Determinants of Health in Low-Income Populated Areas

This article explores the impact of home surroundings on residents' health in low-income populated areas. It discusses the environmental exposures and risks associated with poor living conditions and overcrowding. The article also provides insights into the determinants of health and offers a risk health assessment and management for Melbourne city.

Running head: HEALTHCARE 1
Determinant of health AT2
Student’s name
University affiliation
Author’s note

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Introduction
The home surrounding can be a key determinant of a resident’s health, particularly in
low-incomes populated areas. This may be driven by attributes of the social or physical
surroundings found within such settings. Also, specific environmental exposures which are
shaped by the residents’ behavior, products, and appliances used within homes or the physical
structure may influence such environments. To the observed health disparities in low income
communities, such environmental exposures may be essential. As such, they may highlight the
presence of risk clusters and provide awareness on pathways that may be acquiescent to
intervention.
Numerous building and household features influence housing conditions. In multifamily
housing, building features can be shaped by renovating and constructing practices (Baker, 2012).
Also, professional staff involved in building operations and maintenance can be useful. The
determinants of environment exposures include pollutant sources, resident activity patterns,
usage of products, ventilation systems, design and maintenance of buildings, and the level of pest
infestations.
As much as departmental heads try to eliminate health disparities, there are
environmental causes which may be encountered (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis,
2011). Few studies have been able to explain the effect if cumulative risks in such settings
despite knowing hazards in the home. As such, it will require much understanding and critical
evaluation to address indoor environmental exposures. This requires rooting for the cause and
understanding them adequately. The article provides a risk health assessment and management
for Melbourne city.
Issue identification

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There are numerous health hazards which are related to overcrowding and poor living
conditions in inner city apartments. They include social, physical, environmental, and
psychological features which are linked and entwined in different ways. Environmental factors
entail various parts of the natural surroundings such as quality of air and water, availability of
food among other physical environmental issues including housing and traffic. On the other
hand, social features included social inequalities affecting health, work, and income.
There has been extensive research carried out to investigate the relationship between
mental and physical health to the quality of housing. With time, the relationship between poor
health and poor housing becomes evident (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). Poor
housing which correlates to poor health are associated directly with some factors such as poor
nutrition, poor sanitation, and insufficient personal freedom, among others. People who spend
most of their time in the house are likely to be affected by long terms of health issues. To
children and women, this can be more prominent, leading to severe illness and disability in
extreme cases. Any health issue which is not adequately taken care of can lead to the death of the
individuals. Overcrowding is a root cause of most health hazards. Poor living conditions is a
catalyzing factor towards that. Infections can outbreak and spread easily and uncontrollably,
causing significant numbers of deaths.
Air pollution
In major cities, this has been one of the greatest issues. There are several factors which
have led to its growth. When a locality is more crowded with poor living conditions, the issues
become more severe. Impacts of air pollution are more severe for unhealthy people but also
affect healthy individuals. During any outdoor activities, this includes infections of the
respiratory organs (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). There are immediate health

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problems which are associated with air pollution. Such include cardiovascular issues, stressed
lungs, respiratory illnesses, and poor supply of oxygen to the heart and other body parts
(Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). Persistence of this issues leads to long term
effects such as accelerated aging of lungs, reduced lung functions and capacity, development of
chronic diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, and a reduced life span if the affected person. People
who stay outdoor for long, such as women, children, and athletes are the most affected.
Many sources contribute to air pollution. Such include burning fuel, automobiles, animal
and industrial waste, and mismanagement of waste materials. With the high growth rate of the
inner city, the place is becoming overcrowded, and living conditions are deteriorating. Waste
systems become overloaded, leading to bursts of pipes and leakages that release harmful gases to
the air. In addition, there is decreased ventilation (Buys & Miller, 2012). This causes high
concentrations of carbon monoxide, which deposits to humans lungs, which severely affects the
body. Poor air circulation leads to decreased oxygen levels. After the visibility of health hazards,
levels of suffocation are experienced.
Risk of infection.
Infection risk is another important hazard. Due to overcrowding, people are susceptible to
acquiring viral among other infectious diseases. The condition of houses can be used as well-
being and health indicators. As such, poor housing and overcrowding leads to the high
susceptibility of diseases.
This is majorly caused by poor and insufficient ventilation. Presence of infectious agents
such as smoke and mold add to poor respiratory health. In this case, one of the most and
dangerous contagious diseases is tuberculosis. As a result of sneezing and coughing from a
tuberculosis patient, it spreads easily (Damalas & Eleftherohorinos, 2011). Such imply poor air

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circulation and ventilation. As such, it leads to low chances of air moving in and out from the
infectious agents. Residents then become prone to such communicable agents.
Contaminated water, insufficient sanitation, poor nutrition, and poverty are major causes
of poor living conditions (Kessler, 2013). Overcrowding leads to various risks of infections.
Such infections include diarrhea, malaria, gastric issues, flu, measles, and fever.
Fire risk
This are related directly to the quality of housing of a neighborhood. An overcrowding
place has a high risk of being associated with fire. It becomes difficult to escape in a crowded are
in case of fire break out (Lane, Landström, & Whatmore 2011). Also, rescue services will find it
difficult to maneuver to the affected areas due to panic and overcrowding. As such, much time
will be consumed, leading to huge loss of property and health effects.
As one delay to leave the affected area, they consume more gases from the fire. Smoke
containing carbon monoxide enters the lungs of the residents, causing inhalation problems.
Children are more prone to be affected as they easily panic. Use of portable heating devices also
leads to high fire risks. Since most residential areas lack central heating system, residents prefer
using portable heating devices (Lane, Landström, & Whatmore 2011). Such devices can lead to a
fire if left near explosive materials. Also, overloaded electrical outlets can lead to fires.
In essence, most overcrowded areas lack fire safety precautions and an alarm mechanism.
As such, fires can spread unnoticed, causing more damage to the area (Duggan et al 2015). This
is attributed to poor living conditions and overcrowding in inner city apartments. As such, the
areas are huge fire risks.
Hazard and Exposure Assesment

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This section discusses the health impacts of the identified hazards. Also, it gives a
mechanism through which hazards impact health.
Air pollution
Mainly, there are four causal agents to air pollution. First, the particulate matter which
causes increased mortality. When consumed by humans, they affect the lungs. Which can also
affect the skin. Secondly, the greenhouse effect is another leading cause of breathing problems. It
reduces lung functions triggering asthma and other lung diseases such as cancer (Featherstone et
al 2012). Nitrogen oxides are other causal agents which increase the probability of attaining
bronchitis in children found asthmatic and reduce lung functions (Masuda, & Crabtree, 2010).
Lastly, sulphuric acid which directly affects the respiratory system and also causes eye irritation.
Inflammation of respiratory tract causes secretion of mucus, coughing, asthma, and chronic
bronchitis.
All these components of air pollution have a single mechanism, causing health problems.
Through breathing, they enter the body and directly land to the lungs (Victorian Department of
Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 2016). Children and old adults are greatly affected by
this. Also, individuals with weak immune systems are more susceptible to the effects of air
pollution. Annually, there are more than half a million deaths caused by air pollution.
Infection risk
Essentially, strong infections are caused by viruses from hepatitis C and B, influenza
virus, HIV, rhinovirus, and tuberculosis. This are the deadly viruses in the world cause the most
number of deaths if not treated properly. Other diseases entail pneumonia, skin and lung
infections, and gastric issues. Lack of adequate health care, poor living standards, damp
surrounding, and air pollution increase the vulnerability of a person to such infections.

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The virus enters the body through air, taking contaminated food and water, and using
unsanitary toilets. The can easily manipulate the body once inside and multiply quickly n
different organs. Low income group, senior public, and children are prone to such viral attacks.
Also, a weak immune system people can easily be attacked by the viruses. In condition which are
clean, such conditions are rare to find.
Fire risk
There are numerous impact from fire risks. It can cause both financial and health loss.
However, there are three main impacts of fire risks, which include burning, exposure to high
temperatures, and inhaling dangerous smokes (Western Australian Department of Health, 2016).
Direct contact to fires can cause burns and damage to internal body parts. If prolonged, it also
leads to death. Long with fine particles, inhaling smoke penetrates deep to the lungs causing
burning sensation to the eyes. It can also lead to aggravated chronic lung and heart disorders.
Similarly, being exposed to high temperatures will result in the same. The worse impact is
inhaling the smoke from fires (Theoharidou, Kotzanikolaou, & Gritzalis, 2011). Lastly, the
financial loss is attributed to property and building materials used for the burnt buildings.
Different people have varied risks of fires. For instance, people at greater risk include
those with heart and lung diseases, young kids, older adults, pregnant women, and diabetic
individuals (Vedelago, & Houston, 2015). Also, people living in crowded areas are at risk of
facing fire impacts as changes of escaping are minimal. Poor living conditions lead to high fire
risks since there are less protective systems and bad wiring of electrical.
Risk characterization

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In any health project, risk characterization is the final step. Information from exposure
and the assessment stage is used to characterize the risk. There are four main elements in regards
to risk characterization.
The quantitative estimates of risk.
Air pollution
In this case, the research has to consider the parties which are affected. Appropriately
answer will stipulate a consideration of working with the sub or main populations. Secondly,
section concentrates on the extent of the issue identified. This relates to whether there are people
who have been hospitalized due to the selected hazards (Roy, Byrne, & Pickering, 2012).
Thirdly, the major parts of the issues are identified. Lastly, the space considered is defined.
These steps are followed through all the identified issues. In this case, the researcher will
consider the effects of air pollution. Also, they will highlight the extent to which the issue was
raised in hospitals and the number of the individual who were admitted and those that survived
or died. The next aspect of being considered is the major pollutants. In this case, sulfur dioxide
and carbon monoxide are considered as the main pollutants (Jung, et al., 2010). Lastly, the
scenario is investigated in Melbourne city and restricted to the present time. Conclusions towards
this state that air pollution will cause numerous disease, including asthma, lung cancer, and
related problems.
Infection risk
Among other environmental hazards, the risk of infections is high. Poor living conditions
and overcrowding led to the development and accumulation of bacteria and viruses. Also, humid
temperatures are favorable for the growth of such viruses (Rauh, et al). It is challenging to
control and getting rid of the infection in case it does not develop to some individuals. Unsafe

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injections, insufficient clean surrounding, poor hand hygiene, and poor cleaning and disinfection
are among other causes to the risk of infections. At a population level, the risk is adverse as it
can directly impact on the health of the residents of the population linked to it highly.
Fire risks
Characterization of fires involves fire tree approaches and event trees. The event tree is a
representation of the possible outcomes within a given place. The number of events would mean
an increased number of branches. On a health basis, it is hard to perfume an assessment as
compared to financial basis. However, the major loss is in the form of human life. An
overcrowded place which lacks good living conditions suggests minimal fire escape routes,
inadequate ventilation, lack of alarm system, hydrants, and water sprinklers (Haimes, 2015). This
makes the fire risk high. As such, it impacts greatly to health too. For a fire risk, the severity if
very high.
Risk management
The sections mentioned above have defined issues related to poor living conditions and
overcrowding in inner city apartments. Also, their cause and health hazards have been discussed
(Krieger & Higgins, 2012). This section provides insights on a recommendation to improve
inner-city apartments and reduce the identified issues. In monitoring and controlling the
environmental hazards, there are numerous ways which the government and other stakeholders
can incorporate to reduce the environmental hazards impacts. Some of the recommendations are
stated below (Gencer, 2013).
First, there is a need to improve the quality of water delivered in homes. The pH and
microorganism need to be checked before they are tapped to homes. This can be done by
chlorinating the water. Regular samples need to be taken to check for living organisms, dissolved

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content, metalloids, and organic matter. The local municipality is mandated to ensure this is
done. Also, the community needs to be made aware through programs on the need of having
clean drinking water.
Secondly, local authorities need to evaluate and asses current and future air conditions in
the area (Jim & Chen 2010). This can be done by implementing laws which will reduce air
pollutions. Such include, reduced vehicle emission, improved traffic management, planting more
trees, and promoting green belt associations. Also, people can be encouraged to use other
convenient and safer means of transportation, such as walking and cycling. This requires
awareness of information to the society which would encourage them to realize why clean air is
essential.
Thirdly, there is a need to provide proper heating cooling measures. This will reduce
extremely high and low temperatures (Giles-Corti, Ryan, & Foster, 2012). As such, landlords
should ensure they install heating and cooling systems in buildings which will ensure a check
and balance system. There is also a need to define the capacity of residents in every apartment.
As such, the issue if overcrowding will be reduced. Also, residents can be educated on the
drawbacks of overcrowding.
The city can handle infectious risks by putting in place quarantine to areas which have
been affected. Also, good medical services should be built to ensure that affected individuals are
treated to the maximum. People should also be taught how they can become conversant about
their surroundings. This should entail proper waste deposition, hose cleanliness, proper trash
points, among others. Such measures will reduce the risk of aggravating infectious problems.
Lastly, fire risks can also be minimized. Strict implementation of fire prevention policies
by the government and concerned shareholders should be made. There should be routes

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designated for escape in case fires emerge. Also, fire-resistant material, firefighting equipment,
and people, alarms, and emergency lighting should be put in place. Fire drills and importance to
prevent fire risk should be made available to the residents.

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