ESTIMATING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESIDENTIAL THERMAL ENVIRONMENT AND MEDICAL COSTS

In this study, we propose age-specific equations, in 10-year increments, to estimate medical costs based on indoor thermal environments, in order to economically evaluate the health benefits of highly insulated housing. Medical costs for individuals aged 65 and older were higher than those for other age groups, and the potential for reducing these expenses by increasing indoor temperatures was also greater. For children, medical expenses related to bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis were higher than for other age groups, and the cost reduction effects of warmer indoor environments were also more significant for these conditions.