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

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.

Een ongunstig binnenmilieu als mediërende variabele tussen energiearmoede en gezondheid: een verkenning

“…Het onvoldoende kunnen verwarmen van de woning door energiearmoede kan leiden tot meer schimmel en schimmelgeur samenhangend met vocht [7]. Verbetering van de isolatie van de woning om energiearmoede tegen te gaan, kan positieve effecten hebben op vocht en schimmel als er tegelijkertijd aandacht is voor voldoende ventilatie [8]. Een ongunstig binnenmilieu in de woning gedefinieerd als vocht, schimmel én/of gebrekkige ventilatie zou betekenisvol kunnen zijn in de samenhang tussen energiearmoede en gezondheid.…”

“…Wang, Wang en Nörback concluderen in een systematische review dat energiearmoede doorgaans in relatie tot gezondheid is onderzocht én dat er los daarvan onderzoek is gedaan naar de relatie tussen vocht, schimmel en ventilatie, en gezondheid [8]. Onderzoek waarin zowel energiearmoede, als een ongunstig binnenmilieu én gezondheid zijn gemeten, is echter schaars.…”

Integrating Health into Local Plans: A Comparative Review of Health Requirements for Urban Development in Seven Local Planning Authorities in England

“…First, in terms of fuel poverty and energy insecurity, the links with household provision of energy and health outcomes are also numerous. Energy efficiency was already identified as an important determinant of health in the HLP review framework, as efficiency measures (in combination with effective ventilation) are associated with reduced morbidities related to exposure to excess cold or heat, reduced respiratory and allergic symptoms, e.g., asthma and eczema, reduced sick building syndrome (SBS), as well as reduced blood pressure, sinusitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [29]. More recent studies indicate that energy insecurity and fuel poverty, typically associated with low-income households, can increase heat or cold stress, undermine the quality of sleep, exacerbate arthritic, mobility issues and cardiovascular issues, and have detrimental mental health affects [30].…”

Mechanisms of Diffusion of Radon in Buildings and Mitigation Techniques

“…Such interventions are typically carried out by adding internal or external thermal insulation layers and replacing window frames with more thermally efficient ones. Whether such interventions are implemented together with a proper mechanical ventilation system or not, they strongly reduce the permeability of the building envelope, with possible repercussions on indoor air quality and a potential increase in exposure to radon [108,[119][120][121][122][123][124][125][126].…”