Reader Douglas White wrote in about an article describing a survey that suggests urban sprawl causes health problems.
White says: "The article states that there is a connection between 'sprawl' (a.k.a. growth among people other than anti-capitalists) and an unhealthy lifestyle. How can they pass off a report that was developed from a survey as scientifically sound? I live amongst the 'sprawl' of Atlanta and I'm supposed to be less healthy than someone living in Manhattan? Please!!!"
The point is very valid. We have others concerns about this story as well.
While ACSH does not have an official position on this issue, when a similar story came out about a year ago, we told the press that our main concern is that anti-sprawl activists are trying to turn an issue they see as an environmental one into a health issue -- without a scientific basis.
Now, if all they are saying in the new report is that those who live in the suburbs don't walk as much as those who live, for example, in Manhattan, that may be true (suburbanites tend to drive everywhere instead of walking). Those who exercise less often are less healthy. But by no means does it prove that living in the suburbs, in and of itself, is unhealthy. It just means that if you do, you need to make sure you get in enough physical activity. Suburbanites might have ready access to hiking paths and swimming areas, for instance. Or as I'd tell the "study" authors, "Go jump in a lake!"
Jeff Stier is an associate director of the American Council on Science and Health.
