Quebec’s health system bears a staggering $2 billion burden annually due to the housing crisis, as calculated by the Quebec Observatory of Inequalities. This finding is the highlight of the Observatory’s comprehensive economic study titled “The Health Costs of a Lack of Adequate Housing,” with its latest segment delving into the profound impact of housing issues on physical and mental well-being.
The study underscores the detrimental effects of poor housing conditions on health, citing factors like air leaks, dampness, mold, pests, and overcrowding. Living in substandard housing has been linked to various health problems, including cardiovascular issues, respiratory diseases, anxiety disorders, and psychological distress. Individuals residing in inadequate housing are twice as likely to report poor overall health and face a 64% higher risk of experiencing mental health challenges.
Moreover, the strain of unaffordable housing pushes households to allocate a substantial portion of their income towards accommodation costs, leading to cutbacks in essentials like food, medications, and leisure activities. This financial burden contributes to heightened stress levels and a 37% increased risk of poor general health. The study also reveals that undersized dwellings elevate the risk of respiratory symptoms and infectious diseases, particularly among children.
The economic models employed by the Observatory estimate that the adverse housing conditions resulted in at least $27.4 million in primary care consultations in 2023. Extrapolating from this data, the total cost amounts to a staggering $2 billion annually for Quebec’s health system. Dr. Philippe Robert, the interim director of public health for the National Capital Region, emphasizes the urgency of addressing these significant costs through substantial public investment in social housing.
In conclusion, the study underscores the critical link between housing and health, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritize investments in social housing as a means to enhance overall quality of life and reduce health disparities.
