Watts-to-Wellbeing: Does residential energy conservation improve health?
NCHH recently completed Watts-to-Wellbeing, the first study to evaluate specific health improvements related to common energy improvement measuresnow used in this country. We conducted this research because residential energy conservation has been increasing in size, frequency, and scope, this project determined if modern energy conservation measures improve the health status of the occupants. Our findings include:
- Adult respondents reported a 0.29 point improvement in the mean general health score (1=excellent, 2=very good, 3=good, 4=fair, 5=poor) (3.07 to 2.78, p<0.001);
- Sinusitis, hypertension, overweight and reduced use of asthma medication during asthma attacks showed 5%, 14%, 11%, and 20% differentials between improvement and worsening(p=0.038, p<0.001, p<0.001, p=0.077, respectively);
- Reduced use of asthma medication;
- Increased number of days with problems sleeping due to asthma and increased frequency of symptoms. such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath increased; and
- Nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide were low and showed no significant changes from baseline to followup.
This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control, Grant # ILLHH0191-08. The work that provided the basis for this publication was supported by the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009” under an award with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The substance and findings of the work are dedicated to the public. The author and publisher are solely responsible for the accuracy of the statements and interpretations contained in this publication. Such interpretations do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government.
