Citation:
Angie Bone, Virginia Murray, Isabella Myers, Andy Dengel, Derrick Crump, Will drivers for home energy efficiency harm occupant health?, Perspectives in Public Health, September 2010, Volume 130, Number 5, Pages 233-238
Abstract:
The UK government has committed to an 80% reduction in carbon emissions by 2050,
with housing accounting for 27% of total current emissions. There are several
drivers both to reduce emissions from homes and to reduce fuel poverty,
promoting a range of building and behavioural measures in homes. The health
benefits of warmer homes in winter have been described, but there has been less
consideration of the potential negative impacts of some of these measures. We
examine the changes in UK homes, and the possible consequences for health. The
main concerns for health surround the potential for poor indoor air quality if
ventilation is insufficient and the possible risks of overheating in heatwave
conditions. This paper notes a limited evidence base and the need for further
research on the health effects of energy-efficient homes, particularly with
regard to ventilation.
