural airflow that not only increases the quality of air but also works as a natural ventilation system to minimize energy costs. A well-ventilated home gives way to increased oxygen levels, allowing easier breathing. Coupled with no chemical residue from building materials, the air in green homes is as clean as it gets.

Green buildings are also carefully constructed to ease movement within the home and offer sturdy structures for support. This works well in minimizing the number of physical accidents that can occur as a result of poor construction and materials. Materials and appliances are designed to minimize hygiene risks that come from moisture absorption, mold, and dust accumulation by utilizing easy to clean, dry materials.

By addressing critical housing and construction areas that have been scientifically linked to health risks for residents, green homes can boost health outcomes. It is this proven ability to address the shortcomings of conventional housing that makes green homes some of the most promising future developments.

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talkhealth
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by talkhealth on Fri Apr 24, 2020 9:58 am

Re: How living in green homes improve mental and physical he

Hi FineMind44,

Thank you for sharing this very interesting and informative post.

Hopefully in the future we will all be living in green homes.

Kind regards
talkhealth
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hundalmarck@gmail.com
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by hundalmarck@gmail.com on Mon Oct 31, 2022 11:39 am

Re: How living in green homes improve mental and physical health

Green homes really give me mental peace, which I experienced when I was a child.

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