Liberal MP Craig Kelly has claimed that poorly heated homes cause more deaths in Australia than in Sweden, despite our milder winters.
Mr Kelly's claim is overstated. The evidence supports the claim that more Australians than Swedes die in cold temperatures, and these deaths relate to moderate – rather than extreme – cold. But while temperature is a factor, lifestyle and general health risks also play a role, making it hard to attribute winter deaths to moderate cold alone. Deaths peak every winter in Australia, with cardiovascular disease contributing significantly to the rise. And although winter increases the risks associated with circulatory diseases, this could be due to the cold or alternatively, to infections. Cold temperatures can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular strain, so people living in cold houses are at added risk. This would appear to support Mr Kelly's claim. But it is a stretch to say deaths are "simply" the result of inadequate heating. Our habits also play a part in keeping warm. Experts are split on the best way to address the effect of indoor cold on winter mortality. We could improve indoor temperatures through insulating or heating homes, or we could address the health problems exacerbated by the cold.
Fact check: Do more people die in Australia than Sweden due to poorly heated homes?
['Sweden', 'Australia']