Health is a state of physical, mental and social well-being. The quality of the environment affects this both directly and indirectly.

Background

Buildings and their associated traffic movements can have a significant detrimental impact on health, especially during their construction period. Such impacts range from the global to the local, with carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of fossil fuels contributing to climate change (via the greenhouse effect) at one end of the spectrum, and smells, dust and fumes affecting local air quality at the other.

Many pollutants are to be found in modern buildings where numerous gases and particles are given off by materials and appliances and ventilation can play an important role. An increasing number of allocated development sites require expensive remedial treatment to make them suitable for use. This reflects a greater need to utilise land contaminated by previous industrial activities.

Incoming industries will need to investigate these costs and risks by contacting the relevant local authority for information at the site assessment stage. Even fairly small operations may have adverse localised effects on adjoining activities or homes through their own emissions and some may require separation zones or ‘cordon sanitaires’. Heavier industry is still capable of transferring airborne pollution over long distances, often in clouds of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can damage building exteriors, trees and crops. These gases can harm human health when they react with concentrations of other airborne pollutants at a local level, notably those produced by transport and heating systems.

A key priority is to cut transport related emissions, where the adverse impact of more travel continues to outstrip the benefits of introducing more efficient technologies (see Travel and Transport). Elsewhere improved design and specification processes can play a crucial role in addressing health factors, as well as providing facilities, such as recreational space, that can promote healthier lifestyles. (See Building Design and Specification.)

Sustainable developments will minimise the amount of polluting emissions and discharges to air, water and soil, both on site and off site, and restrict noise and light pollution.

Forces for change

• Extensive legislation since mid 1980s relevant to development and construction, originating from both EU and UK, covers:
• Control of pollution.
• Contaminated land.
• Health and safety and environment information.
• Noise.
• Water Resources.
• National Air Quality Strategy (2000) “Working Together for Cleaner Air” (DETR) and legislation requiring local authorities to monitor air quality.
• Department of Health’s Strategy for England “Saving Lives : Our Healthier Nation” 1998.
• Greater planning emphasis on brownfield sites leading to more treatment of contaminated land.
• Enhanced awareness and concern about health issues, especially impact of emissions/fumes on respiratory system and problems of unhealthy buildings. e.g. sick building syndrome.
• Model Codes of Practice such as the Environment Agency’s Pollution Prevention Guidelines and DEFRA’s Process Guidance Notes.