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A Systematic Review of Associations between Energy Use, Fuel Poverty, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Health

Author

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  • Chengju Wang

    (Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Juan Wang

    (Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden)

  • Dan Norbäck

    (Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden)

Abstract

Energy use in buildings can influence the indoor environment. Studies on green buildings, energy saving measures, energy use, fuel poverty, and ventilation have been reviewed, following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The database PubMed was searched for articles published up to 1 October 2020. In total, 68 relevant peer-reviewed epidemiological or exposure studies on radon, biological agents, and chemicals were included. The main aim was to assess current knowledge on how energy saving measures and energy use can influence health. The included studies concluded that buildings classified as green buildings can improve health. More efficient heating and increased thermal insulation can improve health in homes experiencing fuel poverty. However, energy-saving measures in airtight buildings and thermal insulation without installation of mechanical ventilation can impair health. Energy efficiency retrofits can increase indoor radon which can cause lung cancer. Installation of a mechanical ventilation systems can solve many of the negative effects linked to airtight buildings and energy efficiency retrofits. However, higher ventilation flow can increase the indoor exposure to outdoor air pollutants in areas with high levels of outdoor air pollution. Finally, future research needs concerning energy aspects of buildings and health were identified.

Suggested Citation

  • Chengju Wang & Juan Wang & Dan Norbäck, 2022. "A Systematic Review of Associations between Energy Use, Fuel Poverty, Energy Efficiency Improvements and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(12), pages 1-29, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:12:p:7393-:d:840325
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rosalie Callway & Anna Le Gouais & Emma L. Bird & Michael Chang & Judi Kidger, 2023. "Integrating Health into Local Plans: A Comparative Review of Health Requirements for Urban Development in Seven Local Planning Authorities in England," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(5), pages 1-36, February.
    2. Alberto Pietro Damiano Baltrocchi & Lucrezia Maggi & Bruno Dal Lago & Vincenzo Torretta & Márta Szabó & Muhtor Nasirov & Ergash Kabilov & Elena Cristina Rada, 2023. "Mechanisms of Diffusion of Radon in Buildings and Mitigation Techniques," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-16, December.

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