“Bake Outs,” Ozone and Our Indoor Air

by | building biology, buildings and health, chemicals, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, VOCs

I want to share some information about ozone, VOCs and our indoor air.

From here, I will share my stance on “bake outs,” so let's start at the end to make sure it all makes sense.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

The best example of VOCs is the smell of the cleaning aisle in the supermarket.

That smell – the waft get when you are approaching the cleaning aisle… You know the one?

That is the VOCs being released from the cleaning products.

What is a “Bake Out”?

A “bake out” is a process that utilises the notion that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released at a higher rate where there is an increase in temperature. To carry out this technique, you would close up a room or building, crank the heating, and bake out the VOCs. But wait!

BUT, where do they go?

Some can be absorbed by building materials (eg plasterboard) and furnishings (eg curtains, couches, carpet) and much remains in the air.

AND, what happens?

That is part of what I wanted to talk about today.

What is Ozone?

Ozone, is a pale blue gas that is a natural part of our atmosphere. At ground level, ozone can cause damage to the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. The US EPA have created a guide relating to the risks it can pose, as well as offering a proactive approach to protecting health. You can read it here.

Ozone can be introduced to our indoor air via some “air purifiers” – namely ones that deliberately produce ozone, and as a byproduct of ionisers (Britigan, et al, 2006). This can result in levels being well in excess of exposure standards.

Indoor Air Concerns

Ozone, apart from its known health risks, can be very problematic in the indoor environment.

Due to it's molecular structure, ozone readily interacts with other gases (particularly VOCs) to form byproducts – some known, some unknown.

Summary: In a Nutshell

  • Avoid doing bake outs
  • Avoid anything that produces ozone, including ionising air purifiers
  • Introduce more plants in and around your home

And…

Open your doors and windows several times a day to exchange the air and reduce the build up of VOCs and other indoor air contaminants.

Join our Healthy (and Safe) Living Group to discover more
References

  • Britigan, N,  Alshawa, A, and Nozkordoc, SA (May 2006) Quantification of Ozone Levels in Indoor Environments Generated by Ionization and Ozonolysis Air Purifiers J Air Waste Manag Assoc (Online) available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16739796
  • US EPA (August 2015) Air Quality Guide for Ozone (Online) available at https://www3.epa.gov/airnow/ozone/air-quality-guide_ozone_2015.pdf (3 November 2017)

#ozone #airpurifiers #bakeouts #indoorairquality

Fungi and Mould

by | building biology, indoor environmental health

Some Fungi I Spotted While Doing A Mould Assessment

This fabulous fungi growing when I was conducting a mould assessment.

Mould and fungi are amazing, natural and important. 

BUT we don't want them growing in our homes.

Fungi

When should you be concerned?

  • if you see visible mould growth
  • perhaps you can smell a mouldy/musty/earthy smell
  • or you have had water damage that wasn't fully dried within 48 hours

You may even have issues with a brand new build. This is an issue that I have seen time and time again – even in places that have not been lived in yet!

Research done by the University of Tasmania found that the first winter can result in significant issues with mould in certain types of buildings.

It is essential to not only identify that there is a problem but also to…

Investigate the causes. Mould is a moisture issue.

Moisture can come from external sources, such as leaks, flooding or burst pipes.

It can come from internal sources – mostly related to occupant activity. Occupant activity that creates moisture can be anything from the use of heating and cooling systems, to bathing, cooking, cleaning, laundering… and even just breathing!

The first steps in addressing mould are to address the cause of the moisture – so this information is invaluable.

This sort of information cannot be gleaned by a swiffer test cloth or a “bulk” sample taken from multiple locations.

If you'd like to get my advice on this, let's have a chat about it on a Hidden Hazards Hotline call.

Book a Call Here

Essential Oils

by | building biology, essential oils, health, indoor environmental health, mold, mould, scents

Essential oils are potent gifts from nature

Essential oils can be used for many things – cleaning, mood enhancement, health, personal care products, perfumery, in your bath, in a burner, pest repellent, and on and on.

However, they do need to be used with care.

One drop of essential oil goes a very long way. When you put them in a burner, just use no more than 3 drops at a time.

Unless you are under the care of a qualified aromatherapist, NEVER EVER ingest any essential oil.

My Favourites

Two of my most regularly used oils are OREGANO and THYME.

This is because of the work that I do.

Of all the essential oils, oregano and thyme essential oils are the best at killing mould. Hence the regularity of its use.

When I have been in a mouldy house or workplace, despite wearing all my protective gear, I wash my clothes with a few drops of it.

I also burn it in my car to help reduce any contamination.

** They also smell tasty!

Quality Essential Oils

Here is a video I did to explain what to look for, so that you get good quality ones.

* Please be aware that some people are very sensitive to essential oils.

Note that even though they are sourced from nature, and not synthetic, many people are very sensitive to them, particularly those with chemical sensitivities.

Also, everybody has individual nuances, and as such, even oils like lavender may not have the calming effect that they are traditionally known for.

As with everything, be slow and careful. I embrace the precautionary principle and encourage you to do the same.

One other important consideration is our pets – many pets are extremely sensitive so please consult your vet for advice.

could my house be making me sick

Interested in finding out more about creating a healthier home?

Download our free guide here.

ELF AC Magnetic Fields

by | building biology, buildings and health, ehs, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, indoor environmental health

Magnetic Fields (MF)

Magnetic fields – can they be harmful?

Did you know? In 2002, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified ELF AC magnetic fields as category 2B. 

What that means is that they recognised the potentially carcinogenic effects for humans (risk of causing cancer) of the MF associated with household wiring, appliances, and power lines.

These fields are one of the most researched areas of EMF – and one of the least controversial. Wertheimer and Leeper's research in the 1970's linked these fields to increased incidences of childhood leukaemia.

ELF AC MF exist wherever an appliance is in use.

What to do?

Magnetic Fields are only PART of the EMF picture.

There are four types of EMF assessed by Eco Health Solutions:

  1. ELF AC magnetic fields
  2. ELF AC electric fields
  3. radiofrequency EMF
  4. dirty electricity

There are a great many people that conduct EMF assessments which include #1 and #3, only.

Because I understand this area more deeply, I see that doing half the job is completely inadequate (check out this post). I have been to many homes and workplaces where the greatest problems are found with the electric field readings and that of dirty electricity.

A thorough assessment is the only way to ensure that all bases are covered in order to provide you with an accurate picture of what is occurring in your home or workplace.

Want to know how to reduce the levels in your place?
Book a call. >>

Avoiding Sick Building Syndrome in the Workplace

by | building biology, buildings and health, chemical sensitivities, chemically sensitive, chemicals, cleaning products, environmental sensitivities, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health

Sick Building Syndrome – Avoid this in the Workplace

Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) incorporates many facets of the built environment.

Focus on Indoor Air Quality

When it comes to air pollution, we tend to think about it in terms of the outdoors. We worry about factories’ smokestacks, traffic jams and other factors that pump pollutants into the air.

Yet air pollution isn’t just an outdoor problem.

The air indoors also can be toxic for us to breathe. This is especially in an industrial facility where hazardous materials may be used. In fact, the air quality inside buildings can be so harmful that it can cause illnesses. This phenomenon, known as “SBS,” can create symptoms in people without an easily identifiable cause.

Further, people with sick building syndrome may experience respiratory issues such as shortness of breath and coughing, as well as more generalised symptoms such as fever and muscle aches.

SBS – What Does it Mean for the Workplace?

These illnesses can lead to decreased productivity and employees taking excessive time off. As a result, it’s important for industrial and commercial facilities to understand sick building syndrome and how to avoid it.

SBS can be caused by a variety of factors, all of them related to a building’s indoor air quality.

Often, sick building syndrome is a result of poor ventilation, which prevents indoor pollutants from being circulated out of the air.

Many times, contaminants such as motor vehicle exhaust or fumes from volatile chemicals used in industrial processes get trapped inside the building. Bacteria, mould and pollen from outside also can contribute to sick building syndrome.

Avoiding Sick Building Syndrome

Avoiding SBS starts with improving air flow throughout the building, such as with large fans.

From here, other measures to improve indoor air quality include:

  • selecting less toxic cleaning products and methods,
  • avoiding “air fresheners,”
  • creating a “fragrance-free” workplace,
  • choosing real wood furniture (instead of “was wood” composite woods),
  • selecting furnishings made locally that are low in volatile organic compounds, and
  • ensuring that any leaks are fixed promptly and that there is no mould in the workplace.

Improving indoor air quality and avoiding SBS are tasks that should be at the top of most managers’ priority lists.

Not only can it boost the health and well-being of employees, but it also can increase productivity and reduce health care liabilities for the facility owner.

This infographic from Go Fan Yourself provides some great tips on improving indoor air quality quality and reducing the risk of SBS.

sick building

Created by Go Fan Yourself

Unsure if you have a problem?
Let's talk!
Click here to book a Virtual Indoor Environmental Health Assessment. >>

#Sickbuildingsyndrome #OHS #WHS

References:

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-08/documents/sick_building_factsheet.pdf

Insomnia Epidemic

by | building biology, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, indoor environmental health, sleep

The “Insomnia Epidemic”

There has been much talk recently of an insomnia epidemic. Have you heard about it?

It has been primarily based on data collected by devices such as smart phones and watches.

There is an enormous irony, though, because from what I am seeing, there is a chance that these very devices are contributing to the problem.

I have explained it in this video.

 

Did you know your alarm clock can also play a role in insomnia?

Many people place their electric alarm clocks right next to their heads.

This can expose them to very high levels of ELF AC electric fields and magnetic fields.

“I’m alright, I use my phone!”

Well then, in that case, you are likely to be exposing yourself to very high levels of high-frequency radiation, which I see affects many people’s sleep, as discussed above.

What then?

Simple.

Just get yourself a battery-operated alarm clock.

I stock some here (they also measure temperature and humidity) – a dream device! 😉

Have you followed the above steps and are still having problems?

What else can you do? There are lots of measures that you can take. Here are some.

Check out this post on why sleep is so important.

Any form of stress can hamper sleep. Keep a check on:

  • Work-related stress
  • Relationships
  • Big changes
  • Light (this can help)
  • Noise
  • Environmental stressors, such as mould, poor air quality

Also, you should consider your use of devices in the evening. Watch this video.

And your bed and bedding can also play a role. Check this out.

Still not quite right?
Let's talk – please book a call here. >>

School Kids and Traffic Pollution

by | air pollution, building biology, family, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, traffic related air pollution

Traffic-related Ambient Air Pollution and Children (#TRAPS)

The effects of traffic-related pollution on ambient (outdoor) air is well-known throughout the world. The most common term would be “smog.”

However, the effects on indoor air quality are far less considered.

Research is showing that when traffic-related outdoor levels spike, that the ability of children to perform well at school drops off. This only relates to the spikes in the outdoor air.

Chang says that 3000 people die each year due to air pollution!1

Questions

Does traffic-related air pollution have any effect on children?

How does this affect children?

Does this affect the rest of us?

What do we need to consider with regards to our homes?

I answer these questions and more in this video:

Is this a problem where you live?

Research is continually being done to monitor our outdoor air. As a result, there are various hotspots which have been identified across the country.

Regardless of this, if you are near a busy road, there may be issues.

Apart from the traffic-related ambient air pollution, there can be high levels of lead, and even asbestos, near busy roads.

It is important to know about and mitigate the risks of this type of pollution.

I can design a package to suit your needs and assess the ambient air and indoor air for this type of pollution. Of course, you will be provided with solutions so that you can protect your own health and that of your family's.

Let's talk!

Mental Health

Too, research has found links between air pollution and cardiopulmonary (heart and lung) health.

A growing body of evidence indicates that air pollution can implicate in effects on the central nervous system.

Dementia is one such neuropathological disease.

A study conducted in Sweden concluded that there were associations between dementia incidence and local traffic pollution.

The authors also noted that other environmental factors, such as traffic noise, could not rule out.

Let's talk!

References:

1Chang, C (May 2014) What if Australian Cities Were Shrouded in Smog? (Online) Available at http://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/what-if-australian-cities-were-shrouded-in-smog/news-story/4b2efdf5d56cac678dbdb5ccd4087a54 (23 February 2018)

Don’t be Guttered!

by | building biology, buildings and health, environmental sensitivities, indoor environmental health, mold, mould

Gutters – They Can Play a Large Role in the Health of Our Buildings

Gutters collect the water that come off the roof.

The roof is like a rain hat of our home.

Hidden Mould

I have been to so many homes that have water damage and mould because of poorly maintained gutters – and this is easy enough to avoid.

What happens when gutters are not maintained?

Generally, they overflow.

But not always.

In some cases, the water can run towards the house and end up in wall cavities! This is one cause of “hidden mould” and it can still affect your health – even if you can’t see or smell it.

This is situation where it is often hard to detect what the problem is. Often there are no obvious signs – to an unskilled eye.

eco-health-solutions-gudget

So, what to do?

Simple – create a regular maintenance schedule.

How frequently this needs doing will depend on where you live.

Factors such as the amount and type of trees, how close they are, do they drop their leaves each autumn, and so on can all help to determine how often you should be cleaning the gutters.

I recommend starting with a quarterly/seasonal clean… and then during autumn/fall more often.

How Can I Tell If My Gutters Need Cleaning?

The most reliable way is to get up on a ladder and have a look.

Another way is to look for any signs of plant growth… I call this the “gutter garden.” When there is enough dirt and debris in the gutters, plants will begin to grow. It is pretty severely blocked at this point.

One final way is to observe what happens when it rains. Do you see water cascading over the sides? This shows that your gutters aren't coping with the rain. Often this will occur when they are blocked. It can also occur in extremely heavy rain, especially when there is hail.

So keep an eye out. Observing is a wonderful skill.

Find out if you have an issue –
book a Virtual Indoor Environmental Health Assessment here. >>