IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jsusta/v16y2024i5p1771-d1343102.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

The Relationship between the Parameters That Characterize a Built Living Space and the Health Status of Its Inhabitants

Author

Listed:
  • Constantin C. Bungau

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania)

  • Codruta Bendea

    (Department of Energy Engineering, Faculty of Energy Engineering and Industrial Management, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania)

  • Tudor Bungau

    (Civil Engineering, Faculty of Constructions, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania)

  • Andrei-Flavius Radu

    (Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
    Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania)

  • Marcela Florina Prada

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Cadastre and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania)

  • Ioana Francesca Hanga-Farcas

    (Department of Architecture, Faculty of Constructions, Cadaster and Architecture, University of Oradea, 410058 Oradea, Romania)

  • Cosmin Mihai Vesa

    (Doctoral School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
    Department of Preclinical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania)

Abstract

Housing is an essential component of the living environment, and it has a substantial effect on physical and mental well-being. Multiple housing factors, including inadequate ventilation, overcrowding, construction materials, and exposure to allergens and pollutants, have been linked to a variety of diseases, such as respiratory ailments and dermatologic, rheumatologic, and cardiovascular disorders. The present narrative review shows the current state of knowledge in the field by centralizing and evaluating scientific publications with a focus on this linkage, detailing the implications for health status and the benefits of using natural materials in construction, implementing green building concepts, and applying technological transfer, where various decision factors can contribute to improving quality of life. Therefore, it is achievable to enhance the indoor air quality (IAQ) by promoting ventilation and air filtration, decreasing mold and moisture, and employing low-emitting materials in building construction and development. Overall, promoting healthy housing environments through an enhanced IAQ and using sustainable building practices can have a substantial positive effect on public health. To reduce the risk of housing-related diseases, future research should concentrate on identifying the most effective interventions to improve the living environment–health condition axis.

Suggested Citation

  • Constantin C. Bungau & Codruta Bendea & Tudor Bungau & Andrei-Flavius Radu & Marcela Florina Prada & Ioana Francesca Hanga-Farcas & Cosmin Mihai Vesa, 2024. "The Relationship between the Parameters That Characterize a Built Living Space and the Health Status of Its Inhabitants," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-35, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:1771-:d:1343102
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/5/1771/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2071-1050/16/5/1771/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Sedina Kalender Smajlović & Andreja Kukec & Mateja Dovjak, 2019. "Association between Sick Building Syndrome and Indoor Environmental Quality in Slovenian Hospitals: A Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-18, September.
    2. Cuong Hoang Quoc & Giang Vu Huong & Hai Nguyen Duc, 2020. "Working Conditions and Sick Building Syndrome among Health Care Workers in Vietnam," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-11, May.
    3. Alessandra Cincinelli & Tania Martellini, 2017. "Indoor Air Quality and Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(11), pages 1-5, October.
    4. Michalis Koureas & George Rachiotis & Andreas Tsakalof & Christos Hadjichristodoulou, 2017. "Increased Frequency of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Allergic Rhinitis among Pesticide Sprayers and Associations with Pesticide Use," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-8, August.
    5. Andrea Amerio & Andrea Brambilla & Alessandro Morganti & Andrea Aguglia & Davide Bianchi & Francesca Santi & Luigi Costantini & Anna Odone & Alessandra Costanza & Carlo Signorelli & Gianluca Serafini , 2020. "COVID-19 Lockdown: Housing Built Environment’s Effects on Mental Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(16), pages 1-10, August.
    6. Nancy T. Gallini & Brian D. Wright, 1990. "Technology Transfer under Asymmetric Information," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 21(1), pages 147-160, Spring.
    7. Vinh Van Tran & Duckshin Park & Young-Chul Lee, 2020. "Indoor Air Pollution, Related Human Diseases, and Recent Trends in the Control and Improvement of Indoor Air Quality," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-27, April.
    8. Loganathan Salvaraji & Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin & Richard Avoi & Sahipudin Saupin & Lee Kim Sai & Surinah Binti Asan & Haidar Rizal Bin Toha & Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, 2022. "Ecological Study of Sick Building Syndrome among Healthcare Workers at Johor Primary Care Facilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-13, December.
    9. Krieger, J. & Higgins, D.L., 2002. "Housing and health: Time again for public health action," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(5), pages 758-768.
    10. Seyed Meysam Khoshnava & Raheleh Rostami & Rosli Mohamad Zin & Dalia Štreimikienė & Abbas Mardani & Mohammad Ismail, 2020. "The Role of Green Building Materials in Reducing Environmental and Human Health Impacts," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(7), pages 1-22, April.
    11. Nipuni Nilakshini Wimalasena & Alice Chang-Richards & Kevin I-Kai Wang & Kim N. Dirks, 2021. "Housing Risk Factors Associated with Respiratory Disease: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(6), pages 1-24, March.
    12. Jaakkola, J.J.K. & Verkasalo, P.K. & Jaakkola, N., 2000. "Plastic wall materials in the home and respiratory health in young children," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 90(5), pages 797-799.
    13. Perdue, W.C. & Stone, L.A. & Gostin, L.O., 2003. "The Built Environment and Its Relationship to the Public's Health: The Legal Framework," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 93(9), pages 1390-1394.
    14. Adamkiewicz, G. & Zota, A.R. & Patricia Fabian, M. & Chahine, T. & Julien, R. & Spengler, J.D. & Levy, J.I., 2011. "Moving environmental justice indoors: Understanding structural influences on residential exposure patterns in low-income communities," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(SUPPL. 1), pages 238-245.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Lorenzo Capasso & Daniela D’Alessandro, 2021. "Housing and Health: Here We Go Again," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-9, November.
    2. Loganathan Salvaraji & Shamsul Bahari Shamsudin & Richard Avoi & Sahipudin Saupin & Lee Kim Sai & Surinah Binti Asan & Haidar Rizal Bin Toha & Mohammad Saffree Jeffree, 2022. "Ecological Study of Sick Building Syndrome among Healthcare Workers at Johor Primary Care Facilities," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-13, December.
    3. Justyna Rój & Maciej Jankowiak, 2021. "Socioeconomic Determinants of Health and Their Unequal Distribution in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-20, October.
    4. Katharine Robb & Ashley Marcoux & Jorrit de Jong, 2021. "Further Inspection: Integrating Housing Code Enforcement and Social Services to Improve Community Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-13, November.
    5. Aner Martinez-Soto & Carlos Jimenez-Gallardo & Andrés Villarroel-Lopez & Alejandro Reyes-Riveros & Johanna Höhl, 2024. "Toward Sustainable Indoor Environments: Assessing the Impact of Thermal Insulation Measures on Air Quality in Buildings—A Case Study in Temuco, Chile," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-17, January.
    6. Eva Hernandez-Garcia & Evangelia Chrysikou & Anastasia Z. Kalea, 2021. "The Interplay between Housing Environmental Attributes and Design Exposures and Psychoneuroimmunology Profile—An Exploratory Review and Analysis Paper in the Cancer Survivors’ Mental Health Morbidity ," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-32, October.
    7. Roberto Albertini & Maria Eugenia Colucci & Isabella Viani & Emanuela Capobianco & Michele Serpentino & Alessia Coluccia & Mostafa Mohieldin Mahgoub Ibrahim & Roberta Zoni & Paola Affanni & Licia Vero, 2024. "Study on the Effectiveness of a Copper Electrostatic Filtration System “Aerok 1.0” for Air Disinfection," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(9), pages 1-12, September.
    8. Carlos Cobreros & Neyda Medoza-Ruvalcaba & Mariana Flores-García & Rob Roggema, 2023. "Improving Psychological Well-Being in Urban University Districts through Biophilic Design: Two Cases in Mexico," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-14, March.
    9. Vithawat Surawattanasakul & Wachiranun Sirikul & Ratana Sapbamrer & Kampanat Wangsan & Jinjuta Panumasvivat & Pheerasak Assavanopakun & Supang Muangkaew, 2022. "Respiratory Symptoms and Skin Sick Building Syndrome among Office Workers at University Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand: Associations with Indoor Air Quality, AIRMED Project," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-14, August.
    10. Fupeng Zhang & Lei Shi & Simian Liu & Jiaqi Shi & Mengfei Cheng, 2022. "Indoor Air Quality in Tujia Dwellings in Hunan, China: Field Tests, Numerical Simulations, and Mitigation Strategies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-27, July.
    11. Mei Wu & Guangwei Zhang & Liping Wang & Xiaoping Liu & Zhengwei Wu, 2022. "Influencing Factors on Airflow and Pollutant Dispersion around Buildings under the Combined Effect of Wind and Buoyancy—A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(19), pages 1-19, October.
    12. Hélène Niculita-Hirzel, 2022. "Latest Trends in Pollutant Accumulations at Threatening Levels in Energy-Efficient Residential Buildings with and without Mechanical Ventilation: A Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-12, March.
    13. Vincenza Gianfredi & Maddalena Buffoli & Andrea Rebecchi & Roberto Croci & Aurea Oradini-Alacreu & Giuseppe Stirparo & Alessio Marino & Anna Odone & Stefano Capolongo & Carlo Signorelli, 2021. "Association between Urban Greenspace and Health: A Systematic Review of Literature," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-23, May.
    14. Johnny C. Lorentzen & Gunnar Johanson & Folke Björk & Sofia Stensson, 2022. "Overcrowding and Hazardous Dwelling Condition Characteristics: A Systematic Search and Scoping Review of Relevance for Health," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-21, November.
    15. Pierluigi Morano & Francesco Tajani & Felicia Di Liddo & Paola Amoruso, 2024. "A Feasibility Analysis of Energy Retrofit Initiatives Aimed at the Existing Property Assets Decarbonisation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-19, April.
    16. Llanes Gastón & Trento Stefano, 2011. "Anticommons and Optimal Patent Policy in a Model of Sequential Innovation," The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, De Gruyter, vol. 11(1), pages 1-27, August.
    17. Josh Lerner, 2005. "The Scope of Open Source Licensing," The Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization, Oxford University Press, vol. 21(1), pages 20-56, April.
    18. Xiang Wu & Lindong Liu & Xiaowei Luo & Jianwu Chen & Jingwen Dai, 2018. "Study on Flow Field Characteristics of the 90° Rectangular Elbow in the Exhaust Hood of a Uniform Push–Pull Ventilation Device," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(12), pages 1-12, December.
    19. Kaylee Ramage & Meaghan Bell & Lisa Zaretsky & Laura Lee & Katrina Milaney, 2021. "Is the Right to Housing Being Realized in Canada? Learning from the Experiences of Tenants in Affordable Housing Units in a Large Canadian City," Societies, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-9, June.
    20. Daniela D’Alessandro & Andrea Rebecchi & Letizia Appolloni & Andrea Brambilla & Silvio Brusaferro & Maddalena Buffoli & Maurizio Carta & Alessandra Casuccio & Liliana Coppola & Maria Vittoria Corazza , 2023. "Re-Thinking the Environment, Cities, and Living Spaces for Public Health Purposes, According with the COVID-19 Lesson: The LVII Erice Charter," Land, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-17, September.

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:1771-:d:1343102. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.