Large analysis and review of European housing and health status (LARES) (2007)

Preliminary overview

The WHO European LARES survey in eight cities points out a number of emerging or existing housing problems. It provides evidence that housing and health is a complex interaction, and covers a variety of health-relevant housing factors that have so far been neglected or underestimated. In each city as well as for the whole sample, there are important and health-relevant trends (accessibility and ageing, noise and sleep, mental health, accidents, heating and fuel poverty, allergies, perceived safety, indoor air and moulds, physical activity etc.) that need to be considered in both public health and housing policies.