Report on Public Health and Urban Sprawl in Ontario: A review of the pertinent literature

<br /><br /> "This report summarizes pertinent information on the relationship between urban sprawl and health. It serves to identify the key issues that are relevant to the growing number of sprawl-related health problems in Ontario which is comparable to US situations and is far worse compared to Europe.<br /><br /> The best available evidence indicates that greenspace is an essential part of human health. People cannot continue to lead healthy lives without sufficient farmland to produce local food, forests to help purify the air, and protected watersheds to provide safe drinking water. Neither of these complementary goals - protecting environmental systems and protecting human health - can be accomplished, however, without curbing urban sprawl. By setting aside one million new acres for a Greenbelt in southern Ontario, the provincial government has taken strong steps towards protecting the environment, and building stronger, healthier, more compact communities. Other connected strategies, such as the proposed Growth Plan and the Planning Reform initiative, will also play key roles in controlling sprawling growth.<br /><br /> In this document, the pathway from urban sprawl to public health via vehicle emissions and air pollution will be examined, along with reviews of the relationship of sprawl to increased driving. Sprawling urban developments leads to increased driving, which results in increased vehicle emissions that contribute to air pollution and its attendant negative impacts on human health. Health effects of traffic-related air pollution, at both the local and regional levels, are described using Toronto and Ontario mortality and morbidity data. The effects of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions on morbidity and mortality, particularly with reference to respiratory disease (including asthma), cardiovascular disease, and reproductive health are summarized. Some cancers such as leukemia in children have been linked to exhaust toxicants. Furthermore, the increased greenhouse gas emissions that result from a car-dependent society are counterproductive to the Canadian commitment to the Kyoto Protocol.<br /><br /> The future pattern of land development will shape the choice and mode of travel for future generations, as well as determine housing location and affordability. Evidence clearly shows that people who live in spread-out, car-dependent neighborhoods are likely to walk less, weigh more, and suffer from obesity and high blood pressure and consequent diabetes, cardio-vascular and other diseases, as compared to people who live in more efficient, higher density communities (Ewing et al, 2003a). The sprawl index used by Ewing is used to rank these areas and is calculated in such a way that the higher the index the lower the sprawl. Thus, road accidents and fatalities are found to decline as the index for localities increases. The low-walkability of sprawling neighbourhoods and the resulting increase in car use contribute to the growing obesity epidemic, especially in children. A lack of safe pedestrian thoroughfares and diminished natural environments also lead to the decline of social capital and psychological well-being. Other health implications of urban sprawl include social isolation and age segregation in the elderly and young (Pohanka, 2004). Sprawl impacts greatly on the elderly and disabled, who consequently become isolated and unable to access social or medical services.<br /><br /> Urban (or suburban) sprawl leads to increased traffic, which in turn leads to increased accidents and fatalities (motorists, pedestrians and cyclists), as well as negative mental health impacts (stress, road rage and anxiety). A greater number of fatalities occur where the population density is lower. Road accidents represent the most underestimated risk that people are exposed to in everyday life. The impact of fatalities and disabilities from traffic accidents on society cannot be underestimated. Thousands of pedestrians, motorists and cyclists die or are maimed every year in North America. Post-traumatic stress disorder is much greater in these groups than the national average, and psychiatric problems occur readily in children who have experienced even minor traffic accidents.<br /><br /> Vehicle drivers are experiencing increased levels of stress due to long commutes and greater distances to reach services. In addition to having deleterious effects on physical health, this stress has been found to impact on family life and work performance. Women bear an inordinate amount of this burden due to responsibilities with children, jobs, errands and elderly care-giving at home.<br /><br /> The environmental problems that result from uncontrolled urban growth are numerous, and have a significant impact on health. These problems include flooding, which results from increased impervious surfaces for roads and parking; increased temperatures from heat islands, which leads to a significant increased risk of mortality in elderly populations; decreases in natural areas and forests, and increased incidences of water pollution and water-borne disease.<br /><br /> The impact of the built environment on health is an emerging field of study and more rigorous research is needed, especially in Canada. Despite this, the results of current studies clearly indicate that serious public health problems will continue to escalate unless decisive and immediate action is taken to control urban sprawl and preserve sufficient greenspace, improve air quality, and protect water sources." [Executive Summary]<br /><br />

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