Health at Home: Investigating Low-Income Housing Quality on Colfax Avenue

Addressing housing insecurity contributes to health care programs as stable housing has positive health benefits. Home environmental hazards may reduce these potential health benefits and could increase morbidity for conditions such as asthma. This study examined housing and indoor air quality among urban low-income households in Colorado to inform housing-insecurity interventions. We conducted a community-engaged study among residents of motels, mobile homes, apartments, and single-family homes that included a survey on the home environment, health, and sociodemographic factors, spirometry, and indoor air quality measurement. We enrolled 60 households: 50% single-family homes, 37% apartments, and 13% residential motels. Perceived stress and depression were higher among motel residents compared with other housing types. We did not find differences in lung function by housing type. Indoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon concentrations were higher in motels than in other housing types. The differential health impacts of housing type support housing programs that jointly address security and quality.