Thermal discomfort and health: protecting the susceptible from excess cold and excess heat in housing

High on the political and social agenda are the levels of domestic energy use, of carbon emissions, and of fuel poverty. Strategies to reduce these levels should ensure that the health and well-being of residents is protected and improved. Thermal discomfort in housing ranges from being uncomfortable, to serious health impacts. Avoiding thermal discomfort maintains well-being and protects the health of, in particular, the most susceptible members of the population. position paper defines thermal discomfort, examines how it can be measured, and looks at the health impacts of low and high temperatures. Factors that increase susceptibility to low and to high temperatures, both human and building related, are identified and discussed. This paper shows that there are similarities between some of these factors, and that tackling these together will provide protection for those most at risk from exposure to high and low temperatures. Strategies aimed at reducing susceptibility to both excess heat and excess cold are suggested.