Fundamental changes to planning policy are needed to combat a range of modern health epidemics, according to a leading US expert in public health.
Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Institute of Public Health (IPH), Richard R. Jackson, professor of environmental health at the University of California, Berkeley, said improvements in US life expectancy over the past 100 years have been largely driven by environmental factors rather than medicine.
"American life spans have doubled since that time, from 40 to 80 years, yet only seven of those added years have come from medical care. The other 33 years have come from a public health approach that has seen improvements in housing and workplace environment.
"Similarly, we now face epidemics of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, obesity, depression, osteoporosis and cancer, which are devastating to the quality of life. Fundamental changes to our built environment are necessary to help combat these new epidemics," Prof Jackson told the seminar in Dublin.
The IPH published a report coinciding with the seminar, identifying a range of social and health issues affected by urban planning.
Health Impact of the Built Environmentfound:
- People living in deprived socioeconomic conditions are especially vulnerable to the influence of the built environment;
- Exposure to poor quality housing, high density traffic and poor access to quality green spaces contributes to a range of health problems;
- "Substantial evidence" suggests urban sprawl contributes to increasing obesity, due to car dependency, longer commuting times and fewer opportunities for exercise;
- Car-dependent communities are characterised by poor neighbour networking and social relationships, which can lead to social isolation;
- Planning with regard to public health could reduce levels of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, asthma and psychological stress
The report calls for integrated planning in which health professionals and policy makers are involved in urban development schemes.
With growing levels of urban living in Ireland, the report identifies the need for developments to encourage exercise by providing cycle paths, quality green spaces and greater proximity to shops and services to reduce car dependency.
Owen Metcalfe, associate director of the institute, said: "This report establishes the inextricable links between place and health, and shows that there is a need for dialogue and co-operation between public health professionals, planning professionals and policy makers when it comes to urban planning and design."