Introduction
The environment is a key wider determinant of health, shaping the conditions in which people live, work and travel. Factors such as air quality, housing conditions, neighbourhood safety, access to green space and the built environment all strongly influence physical and mental wellbeing. Poor environmental conditions—like damp or cold housing, pollution, limited green space or unsafe neighbourhoods—contribute to higher risks of respiratory illness, stress, poor mental health and health inequalities, particularly among disadvantaged communities. These risks translate into significant societal costs through increased healthcare use, reduced productivity and ongoing cycles of poor health linked to environmental disadvantage.
Other JSNA topics this topic closely linked to:
- Housing
- Obesity & Physical Activity
- Poverty
- Respiratory