Wk 2. Presentation_Transcript_Built and Natural Environment - Transcript1

Aims to quantify the effects of the environment on human health and wellbeing.
Refers to the outermost ring of the Dahlgren and Whitehead framework of determinants.
Identifies three unique categories of environment: natural, built, and virtual.

Urban heat islands lead to significantly higher temperatures in city centers compared to surrounding areas.
Factors contributing to this phenomenon:
- Building Materials: Asphalt and concrete retain heat longer.
- Vegetation: Lack of plants reduces cooling effects.
- Building Structures: Tall buildings trap heat and reduce air circulation.
Example: 2019 heatwaves in Europe resulted in thousands of deaths due to extreme heat, exacerbated by urban heat islands.
Health implications: Increased emergency hospital admissions in urban areas with high population density during heatwaves.

Cities like Moreland City Council are pursuing projects to cool urban environments.
Using Green Space: Incorporation of parks, trees, and green roofs to reduce urban heat.
- Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI): A measure of vegetation using satellite images. Higher NDVI correlates with better mental wellbeing and improved health outcomes but can also be linked to increased asthma/allergies.

Green spaces mitigate heat, reduce noise, and lower stress but come with potential hazards.
Current recommendations in Australia: Sun protection when UV index ≥3; high rates of skin cancer among Australians.
- Vitamin D Deficiency: Many Australians are vitamin D deficient despite the need for sun exposure for adequate levels.
- Health Strategies: Supplementation and food fortification, though they require resources.

Major components affect health:
- Particulate Matter: Smaller particles lead to worse health effects; composed of industrial and natural sources.
- Nitrogen Oxides: Primarily from combustion processes occurring in the built environment.
- Bioaerosols: Released during the reproductive cycle of plants, contributing to allergies.
Research shows exposure to pollen can reduce lung function in children, correlating with high levels of residential greenness and leading to airway inflammation.

The interconnectedness of environmental factors such as urban heat islands, green spaces, and air pollution illustrate their significant impact on health.
The material prompts further interest in studying the comprehensive environmental determinants of health and wellbeing.