HEP 452 Module 3 Discussion The Built Environment

Previously, I had a general understanding of how the environment is key to public health but didn’t have the idea that the built environment has a great impact on the health of populations. However, after reading the article, I have realized that the built environment does not only serve to provide better infrastructural development, but also contributes to determining the health of a population, and therefore, it remains an important part of the public health concern. One issue that I found interesting in the article is that physical spaces can expose individuals to toxins or pollutants and influence their lifestyle in a manner that may be dangerous to their health (Perdue, Stone & Gostin, 2003). For example, advanced lifestyles had led to increased cases of diabetes, asthma, and coronary vascular disease as people have continued to ignore healthy lifestyles such as exercising. This is especially common in the urban environment that has mostly been poorly designed to facilitate healthy behaviors or create conditions for better health. Health officials can provide information on living a healthy life, but if the populations live in poorly designed physical environments, they will continue to suffer health-wise.

According to the article, there are five main legal avenues that affect the built environment and thus affect the health of populations. Environmental regulation includes federal and state laws regulating the emission of toxic substances that contribute to the degradation of the environment. These laws are aimed at improving the quality of air and water, hence facilitating healthy living (Perdue, Stone & Gostin, 2003). Zoning and related developmental requirements are laws that are aimed at regulating land use including for industrial, manufacturing, agricultural, commercial and residential purposes. Building and housing codes are designed to ensure that buildings are safe, sanitary, and efficient. The taxing power on the built environment helps in regulating buildings. The government can provide tax exemption and incentives to encourage the construction of affordable housing. Finally, spending power allows the government to spend on resources that create or promote a healthier and safer built environment.

References

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, 93(9), 1390-1394.