Urban sprawl features rapid geographic expansion of metropolitan areas in a "leapfrog" pattern, low-density land use, segregation of distinct land uses, heavy dependence on automobile travel with extensive road construction, architectural and social homogeneity, shift of capital investment and economic opportunity from the city center to the periphery, and relatively weak regional planning. The economic, environmental, and social costs of sprawl have been widely noted and debated, but the health implications have received less attention. This paper discusses a variety of direct and indirect impacts of urban sprawl on health, in eight categories: air pollution, heat, physical activity patterns, motor vehicle crashes, pedestrian injuries and fatalities, water quality and quantity, mental health, and social capital. For each of these, the health effect and its connection with sprawl are reviewed. Available evidence is presented, and issues that require further research are identified. Since the adverse impacts of sprawl do not fall equally across the population, the distribution of health impacts across the population, and resulting equity concerns, are addressed. Finally, some solutions and emerging health issues are discussed.
Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the relationship between sprawl and health based on several categories. 2. Address urban sprawl on a variety of levels from personal transportation decisions to local zoning ordinances. 3. Discuss some solutions and emerging health issues around urban sprawl and public health.
Keywords: Urban Health, Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.