Cities are exciting. They are hives of activity. Cities are filled with energy. They are often the epicenter of business, trade, culture, sport, academia and so much more. It is easy to see why people want to live, work and play in cities. But there is a flip side to everything. And in the case of cities, the evidence suggests that they are quite simply bad for your health.
The recent measles outbreak in New York City demonstrated exactly how cities can become incubators for public health hazards. However, such cases are extreme examples. What is perhaps less prominent in the public eye is the debilitating impact that everyday city life can have on personal health. In fact, it can be deadly — The World Health Organisation estimates that every year, 4.2 million people die as a result of outdoor air pollution. Naturally, cities bear the brunt of this death toll, given that 91 per cent of humanity lives in urban areas exceeding the Organisation’s air pollution guidelines.
Research suggests that air pollution has more subtle impacts too. A 2011 study by a London School of Economics (LSE) researcher found that where all other variables were the same, students achieved significantly worse test results when air pollution was at its highest. Even small differences in pollution were found to have an effect. Meanwhile, another LSE study in 2008 surveyed 400 Londonders and showed that “life satisfaction” fell significantly for each additional 10 micrograms per cubic metre of nitrogen dioxide pollution.
In fact, there is further evidence indicating the mental health dangers of city life. Nature published a study in 2011, by scientists at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim. It found a 21% increase in anxiety disorders, a 39% increase in mood disorders and a doubled risk of schizophrenia in those who live in cities.
As if all of this weren’t enough, cities are strongly associated with a whole range of additional health hazards too. The inevitable noise pollution of busy cities should not be under-estimated. Some scientists have suggested that exposure to noise adversely impacts children in routine tasks which involve reading, attention span, problem-solving and memory. Others believe that the impact of noise pollution may be much more severe. A 2015 study of Londoners suggests a link not only between noise levels and risk of stroke in the elderly, but between daytime traffic noise and an overall higher risk of mortality.
Meanwhile, research also indicates that living in a city makes people more susceptible to allergies. And even the ‘bright lights’ of the city, traditionally one of its most attractive features, could be a hazard. People living in urban areas are exposed to nighttime lights which are three to six times more intense than people living in small towns. This can negatively impact sleep and make people feel increasingly stressed and anxious.
Taken as a whole, all of this paints a grim picture. However, it should not detract from the fact that cities are incredibly vibrant places, with so many avenues for leading happy, fulfilling and prosperous lives. At the same time though, these very real dangers should send a clear message that growing cities have a responsibility to encourage healthy living and greener lifestyles.
There is no silver bullet answer to an issue which has so many facets to it. What is clear though, is that healthy and environmentally-conscious thinking should play a key role in the planning and day-to-day operation of cities. As much as possible, healthy and green initiatives should be integrated into city life. Most obviously perhaps, the introduction of more green spaces would reduce pollution and provide aesthetically-pleasing social areas, which can only improve peace of mind. Research also suggests that greener environments can help reduce socio-economic related health inequalities.
Unsurprisingly, there is a body of evidence which suggests that physical exercise or time in nature helps to offset mental illness. Cities which positively encourage exercise and outdoor activity, through appropriate facilities, available spaces and particularly incentives, are likely to be happier, healthier places to live. The United Nations produces a World Happiness Report each year. Scandanavian countries and the Netherlands usually rank among the world’s happiest. It may be no coincidence that they include cities renowned for high rates of walking and cycling.
And of course, the overall design of a city can have a significant impact on health. This is especially relevant as the influx of people is leading to widespread city regeneration. Anything that can be done to incorporate social spaces into residential areas and to encourage interactions between neighbors can only be a positive development. It would help to break through the modern-day scourge of big-city anonymity and loneliness, which can blight mental health.
Cities will always be busy, noisy places. It is part of their nature, even an element of their attraction. However, they should not need to carry a health warning. As cities grow in size and number, city councils should be more aware than ever before that careful planning and bold, creative thinking can help ensure that city life also means a healthy life.
