Is Ambient Space a Determinant of Human Health?

World Health Organization defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity’. Mental and physical well-being are linked to ‘spiritual health’, ‘emotional health’ and ‘financial health’ because of shared association with lower stress levels. The predominant determinants of health are genetics, social, economic and physical environment, nutrition, lifestyle and access to health services. Several determinants of health in the physical environment are known and these include pollutants in the air, water, soil, and food, natural and technological disasters, climate change and occupational hazards. Another factor which influences living organisms is the external milieu which could be the surrounding atmosphere, water or vacuum. Studies on function and dysfunction of humans have centred mostly on the physical body and to a lesser extent on the environment. We propose that the three-dimensional space around individuals could also be a target for intervention to maintain health.