Expats and prospective expats looking for accommodation often overlook the fact that housing quality varies widely from one country to another. Moreover, the home you choose will directly influence your health during your time abroad. Identifying and preventing risks becomes essential to protect both your own well-being and that of your family. Dampness, pests, and toxic materials are seemingly small issues that can turn a home into a real health hazard. Here are the key signs to look for to recognize unhealthy housing conditions and safeguard your health while living abroad.
Most people picture an unhealthy or rundown property as one with crumbling walls or exposed wiring. But in reality, a home doesn’t have to look unsafe to pose risks, especially for expats unfamiliar with local housing standards.
Health and safety regulations differ drastically worldwide. If you’re coming from a country like France, you’re likely used to mechanical ventilation systems (VMC), which renew indoor air and remove moisture. Move to Malta, however, and you’ll find that natural ventilation—open windows and fixed air vents—is the norm, which is far from adequate in humid environments.
That’s why our first piece of advice is simple: never sign a lease or buy a property without seeing it first. Opt for short-term accommodation before committing to avoid any unwelcome surprises.
When visiting a home, pay attention to the following:
black stains on the walls;
musty or stale odours;
excessive condensation;
visible infestations;
cracked or peeling paint.
The best way to protect your health abroad is to find a genuinely healthy home. This means that the home meets basic safety and hygiene standards: clean air, good insulation, proper waterproofing, comfortable temperatures, and no pests.
Unfortunately, many countries have poorly insulated buildings. Moisture, poor ventilation, and inadequate insulation can combine to create significant health issues for expats. Mould thrives in these environments, often leading to coughing, allergies, and even asthma attacks. The effects aren’t always immediate, but over time, they can be serious.
If you can’t find a perfectly dry home, here are some steps that help:
Choose a bright property that gets sunlight during the day.
Air out rooms daily, especially during dry weather.
Use a dehumidifier.
Turn on the heating whenever temperatures drop.
Expats sometimes end up sharing their homes with unwanted guests: bedbugs, rodents, fleas, cockroaches, ants, and rats. In tropical regions, the problem is even greater because certain insects also carry disease.
But even in temperate climates, you’re not entirely safe. Take silverfish, for example—a small silver-coloured insect commonly found in humid homes in countries like Germany.
To reduce the risk of infestations, a few preventive measures go a long way:
Inspect the property before signing the lease.
Install mosquito screens on doors and windows.
Eliminate indoor humidity.
Keep the home clean.
Store food in sealed containers.
Dispose of household waste carefully.
Even with good habits, prevention isn’t foolproof. If your home becomes infested, try natural solutions first, such as white vinegar. If the problem persists, you’ll need to call a professional.
Your home abroad can also affect your health through the materials used in its construction. Regulations around toxic substances, such as lead paint or asbestos, are far from uniform globally.
In some countries, including France, these materials are now banned. But elsewhere, such as Albania or Egypt, they may still be used. An interactive map showing which countries have banned lead paint can be found online. Even in countries with strict regulations, expats should stay vigilant when renting older housing.
The health consequences of toxic materials include increased cancer risks, developmental problems in children, and long-term respiratory issues, among others.
Here’s how to reduce your exposure:
Learn about common construction materials in your host country and check local regulations.
Favour new or recently built properties.
Choose furniture and building materials labelled as VOC-free.
Use proper protective equipment when doing any DIY work.
Unhealthy housing can have far-reaching, sometimes subtle, consequences on your well-being. To avoid risks linked to housing and health during your expatriation, the best approach is to stay informed about local regulations, thoroughly inspect any property before moving in, and maintain it carefully.
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