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Environment and Health

Health is inextricably linked to the quality and form of the environment where we live. Our health depends on the quality of our environment – natural, built, social and cultural.

Relevance to Checklist

For people to be healthy, the environment should be health enhancing and provide opportunities to live a healthy life. It is vital to ensure that the natural environment is protected and managed and that communities are built and maintained to be sustainable. The urban planning and development process, as well as a number of other processes, has a role to play in creating healthy and sustainable communities.

It is, however, important to note that many of the issues that fall under the banner of ‘environmental health’ are already covered under existing legislation, regulations or policies. The Checklist focuses on urban development factors that can influence environment and health. Key among these are air quality, water quality, pollution in the form of noise, odour and light and pest management. Other important issues where health (including safety) and the environment interact include the consideration of the potential for hazards (both natural and man made) and how they can be avoided.

Environment & Health key questions to ask

How does the policy, plan or development proposal –

  • Contribute to enhancing air quality?
  • Contribute to enhancing water quality, safety and supply?
  • Minimise disturbance and health effects associated with noise, odour and light pollution?
  • Consider the potential for hazards (both natural and man made) and address their mitigation?
  • Avoid locating urban development in vector catchments?

Snapshots of key evidence and leading practice

For an overview of the key evidence and leading practice relating to the issue of Environment and Health click here

Related chapters

Physical Activity; Transport and Physical Connectivity; Housing; Healthy Food

Links to more resources