Summer Healthy Home Threats
Summer Healthy Home Threats… in Every Home
Summer – the earth is warm, the flowers are in bloom, there are trips to the beach, celebrations, longer school holidays…
If the songs are anything to go by, summer is the time when the sweetest memories are created.
And yet, like with every other season, there are summer healthy home threats.
What is a “healthy home threat”?
I like to define a healthy home threat as anything that interferes with, or poses a risk to, the good work we’re doing to create and maintain a healthy home.
It could be pollen, an allergen, a rise in relative humidity, a leak, new paint, new taps, a new technology – there are so many possibilities.
What are the Unique Challenges Which Summer Brings?
The days are long and hot, with the sun rising early and setting late (often close to 8.30pm here in Melbourne).
There are a great many celebrations – religious, end of year, solstice, and more.
In Sumer, we often:
- Spend much of our days outdoors
- Open our windows in the cool of the morning or as the change comes through
- In more tropical environments, it’s hot, humid and wet
- Crank the air conditioning
- Eat lots of summer fruits (stone fruits and berries)
- Gather for various parties and celebrations
Let’s now explore how these changes in our behaviour are linked to Summer Healthy Home Threats.
Increased Use of Fragrances
The increase in temperature, with or without high levels of humidity, tends to result in most of us perspiring (sweating) more than in the cooler seasons.
As a result, a lot of people put on more antiperspirant or use even more fragrances than usual in an attempt to mask any body odours.
SOLUTIONS
- Wash more often – consider carrying a wet washer in a press-seal bag that you can wipe sweat off with
- Activated charcoal soap & deodorants
- Consider natural deodorants – some of my clients have used bicarbonate of soda, other swear by cider vinegar, personally, I prefer to mix up essential oils in a bottle of rose water and spray that on every few hours (essential oils evaporate quickly)
Reduced Indoor Air Quality
Closing the windows to keep the heat out and the cool in can cause indoor air pollutants to build up, which is never ideal.
This is made worse when bringing new items into the home – which are often still off-gassing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and potentially also formaldehyde.
Adding another layer to this is the increased temperatures speeding up the release of VOCs, which can readily form by-products in the air.
The great thing about this problem is that the solutions are simple!
SOLUTIONS
- Ventilate your home. Open doors and windows at least 3 times a day (the ideal would be every hour) to exchange the air in your home.
- When you’ve got the windows closed, ensure your air purifier is going.
- Avoid using “air fresheners” and other scented products.
Moisture in the Interstitial Spaces
Condensation forms where there are variations in temperatures. What we see with the use of air conditioning, is condensation forming on the other side of plasterboards, outside of windows and also on the other side of the ceiling.
These areas are referred to as “interstitial spaces” and can be the site of many cases of “hidden mould.”
In 2018, I was in far north Queensland to present training on mould and was amazed to see the windows literally streaming with condensation – to the point that it looked like it was raining heavily.
This is a complex problem, but ultimately it rests heavily on the use of air conditioning – as this is what causes massive temperature variations.
SOLUTIONS
- Explore alternative ways to cool – installing plants along the paths and in front of your windows to naturally cool the air, hanging a wet sheet across the open window or door, wetting your hair, clothes or skin.
- Aim to keep the inside temperature closer to the outside temperature – don’t set the cooling for 15oC, instead, set it for 25-30oC.
- If you can, keep the windows open a little to help even out the temperature a bit.
Mould
Higher levels of relative humidity in tropical and subtropical regions is the number one problem here.
It’s important to remember that there are mould spores everywhere, waiting for the right conditions.
Often all they are waiting for is enough moisture.
And high levels of relative humidity can provide this.
(This is why “mould is a moisture issue” – as I’m sure you’ve heard me say time and again).
SOLUTIONS
- Keep an eye on the levels of relative humidity with a hygrometer, remembering the ideal range is 40-60% RH, with 50% RH being the magic number.
- If the relative humidity levels go above this, use a dehumidifier to bring them down to below 60% RH.
- Pull furniture from against the walls, so that air can circulate around it, as well as giving you the opportunity to check the walls for mould.
- Clean with microfibre cloths.
- Add essential oils, such as thyme and oregano to your cleaning water.
Mosquitoes & Other Pests
The combination of higher temperatures and higher levels of rainfall (as we’ve been seeing in Australia) results in more active breeding of mosquitoes, termites, cockroaches and rodents.
Each of them bring their own risks to either human health and/or the health of our homes.
While we consider them pests, we need to be considered in how we deal with them.
My preference is always to deter them, rather than kill them.
If you prefer to kill them, then take great care with poisons – especially rodenticides (poison for rodents – rats and mice). Poison can be slow acting, and other animals further up the food chain can also be killed as a result. I’ll be putting a post together on this soon. In the meantime please read more here – as they also include a post about safer poisons.
SOLUTIONS
- Install fly screens over doors and windows; and repair any old ones that are damaged.
- Use essential oils to deter them, such as my Bug Repellent.
- Read these posts for ways to deter cockroaches, termites and spiders.
- Keep your food in sealed containers – I love glass jars for this.
- Take your rubbish out daily, and ensure that your bin is closed.
- Clear wood out of your garden.
- Ensure that your property drains well and that there are no pools of water around.
- Keep your garden free food – collect fallen fruit, seal your compost,
- Use a feeder for your chooks to prevent their food attracting rodents.
- Encourage native birds that prey on rodents.
- Encourage spiders that eat smaller insects.
Summer Healthy Home Threats… Sorted!
And, I wanted to share some final tips.
- Make the most of the cleansing power of the sun – dry your laundry outside; wash bedding (and pillows if recommended by the manufacturer); and take your mattress outside to air.
- Take your rugs outside, and put them over a rail or airing rack and turn them over so both sides get the sun shining on them.
- Spring cleaning is great, but summer cleaning is even better as the sun can really boost your efforts.
If you’d like any help with this – then you can book a call with me. I’d be more than happy to help solve your healthy home issues.
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Flooding – The Secondary Effects
Flooding is something we’ve recently experienced on a scale that really hasn’t been seen before.
I’m not a scientist or meteorologist, but experts say this is due to either or both La Niña and climate change.
Flooding – the Primary Effects
Primarily, flooding is going to result in mould issues. Mould is a moisture issue and with the abundance of moisture (rain, on the ground and the high levels of relative humidity), we’re seeing a perfect storm brewing for mould and microbial activity.
The focus of today’s post is the secondary effects.
So, I’ll leave the topic of mould here, with the following pointers:
- Anything that’s been wet for more than 48 hours can create the opportunity for mould and microbial activity
- Porous materials that have been wet, need to be replaced
- Semi- and non-porous materials can be saved, but need to be addressed by the appropriate professionals (those who’ve trained with IICRC and have achieved the Mould Remediation accreditation)
If you want to learn more about dealing with mould, I have a course by that very name – you can check it out here.
As well, we need to keep asbestos, lead and pesticides top of mind – and use PPE where appropriate.
The Secondary Effects of Flooding
Secondary effects are those that come after the immediate cause >> effect. For these, we’ll start more broadly and then narrow it down to our homes and buildings.
Landslides
With all the moisture in the soil, it is possible to have landslides.
Local councils (in Australia) apply different overlays to areas – check with yours to see if you have a landslide overlay on your property.
Falling Trees and Branches
All that water in the soil can loosen tree roots and result in them falling.
As well, the flooding may have killed some trees, and as a result, the trees or their branches can fall.
Obviously, this can result in damage to property or people and animals.
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes (or “mossies” as we call them here in Australia) are able to carry diseases.
Apart from that, if you’re like me, you get huge red welts from any bites! (Personal experience has taught me not to scratch!)
It is best not to get bitten – so keeping them out is preferred. Here are some ideas to help with that.
- This is as simple as installing fly screens over windows and doors
- Mossie zappers can be useful (installed, hanging or even the “table tennis” racquet style [which you can get from camping stores])
- If you choose to apply mossie repellents to your skin, choose a natural one, if you can
- You can check out www.ChemFreeCom.com for some safer, local options
- www.EWG.org will also list options, however, I’ve found that these are often not available in Australia (and I don't recommend purchasing these types of items online from overseas as they may not meet our safety standards)
- I’m going to bring back my essential oil based Bug Repellent (contact me if you're interested)
- If you opt for a non-natural option, apply an oil-based moisturiser on your skin first, so the repellent sits on the surface of your skin (and is also easier to wash of)
- Another way to use the non-natural option is to spray it onto clothing, instead of your skin
- DIY – make your own with essential oils, such as tea tree, rosemary, eucalyptus blue mallee, and lavender. You can mix them up in water and spray them on your clothes/skin and reapply every 2-3 hours
Termites
We can expect some pretty big issues with termites with the high levels of moisture.
According to Professor Dieter Hochuli, Integrative Ecology Group at the University of Sydney,
“It’s going to be a massive year for termites as the high levels of soil moisture are ideal for them to burrow and flourish” (ABC News, 31 Oct 22).
A bit like house dust mites, termites thrive in moist conditions.
Termites are attracted by the moisture then go in search of food – wood.
Here are some things to do.
- Clear away wood (fallen branches, sleepers, wood piles) from around your home and property
- Keep things as dry as you can
- Be vigilant – keep an eye on your building, including the subfloor. If you’ve got termite caps at the top of your stumps, then you should be able to spot their activity easily.
- Have your home inspected
- Termite traps can be useful around your property, too
Cockroaches and Rodents
Cockroaches and rodents (rats and mice), as well as other pests are likely to increase, particularly as the weather warms up.
Some actions that you can take are:
- Installing fly screens on windows and doors
- Keep your home clean
- Clean up food scraps and mess
- Ensure your bins close properly
- If you’ve got a compost bin, keep it away from the home
- If you’ve got chooks, look into getting a feeder that doesn’t spill their food around
- Keep pet food (and your own) in sealed containers
Other Steps You Can Take To Reduce the Secondary (and Tertiary) Effects of Flooding
- Keep an eye on the relative humidity levels – these should be between 40-60%. A hygrometer is handy for this.
- Use a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels.
- Clean up any spills, leaks or water (or other forms of moisture).
- Oregano and Thyme essential oils can be helpful in killing mould as you clean.
- Keep your home clean from food (cockroaches and rodents love this) and dust (house dust mites love this).
- Ventilate your home as much as possible – open doors and windows to exchange the air.
- Read more –
There are many after effects of flooding – apart from the obvious ones. And these secondary effects can also be devastating. Please give these tips a go to protect your health, and that of your home.
Stay safe!
Have you been bamboozled by all the information (and misinformation) about mould?
This Creating a Healthy Home Guide exposes 3 common myths about mould so that you can be empowered to deal with it effectively.
Download your FREE copy of Mould: Busting 3 Common Myths here.
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Resources
This page is designed to be a directory for you for resources.
These are people or businesses that I know of, however, there are many others out there, so please make your own informed choice as to whether they are suitable for you or not.
I have grouped them into the following categories:
- Health
- Personal
- House
Medical Doctors
VIC
Braham Rabinov @ Your Gut Feelings special interest: gut health
Shamistra Barathan @ Balwyn Central Medical special interest: holistic health
Rashmi Cabena @ CFS Discovery special interest: CFS, Lyme, chronic diseases
NSW
Christabelle Yeoh @ Invitation to Health and Next Practice Health special interest: environmental sensitivities
Health Practitioners
Chinese Medicine
VIC
Daniel Godel @ Rathdowne Street Chinese Medicine Clinic special interest: digestive/gut health
Osteopaths
VIC
Della Buttigieg @ Melbourne Osteo Health special interest: central sensitisation disorder
Chiropractors
NSW
Carlo Rinaudo @ Live Active Clinic special interest: functional neurology
Nutritionists
Nikki Wagner @ Nikki Wagner Nutrition
Naturopaths
ACT
Natasa Zaric @ Mura Pathway to Wellness
VIC
Kristin Gilmour @ KidzBites *environmental sensitivities aware practitioner
Kate McCandless @ Merge Health
Dobrusia Szramowiak @ Belgrave [email protected] mob: 0424645633 special interests: mould, environmental toxicity, detoxification, Lyme, gut and mental health
NSW
Leah Hechtman @ Natural Health Fertility special interest: chemical sensitivities and fertility
Counsellors & Psychologists
VIC & Australia-wide
Aicha Brogan (Counselling & Psychotherapy), NDIS-rebates apply, phone/Zoom sessions available Website
NSW
Mandy Peyton (Psychologist) Singles & Couples
Information
Data Collection for all ES
Australian National Register of Environmental Sensitivities @ ANRES
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
AU: Mesothelioma and Asbestos Support
AU: Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Support
US: Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
US: Mesothelioma + Asbestos Awareness Center
US: Mesothelioma Veterans Center
US: Mesothelioma Fund (financial assistance)
Masks
Mobile Phones and Tablets – cases, air tube earphones
Bottles – water bottles for adults and children, thermos bottles, sippy cups and baby bottles
Personal Care
Cosmetics Livina Naturals (note: their skin care contains ingredients that I do not recommend)
Green Concept Salon Lush Organics Hair and Spa – they also have a range of products in their online store including a “pure” range (as with everything, check the ingredients to make sure they suit your needs)
Scented Candles
Livina Naturals they do SOME essential oil scented candles with non-GM soy candles and unleaded wicks (note: their range also includes chemical-fragrant oil, too)
Mould Remediation Professional
IAQA article “Certified Professional vs. Contractor or Handyman“
VIC
Ivi Sims @ Mould Squad
Richard Abel @ Boongalla Group
NSW
Roland Loumeau @ Accredited CPS
Lance Beckett @ Callais Group
Qld
Phil McGurk @ Disaster Recovery
James Bethel @ Beyond Clean Group
Guy Brothers @ Juvenaire
Electricians
VIC
Martin Ph: 0438 383 688
Jay Parry @ AARPEC Ph: 0402 282 866
Marco Simeoni Ph: 0438568252
ACT
Mark Fifita Ph: 0414 762 897
NSW – Sapphire Coast
Andrew Gibbs Ph: 0429 932 460
Plumbers
VIC
Rob Niselow Ph: 0404 455 741
NSW – Sapphire Coast
Pat Barry Ph: 0481 316 032
Rob Kilby Ph: 0409 449 050 or 02 6493 2777
Water Issues
Dennis @ Hygro Seepage Control (This is a solution for water issues for a site/block.)
Painters
Nerik @ 0452 375 641
Benchtops
Chris @ Benchtops Rejuventated
Roof Repairs
Peter Argyrou @ Acrobat Roofing Ph: 0409 606 166 (mention I sent you so he can give you a special price)
Structural Engineers
ACT
Ken Murtagh Ph (02) 6247 0011
Tarek Ansary at Ansary Consulting Engineers
Solar Panels
Timo Karnath @ TCKSolar.com.au
Asbestos Inspections
Ray @ Home Inspections
Dust Removalists (lead dust and more)
Australian Dust Removalists Association
Professional Cleaners
Russell Dickson @ Coathanger Services
HVAC Cleaning
Robert @ DuctMasters
Land Surveyors
Scott Kimm @ SK Spatial
Building Surveyors
Australian Institute of Building Surveyors
Pest Inspections
Raymond @ Home Inspections
David Rice @ Termi Cam
Air Filters and Dehumidifiers
Fly Screens
Paints and Finishes
Bedding
Cleaning Products
Abode – available in health stores
Commercial Cleaning Products
Nora@ Tersano has “altered water” (water with ozone added) for commercial use and in schools
Water Filters
Callum Howard @ PSI Filters
EMF Shielding Products
Lucinda Curran @ Eco Health Solutions