Table 1 A taxonomy of urban environmental issues
From: Obesity, physical activity, and the urban environment: public health research needs
Type of issues | Representative risk factors | Potential pathways of effect |
|---|---|---|
Land use issues | Â | Â |
| Â | Business and job loss | Lengthens commutes, reduces walking |
| Â | Proximity of toxic facilities | Pollution may discourage outdoor activities |
| Â | Lack of supermarkets | May be more difficult to access healthy diets |
| Â | Abandoned buildings | Reduces density, increases crime |
| Â | Vacant lots | Increases crime, discourages walking |
Infrastructure, maintenance and service issues | Â | Â |
| Â | Sidewalks and street trees | Lack of pedestrian amenities discourages walking |
| Â | Lighting | Fear of crime keeps people indoors |
| Â | Transit projects | Lack of transit makes people more dependent on driving |
Social environment issues | Â | Â |
| Â | Poverty and income inequality | Poor areas suffer from disinvestment |
| Â | Racial segregation | May promote "redlining", the denial of loans to certain communities |
| Â | Crime | Unsafe areas may result in less physical activity, lower overall health status |