URBAN HEALTH - HUMAN SETTLEMENT INDICATORS OF CROWDING

This paper suggests a range of indicators of crowding that could impro ve the measuring of this potential health risk. The indicators commonl y available are often too crude or have not been standardised to make a precise enough measurement of the crowding conditions in human settl ements. Crowding is discussed and defined on an area basis and at hous ehold (or housing unit) levels. Furthermore, the health risks faced by those living in crowded homes, such as infections and intense exposur e and their long-term adverse effects are discussed. The indicators ar e divided into three categories: area level, building level and housin g unit level.