Psychological Hazards
Psychological hazards include crowding and space, entry by intruders, lighting and noise.
Types of psychological hazards
11. Crowding and space
Most vulnerable: All age groups
Hazards associated with lack of space within the dwelling for living, sleeping and normal family or household life.
Effects
Lack of space and overcrowded conditions have been linked to a number of health outcomes, including psychological distress and mental disorders. Crowding can result in an increased in heart rate, increased perspiration, reduction of tolerance, and a reduction of the ability to concentrate. Crowded conditions are also linked with increased hygiene risks, an increased risk of accidents, and spread of contagious disease.
12. Entry by intruders
Most vulnerable: All age groups
This covers difficulties in keeping a dwelling secure against unauthorised entry and the maintenance of defensible space
Effects
Potential effects are fear of a possible burglary occurrence or recurrence, the stress and anguish caused by a burglary, and injuries caused to occupants by an intruder (aggravated burglary).
13. Lighting
Most vulnerable: All age groups
This category covers the threats to physical and mental health associated with inadequate natural and/or artificial light. It includes the psychological effect associated with the view from the dwelling through glazing.
Effects
Inadequate lighting can cause:
- Depression and psychological effects caused by a lack of natural light or the lack of a window with a view
- Disturbance by intrusive artificial external lighting at night
- Eye strain from glare and a lack of adequate light (natural or artificial)
- Flicker caused by certain types of artificial light causes discomfort and may cause photo convulsive reactions to those susceptible
14. Noise
Most vulnerable: All age groups
This category covers threats to physical and mental health resulting from exposure to noise inside the dwelling or within its curtilage.
Effects
Common effects of noise are psychological disturbances and physiological changes resulting from annoyance and sleep disturbance. Typical health effects are stress responses, sleep disorders and lack of concentration. Headaches, anxiety, and irritability are also associated with noise induced stress, and the effects of sleep disturbance may affect mood the following day. Extreme psychological outcomes include suicide, and assault due to aggravation over noise. However, hearing loss and impairment caused by noise in dwellings is unlikely.