The effect of improving the thermal quality of cold housing on blood pressure and general health: a research note.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the effect of improving the thermal quality of housing on blood pressure (BP) and general health.


METHODS
A before and after study comparing the changes of the intervention with controls.


METHODS
Four blocks of flats in the Easthall area of Easterhouse in Glasgow.


METHODS
Residents of the four blocks who agreed to participate.


METHODS
Two blocks of flats were upgraded from being cold, damp and mouldy to being comfortably warm, dry and mould free throughout.


METHODS
Changes in BP, general health and financial status.


RESULTS
In the intervention subjects, systolic and diastolic blood pressures fell very significantly (p<0.000). There was also an improvement in general health as reported subjectively, and as indicated by a reduction in the use of medication and in hospital admissions. In addition, there was a markedly reduced expenditure on heating costs and other previous expenses. There were no changes in the control subjects in any of these measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving the thermal quality of housing to eliminate damp and mould and produce a comfortable temperature throughout the house has a major impact on the health of the residents. There are also financial benefits for the residents, and indirectly for the NHS.
Lloyd
E L
EL
72 Belgrave Road, Edinburgh EH12 6NQ, UK. evlloyd@waitrose.com
McCormack
C
C
McKeever
M
M
Syme
M
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000391:Air Microbiology; D016902:Air Pollution, Indoor / Q000517:prevention & control; D001794:Blood Pressure; D003080:Cold Temperature; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D005658:Fungi; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006304:Health Status; D006361:Heating / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D006798:Housing / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012606:Scotland; D013696:Temperature