This study examines some risk behaviour characteristics in the segregated areas of Nyíregyháza. Up to 271 respondents filled in the questionnaires of the research which also involved a focus group examination on public security. Our results have shown that in these areas, where most of poorest households are crammed, health impairing behaviours aggravate health status influenced by other factors. The rate of three times as many daily smokers has negative impact not only on adult population but due to expectant mothers’ smoking habits it is likely to cause health impairment in children and foetuses alike. Although alcohol and drug consumption issues are a taboo in the examined community, these health impairing habits and subsequent addiction are obviously present. The examined risk behaviours show correlation with straining life events in childhood and, in a sense, they are related to health quality.