health
Better sleep, improved health, happier people: how ‘cool roofs’ could help millions avoid deadly heat
A project to measure how reflective paint reduces indoor temperatures is delivering tangible benefits across Africa
TL;DR
- Reflective roof paint is being tested in a pilot project across Africa to combat extreme heat in homes.
- Homes with painted roofs are, on average, 3-4C cooler during the hottest parts of the day.
- Improved indoor temperatures lead to better sleep, which has positive impacts on mental and physical health.
- The Habvia project is collecting data in Khayelitsha (South Africa), Mphego village (South Africa), Ga-Mashie (Ghana), and Nkwantakese (Ghana).
- The goal is to understand the health benefits of reflective roof paint in different settings and climates.
- The project uses a locally manufactured South African product, Rhinoluxe Heat Reflect.
- Researchers are collecting temperature data, conducting health checks, and gathering testimonials from participants.
- The initiative aims to provide a sustainable and affordable solution to heat adaptation, with a vision to paint millions of roofs.
- There is a strong link between disrupted sleep due to heat and negative health outcomes like worsening hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.