Electromagnetic Energy Can Affect Your Health

by | dirty electricity, electric fields, electromagnetic energy, electromagnetic radiation, EME, EMF, EMR, environmental sensitivities, environmental stressors, grinding teeth, magnetic fields, radiofrequencies, sleep, smart meters, wireless technology

Electromagnetic energy (EME), also known as electromagnetic fields (EMF), emanates from wired sources and radiates from wireless devices.

It is a very ubiquitous environmental stressor that very few homes are free from.

From the hundreds of assessments of homes and workplaces that I’ve conducted over the last decade, I’ve seen again and again similar symptoms in people who are exposed to high levels of radiofrequency (RF) EME.

These symptoms include:

  • Disturbed sleep, with an inability to fall into a deep restful sleep
  • Busy dreams
  • Waking unrefreshed
  • Non-stop thoughts, I had a 6 year old once tell me that it felt like she couldn’t turn her brain off
  • A sense of buzzing similar to feeling caffeinated
  • Agitation and stress
  • Anger and sometimes rages
  • Feeling frustrated and irritable
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Grinding teeth (bruxism)
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

And what I wanted to share with you today is based on the occupants experiencing many of these symptoms in their new home.

More importantly, the reason for sharing is because the source was so surprising.

Surprising Sources

I recently conducted an assessment for my clients in the home that they were just moving into.

Being out of the city, I was expecting lower readings than what I see particularly in inner city homes.

However, apart from one source, the levels of the different types of electromagnetic energy (EME) were incredibly low – and very close to natural levels.

ELF AC electric fields, we aim for below 0.3 V/m. This place was around 0.1 V/m.

ELF AC magnetic fields 2, we aim for below 2.0 mG.  This place was close to 0.0 mG throughout.

RF EME, we aim for below 10 µW/m2. This place was below 2 µW/m2. This place almost everywhere was below 2 µW/m2… but there were levels well over 100 µW/m2 in the bedroom.

High Frequency Transient Spikes (aka “Dirty Electricity”) we’re aiming for below 100 mV. This place sat between 20-40 mV.

So it intrigued me as to the source of the sleep issues they were experiencing from the very first night they spent there. 

Outside their bedroom was the meter box and switchboard. The meter was a smart meter, so no surprises there… but the readings I got, and the pattern of spikes did not match what I’d expect from a smart meter.

Lo and behold, in the meter box was also something else!

It looked almost like a white computer mouse and was attached to the front of the meter and was sitting on the metal wall of the meter box.

It was an energy management system. 

This is what it looks like:

electromagnetic-energy-energy-management-system-Eco-Health-Solutions

They are designed to send information to an app on your phone so you can manage your energy usage.

Have you got one?

Electromagnetic Energy Findings from the Energy Management System

In this video, you can see the lovely low background levels.

The readings I got were really interesting. I recorded them for you to see and hear.

Every few seconds, you’ll hear a sound that is a bit like a metronome or clock ticking, that is the sound coming through the meter of the EME that it is detecting.

In these videos, you can see how high the readings were…

And it isn't even connected to anything!

What is Happening?

Whilst taking the readings, as you can see, the energy management system is not connected to anything.

When it was installed in the meter box, it was stuck on with double-sided sticky tape.

And that is normal – they are simply stuck on the meter.

They are then meant to be connected to an app on your smartphone via Bluetooth connectivity.

Whether or not a phone is connected to it, as you can see, it is continuously emitting RF EME every few seconds.

What Can You Do?

Check your meter box and remove the energy management system installed, if you've got one.

It may not look exactly the same as the one I’ve shown you here, so be sure to check carefully. 

If you’re in any doubt about what it is, take a photo of it and ask your electricity supplier.You can share it in our Facebook group.

If you're interested in finding out more about shielding your smart meter, check out this guide here.

What Was the End Result?

With the energy management system gone, I reassessed and found that every 5-10 minutes, there was a spike in RF readings. This was coming from the smart meter.

We installed shielding (shielding paint) and I measured the levels again – and the levels dropped down to what the rest of the place was – incredibly low levels around 2 µW/m2.

And, I’m happy to report that my clients are now sleeping well.

EMF 5 little known sources cover © Eco Health Solutions

Are you already familiar with EMF/EME? 

I've put together this Healthy Home Guide which focuses on the little known sources of EMF/EME.

You can download it for FREE here.

Summer Healthy Home Threats

by | air quality, allergies, building biology, buildings and health, cleaning, condensation, electromagnetic radiation, EME, EMF, EMR, fragrances, humidity, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, moisture, mold, mould, natural pest management, pests, summer, water damage

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.

summer-healthy-home-threats-eco-health-solutions-1

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

  1. Wash more often – consider carrying a wet washer in a press-seal bag that you can wipe sweat off with
  2. Activated charcoal soap & deodorants
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. When you’ve got the windows closed, ensure your air purifier is going.
  3. Avoid using “air fresheners” and other scented products.
summer-healthy-home-threats-eco-health-solutions

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

  1. 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.
  2. Aim to keep the inside temperature closer to the outside temperature – don’t set the cooling for 15oC, instead, set it for 25-30oC.
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. If the relative humidity levels go above this, use a dehumidifier to bring them down to below 60% RH.
  3. 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.
  4. Clean with microfibre cloths.
  5. Add essential oils, such as thyme and oregano to your cleaning water.
summer-healthy-home-threats-eco-health-solutions

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

  1. Install fly screens over doors and windows; and repair any old ones that are damaged.
  2. Use essential oils to deter them, such as my Bug Repellent.
  3. Read these posts for ways to deter cockroaches, termites and spiders.
  4. Keep your food in sealed containers – I love glass jars for this.
  5. Take your rubbish out daily, and ensure that your bin is closed.
  6. Clear wood out of your garden.
  7. Ensure that your property drains well and that there are no pools of water around.
  8. Keep your garden free food – collect fallen fruit, seal your compost, 
  9. Use a feeder for your chooks to prevent their food attracting rodents.
  10. Encourage native birds that prey on rodents.
  11. 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.

Healthy Homes 101 Checklist © Eco Health Solutions

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Winter Healthy Home Threats

by | air pollution, air quality, carbon monoxide, condensation, earthing, electromagnetic radiation, EME, EMF, environmental sensitivities, environmental stressors, healthy home, healthy home threats, humidity, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, moisture, mold, mould, occupant activity, seasons, smart meters, ventilation, VOCs, wifi, winter, wireless technology

Winter Healthy Home Threats Occur in Every Home

Winter with its cold and often wetter weather presents unique healthy home threats that differ from other seasons throughout the year.

What is a healthy home threat?

A healthy home threat is something that challenges our efforts in creating a healthy home. It might be something that undermines what we’ve done, or perhaps something that needs to be considered to prevent issues.

Which Challenges Does Winter Bring?

I like to start with looking at the way that our behaviours change with the seasons, as well as the climatic conditions. 

The drop in temperatures, the increase in rain in many parts of the country, the advent of snow in the ranges, and the shorter daylight hours tend to see us:

  • Be indoors more of the time
  • Use heating
  • Perhaps light the fire, especially for date night 
  • Close windows and doors to keep the cold out and heat in
  • Draw curtains and blinds for more hours due to the earlier sunset
  • We wear more layers of clothing
  • Our clothes are thicker 
  • We may need to dry our clothes inside due to inclement weather
  • We often eat soups, stews and roasts – making the most of our ovens
  • Some people bathe more often or take longer and hotter showers to warm up

 You may be surprised to discover that all of these behaviours can create healthy home threats.

 Let’s take a look at the threats and what can be done to reduce any issues.

frost on green leaves - winter healthy home threats

Reduced Indoor Air Quality

When we “close up” our homes (closing windows and keeping doors shut) to keep the heat in, we’re reducing the number of times that the air is exchanged. This means that the air doesn’t get diluted often, if at all, which can result in reduced indoor air quality.

What happens is that VOCs, gases and other contaminants build up in the air. Oxygen levels often are reduced and carbon dioxide can increase – leading to feelings of sleepiness.

Ventilation is key.

SOLUTIONS

  1. The simplest thing to do is to leave windows open just a tiny bit, as long as it is safe to do so, can dilute the air well.
  2. Regularly opening windows and doors several times throughout the day will exchange the air, and I recommend that this is done at least 3 times a day, and preferably every hour or two.
  3. If it isn’t possible to do this 2-3 times a day, then an air purifier would also assist.

Carbon Monoxide Build-Up

There’s a big difference between carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. 

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the gases that we exhale. 

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that comes from combustion – gas appliances are one of the biggest contributors to CO levels within our homes. Cars are another big source, which is why I don’t like people idling their cars in their garages or driveways.

Since we’re using gas appliances more during winter – heating, cooking, hot showers – there’s an increased risk.

SOLUTIONS

  1. Have your gas appliances checked by a licensed gas fitter every autumn so that they are ready for use in winter.
  2. Ventilate your home often – as discussed above.
  3. Avoid idling your car in the garage or driveway.

Poor Outdoor Air

The levels of outdoor air pollution can become very high in areas where people rely on wood fires for heating.

The smoke produced by wood fires can contain formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, chemicals (some of which are known carcinogens) and fine particulate matter. 

According to the Environment & Human Health Inc. (n.d.) wood smoke “interferes with normal lung development in infants and children… can depress the immune system… [and, according to the WHO] can cause coughs, headaches, eye and throat irritation in otherwise healthy people.” 

Whilst enclosed wood fires, such as Coonaras, don’t release the pollutants indoors, they are still released outdoors, and can readily affect your neighbours, particularly who are sensitive and/or have asthma or other respiratory complaints.

SOLUTIONS

  1. Avoid using wood fires.
  2. Rug up and/or be physically active – this is a great time of year to get big gardening jobs done.
  3. Invest in an air purifier to help clean your indoor air.

Increased Moisture Levels

Did you know that “occupant activity” is one a big factor in indoor moisture levels?

The obvious ones are bathing, drying clothes, and stovetop cooking. However, occupant activities that increase moisture also include using gas appliances, breathing and sweating (or perspiring).

Given we tend to not only wear more layers in winter, but also the layers are thicker, they take longer to dry. As a result, many people dry them inside near a source of heat, or pop them in the clothes dryer.

Combine our tendency to be indoors in winter with these activities, then add to it the closed windows and doors, you can see how quickly moisture levels can increase.

SOLUTIONS

  1. Monitor the levels of relative humidity with a hygrometer – we’re aiming for 45-55% RH; 50% RH is ideal.
  2. Use extractor fans when cooking, bathing or laundering. 
  3. If your extractor fans don’t vent to the outside, or you don’t have efficient ones, then a dehumidifier can be useful.
    clothes dryer and shelves - winter healthy home threats

    Mould on Windows & Curtains

    In the cooler months, many people report condensation on windows and glass doors especially in the mornings.

    This happens because glass changes temperature quickly, and moisture in the air condenses out of it, forming condensation on this, and other, cold surfaces.

    It is due to the presence of this moisture that mould can readily form on blinds or curtains that touch the glass, and even on the glass itself.

    SOLUTIONS

    1. Dry your windows daily with a dry bamboo microfibre cloth.
    2. Dry glass that is high up using a flat mop.
    3. Leave your windows open a little to equalise the temperature.

    Increased Exposure to EMF/EME

    Spending more time indoors can also increase your exposure to EMF/EME if you have wi-fi or use wireless devices.

    Wireless technology is used in smart meters, Bluetooth equipment, smartphones and tablets, 3G, 4G & 5G, phone towers, home stereo systems, and more.

    SOLUTIONS

    1. Head outdoors to “discharge” and “ground.”
    2. Do without wi-fi and other wireless devices.
    3. Turn the wi-fi and wireless devices on only when you need them, ensuring they are off while you sleep.

     

    home office - winter healthy home threats

    As you can see, 

    Winter Healthy Home Threats Occur in Every Home – to Varying Degrees

    I trust that you are feeling empowered to take the relevant action in your home.

     

    If you’d like to get some advice on this, then please book a call.

    Book a Call Here

    Shielded Canopies Considerations

    by | beds, earthing, electric fields, electromagnetic radiation, EME, EMF, EMR, environmental sensitivities, environmental stressors, grounding, health, indoor environmental health, sleep, wifi, wireless technology

    Shielding and Shielded Canopies are something that I am often asked about – and why I list only a few shielding products for the building on my website.

    The reason for this is that shielding needs to be done with great care – and is unique to each site.

    For me, providing shielding of any sort is a duty of care, which is why assessment and consultation is necessary.

    Shielded Canopies – What Are They?

    Shielded Canopies are canopies that are generally hung over and around beds to address electromagnetic fields/energy (EMF/EME) from various sources. They can be used over desks, couches, and anywhere else that you spend time.

    They can be a fabulous option to reduce levels of different types of EMF/EME when planned and installed correctly.

    I wanted to share three of the biggest considerations when thinking about getting a Shielded Canopy.

    Shielded Canopy Considerations

    1) Natural Radiation and Faraday Cages

    The very first consideration is the important of exposure to natural radiation from the earth and from space. These natural sources of radiation are extremely important for health.

    Many people decide that they need to be in a Faraday Cage – this is not something I recommend. This is because being in a Faraday cage, means to be cut off all forms of electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic fields.

    Studies have been done that demonstrate that rats and mice when placed into a Faraday cage – and cut off from all radiation, including natural – lived extremely short lives.

    To reiterate, being exposed to natural radiation is good for us.

    That said, there are some instances where shielding is a really great option. However, as mentioned, it needs to be done very carefully. If you do go with a canopy, you will need to spend time outside maintain some level of exposure to natural levels of radiation.

    2) Sources of EMF/EMR/EME

    Now the second thing is to consider the sources of electromagnetic fields or electromagnetic energy (EMF or EME).

    Shielding tends to address two types of EMF/EME.

    a) Wireless technology (RF) – such as phone towers, wi-fi routers, wi-fi from neighbouring buildings, smart phones, and similar.

    b) AC ELF Electric Fields (EF) – which comes from wiring, cables, appliances, powerlines, transformers, and so on.

    It's essential to determine where the sources are.

    This is crucial, because when we refer to the first consideration – the need to be exposed to natural radiation, it becomes clear that it’s preferable to only block the sources, and not create a Faraday Cage.

    Once the sources have been identified, the planning and placement of shielding needs to be done with great care so that it doesn’t increase your exposure.

    If placed in the wrong position, your shielding canopy could result in other sources bouncing off it and at you.

    It is important to realise that shielding fabrics work on both sides.

    Therefore, it is essential to consider and understand where the sources are so that you can get it right.

    This is where getting expert help is advised – and I can help you with that.

    3) Choosing the Right Fabric

    Finally, the third consideration is equally important – and that is getting the type of shielding fabric right.

    There are a multitude of different fabrics designed to shield EMF/EME.

    Some will work at low levels with the source being close and others may work at high level.

    And in some cases, layering is important as this may increase its effectiveness.

    Another part of this is to be clear on which type of EMF/EME the fabric addresses.

    Does it shield electric fields as well?

    In which case, grounding the fabric is not negotiable. That said, I do recommend the grounding all shielding fabrics that are near you.

    I've been to several places where somebody installed a shielding canopy over their bed and although it did deflect the radio frequencies very well, it was attracting the electric fields to it. The result was that the levels of electric fields on the bed were about 30 or 40 times higher than what they were when you were away from the canopy.

    As you can see, it’s important to understand the type of fabric and how it works. 

    Shielding is a complex area – a science and an art form.

    If you would like advice on Shielding Canopies, let’s talk.

    Book a Call With Me

    Time for New Habits

    by | air pollution, air quality, buildings and health, carbon monoxide, chemicals, cleaning, earthing, electric fields, electromagnetic radiation, EME, EMF, EMR, grounding, health, healthy home, humidity, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, magnetic fields, mold, mould, personal care, self-care, simple life, sleep, traffic related air pollution, ventilation, VOCs

    The end of the year is a time when we look to create new habits.

    We reflect back on the year that we have had.

    And decide what we would like to do differently.

    Do you do that?

    I do.

    I love this practice and tend to do it way more often.

    Here’s are 5 new habits that support health!

    New Habit 1: Turn Off the Tech

    Research shows that evening use of devices containing LED lights in their screens can have a large effect on our wellbeing.


    Research out of Israel by Green, et al., discovered that 2-hours of evening exposure to these screens resulted in:

    • Increased waking through the night,
    • Poorer quality sleep, and
    • Suppressed melatonin production.

    The effects were also seen the following day, with:

    • Increased sleepiness,
    • A decrease in the ability to concentrate, and
    • Reduced accuracy

    Sleep in incredibly important not only for your mood and ability to concentrate, but also for your health and ability to tolerate environmental stressors.

    So, when can you turn off the tech?

    Habit #2: Easy & Breezy

    Did you know that the air inside our homes can be 5-10 times more polluted than outdoors?

    This is due to all sorts of reasons, from what we bring into our homes, to what our homes are made of, how we cook and what our pots and pans are made of…

    And that is just for starters.

    When we add pesticides, cleaning products and scented reeds into the mix, we are really cooking up a storm!

    Then we’re there.

    Breathing, eating, using the bathroom…

    Sweating (or “perspiring” 😉 for those who don’t sweat), cooking, sleeping…

    Everything we bring into our homes can affect the quality of the indoor air.

    If our home is nicely energy efficient, it is very likely that it is well-sealed, keeping the indoor air in, and the outdoor air out.

    This can lead to a build-up of volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, house dust mites, mould spores, combustion gases and more.

    To make matters worse, if you never exchange the air in your home…

    It never gets diluted.

    And –

    That is how the indoor air can be so much worse than the outdoor air.

    Where in your day can you open your windows and doors?

    eco-health-solutions-nature

    Habit #3: Healing Naturally

    I always see nature as our baseline…

    The ideal to which we strive…

    The harmony and balance of nature is so supportive and healing.

    The Japanese embrace this through their practise of Shinrin Yoku – or “forest bathing.”

    The idea is that you wander out into nature, ideally under a canopy of trees, and sit or lay there for at least an hour.

    I see so many benefits of this…

    1. You get to breathe fresh natural air, instead of indoor air
    2. Being in nature in this way can allow you to discharge accumulated EMF – it is a form of grounding
    3. I suspect that the air you breathe is full of natural antimicrobials – let’s face it, trees survive in a forest because of their natural antimicrobials
    4. If you do this free from devices, it can be deeply relaxing, which can be incredibly healing
    5. It can help us to reconnect with nature – which traditionally we have always been well aware of

    I have seen research some years ago now, that found that the benefits of one-hour of forest bathing last for 7 days.

    So even if you live in the city, you should be able to carve out an hour a week to do this.

    Where can you create some time to be in nature?

    Habit #4: Be a Labels Sleuth

    Whilst there is a lot to learn about reading labels, there is a lot you can learn by doing this.

    If you took a moment to review the labels of products as you pick them off the shelf, you might be surprised at what you see.

    If I could encourage you to eliminate one ingredient…

    It would be fragrance (also listed as perfume or parfum).

    By cutting out fragrances, you could reduce your daily chemical exposure dramatically because…

    Fragrances require so many chemicals to make them!

    There are loads of other ingredients you can omit, too…

    But fragrances are the best place to start.

    Also, some products don’t necessarily have an ingredients list…

    So, this is where you can put your nose to use and have a sniff of it.

    Tip: toilet paper and sanitary products are often fragranced…

    Instead, you may choose to focus on an ingredient in food.

    Which ingredient are you going to target?

    eco-health-solutions natural

    Habit #5: Need or Want?

    When you are about to make a purchase, stop and think:

    Do I actually need it?

    If not, then consider why you want it.

    The goal here is not to accumulate too much “stuff.”

    Accumulating can lead to issues in terms of safety (trip-hazards), pests, dust (and house dust mites) and may even become a hygiene issue if cleaning becomes difficult.

    We created a rule many years ago that you might like to adapt or adopt…

    For every item that we buy, we need to pass on three to charity.

    When I do this, I tend to really get into it, and often can fill a large garbage bag with goodies that would benefit from a new home.

    It is surprisingly liberating to pass things on to charity…

    What can you put in place, so you remember to ask, “Do I really need it?” when making a purchase?

    5 New Habits

    There you go – there are five new habits to propel you towards a home or workplace that supports your health.

    Let me know how you go with them!

     

    Would You Like More Help? Book a Hidden Hazards Hotline Call here >>

     

    References:

    A. Green, M. Cohen-Zion, A. Haim & Y. Dagan (2017): Evening light exposure to computer screens disrupts human sleep, biological rhythms, and attention abilities, Chronobiology International, DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2017.1324878

    Environmental Stressors Can Cause Blindness??

    by | air fresheners, air quality, babies, buildings and health, condensation, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, EMR, environmental sensitivities, environmental stressors, fragrances, gases, health, healthy home, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, informed choice, lead, mold, mould, particulate matter, perfumes, water damage, wifi

    Environmental Stressors Can Cause Blindness??

    Say what? Environmental stressors can cause blindness????

    Yup.

    Let me illustrate this with a story about Billie.

    Billie (not her real name) is a young Mum who is super keen to ensure her bubba is safe. She’d heard about 5G and noticed some of the attention it was getting. So she asked Dr Google, she joined FB groups, she sought out information from everywhere.

    Out came Protective Mamma Bear.

    5G became an obsession. It consumed every available moment between changing nappies, feeding, washing, playing with bubba and sleep…. Well, to be honest, it even started to creep in there too – as she dreamed about #5G.

    Billie was so obsessed with 5G that she thought nothing of using her tablet while bubba slept, while it connected to the wi-fi.

    The humidifier in bubba’s room that was causing mould to grow on the ceiling didn’t even enter her mind.

    The perfume she spritzed on her body and clothes didn’t get a mention.

    She was so caught up in the one issue, that she saw nothing else.

    Not surprisingly, she was blinded by her obsession with one environmental stressor.

    Billie is not alone. Environmental Stressors are Hugely Important

    Billie’s story is not unique. I see this time and time again – be it around #SmartMeters, #fragrances, #lead, #mould… any #EnvironmentalStressor. 

    Whilst it is valid to be informed and proactive, there are quite a lot of issues with this kind of blinkered focus on one thing. 

    In a nutshell, the issues are:

    🤷🏽‍♂️ There is a lot of mis-information, hype and well-marketed nonsense. As a result, you can end up spending a lot of time and money on unnecessary things

    🔎 With all the mis-information, you might end up doing something that could make things worse

    🔍 Usually, when my team and I assess homes of people like Billie, we find all sorts of other problems that are much larger issues than the one they are stressing about… the blinkers need to come off to be able to address the bigger picture

    And yet, there is much more to this…

    It is one small word that has massive ramifications.

    🔎 It is #stress 🔎 

    Stress can cause a whole gamut of problems. It can:

    😡 Reduce your ability to #detoxify 

    😞 Negatively impact your #sleep (and as a result, your mood)

    😕 Cause a release of all sorts of chemicals in the body that ultimately reduce your #resilience 

    AND, this next one is the worst of all, in my opinion.

    😔 Stress can cause you to freeze up, become #overwhelmed and take NO action

    I believe strongly in taking #empowered action.

    There is always something you can do to make a difference.

    Even if it feels small, it is enormous! 

    So, I urge you to keep perspective, to open your heart to the wonderful things in life, and draw inspiration to take empowered action.

    One of my favourite recommendations is to put flowering plants in your garden (or balcony). This will help the birds, bees, insects and your loved ones. 

    Take a moment to imagine how the world would benefit if every single person did this? 

    🌻🐝🌸🐾💐🦉🌞🦆🌿

    Smart Meters – What Can Be Done?

    by | building biology, dirty electricity, earthing, ehs, electric fields, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, EMR, environmental sensitivities, high frequencies, indoor environmental health, magnetic fields, radiofrequencies, smart meters, wireless technology

    Smart meters have been rolled out in many parts of the country, have you got one?

    Given I am so immersed in this kind of technology, I am always surprised when someone hasn’t even heard of them. 🙂

    So, let's start with what they are.

    What are Smart Meters?

    A smart meter is a relatively new type of electricity meter.

    We all had analog ones. These new ones are digital, and the majority of them transmit information back to the power companies.

    Please note, that not all of them do.

    The move to smart meters in Australia has at least several reasons that I can figure out:

    • They don't need to be manually read, as the data can be transmitted – saving the power companies money;
    • It was decided that they would be rolled out in Victoria after the terrible fires we had some years back that were caused by power lines coming down. If smart meters were installed, they could shut down the power and it is hoped that this would then prevent this from happening again; and
    • As part of the bigger picture of the Internet of Things (#IoT) and #5G, they can talk to devices and turn them on and off…

    What is So Different About a Smart Meter?

    In a nutshell, smart meters transmit information wireless (thus utilising radiofrequency EMF).

    This is both the benefit AND the issue.

    What is Wrong with Smart Meters?
    Aren't they Smarter?

    No, they are not. When they first came out and sensitive people began experiencing symptoms, many of us were calling them “Dumb Meters!”

    Smart Meters emit four different types of electromagnetic fields (EMF).

    1. Radiofrequency EMF – as already mentioned, this is the wireless technology. This can pass through walls and travels quite long distances.
    2. “Dirty Electricity” (High Frequency Transient Spikes) – due to the fact they contain an inverter. This type of EMF is on the wiring, but can emanate into a room through the walls.
    3. Magnetic Fields – from the wiring. This also passes through walls, but levels drop off very quickly with distance.
    4. Electric Fields – from the wiring. Although this type of EMF can pass through walls, it is seeking the fastest route to earth. So, it may easily bend to reach earth if a good conductor is nearby. (Think of lightning hitting the tallest tree.)

    eco-health-solutions-home

    Any issue with that?

    All of these types of EMF are at far higher levels than what we are looking for from a health perspective.

    When ours was first installed, the power company offered to send me their literature to allay my concerns. Having waded through the 100-ish pages, I found that smart meters emit magnetic fields at 17 mG. From a health-perspective, we are looking at 2 mG for daytime exposure and 0.2 mG for bedrooms.

    The power companies claim that they only transmit wirelessly up to six times a day. Whilst it may be true that the information is only received up to six times a day, they are emitting 24/7 and spike (rapidly reach a much higher level) frequently.

    Instead of helping, my concerns were heightened!

    Early in my career as an Indoor Environmental Health Consultant it became very clear that the levels emitted, and the fact that EMF is being emitted 24/7 (and we can't turn it off), many people I encountered had reached their tipping point. This has resulted in* these people to develop a heightened sensitivity to EMF, with symptoms varying from insomnia, muscle tension, vivid dreaming, grinding their teeth (bruxism), ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and so on.

    *These symptoms are anecdotal – I have accumulated this list from what has been reported to my by clients.

    My stance is that it is never one thing that causes heightened sensitivities, but it can easily be one thing that “breaks the camels back.” That said, it is vital that we reduce all environmental stressors, particularly for when we are asleep.

    What Can Be Done?

    1. Not get one – if you have the chance to not have one installed, please avoid doing so.
    2. Have it removed – in some areas, people have been able to have them removed. Occasionally, they have to pay more per year someone manually needs to read them. (Worth it, I think!)
    3. Have the chip removed so it can't emit wirelessly – this will solve the issues of one of the four types of EMF.
    4. Move the aerial – if you contact your energy provider, they may be able to put the aerial on the roof.
    5. Have your power company “power it down” – smart meters can function quite well at around 5% (or less in some cases) capacity… and they are installed and set at 100%. Note, that not all smart meters can be turned down.
    6. Shielding – done with care can be a simple and effective solution. In most cases, it should be able to be done for less than $300.

    What If I Am Renting?

    No problem, shielding can be effectively installed in such a way that you can take it with you.

    Can't We Just Buy a Cage or Wrap Smart Meters in Aluminium?

    NO!

    Both of these options can result in the meter working harder to get the signal out. This results in much more “force” being required to get the signal out, causing it to emit at higher levels.

    So How Can I Shield it Properly?

    I get asked that a LOT… so I have made this easy-to-follow guide packed with expert tips for homeowners AND renters.

    ”YES!

    #smartmeters #EMF #radiofrequency #electricfields #magneticfields #dirtyelecticity #shielding

    House Hunting?

    by | building biology, buildings and health, chemical sensitivities, chemically sensitive, ehs, electric fields, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, EMR, family, gases, health, heavy metals, house hunting, indoor air quality, informed choice, lead, mold, mould

    Moving (and house hunting) is a highly stressful time…

    Add to the mix the need to avoid environmental stressors, keep to a tight budget and manage with low tolerance – house hunting becomes almost impossible.

    Sound familiar?

    I get it – not only have I been there myself, but I've also guided many clients through this process.

    I have also seen things go pear-shaped. Very pear-shaped… Like one of my earliest pre-purchase inspections. 

    You would not believe what happened…

    My client arranged for me to do the inspection… So I arrived on this sunny afternoon, excited to determine if this house was suitable for him.

    “Let's go in!” I said.

    “Uh-uh! Not me. Every time I go in there, I get sick. You go in and assess it.”

    I did a double-take.

    Why would he want me to assess the place if he can't be in while I inspect it????

    I explained the scenario to him – all set to head back to the office. But he wanted to go ahead. So, I did. And my report recommended that he keep looking. My professional advice was disregarded. He bought the place…

    And moved out almost as fast as he had moved in.

    There is no need to make the same mistakes.

    If you have been looking for a new place no doubt money is tight. You may not have enough time to organise a professional indoor environmental health assessment done. Stress levels are through the roof.

    You've moved before, and it is essential that you don't have to move again because you can't end up in another place that is unsafe, nay, uninhabitable.

    The track running in your mind goes something like this:

    What do I do? 

    How can I avoid the things that make me sick? 

    How can I protect your health and that of my loved ones? 

    Am I right?

    So here's what you can do:

    • Learn my “Crystal Ball” method;
    • Draw on my training, experience and insight so that you can keep a property on or your list or cross it off with confidence; and
    • Become EMPOWERED to make sound decisions for your health and that of your loved ones.

    You don't need to invest tens of thousands of dollars or years of time training and equipment…

    You just need someone to show you #PROtips and tricks so that you can shortlist properties for yourself with confidence…

    eco-health-solutions natural

    Thus, I have curated this course.

    I want you to:

    1. Be able to confidently cross places off your list, keeping only the good ones;
    2. Avoid having to gather the energy to look at places, only to be sick for weeks after;
    3. Save time, money and energy.

    All of my years of training, experience, up skilling and knowledge have been consolidated into 13 online lessons, complete with worksheets, my black book of online resources and the essential 122-point checklist so you know you've covered all bases.

    Just what the doctor ordered, hey?

    • Do you suffer from environmental sensitivities?
    • Desperately trying to find a home that isn’t going to make you sick, or sicker?
    • Feel forced to settle on a less-than-ideal home because funds are tight?
    • Multiple home assessments haven’t helped you find the perfect place, but you can’t afford to keep coughing up cash?

    A LIFE-CHANGING ONLINE COURSE THAT’S ONE-OF-A-KIND 

    In Looking for a New Place? How to Avoid the Pitfalls, indoor environmental health expert Lucinda Curran reveals how to streamline the house-hunting process, eliminate uninhabitable homes with confidence, and make a promising shortlist of homes for professional assessments.

    No more:

    • Time wasted on pointless inspections
    • Money spent on unnecessary assessments
    • Needless exposure to toxins at inspections
    • Settling for uninhabitable properties
    • Heartache on learning that the ‘perfect’ home wasn’t right after all

    “THIS COURSE IS A MUST” 

    “I am now better able to rule out unsuitable properties from the comfort of my home which saves me time, energy and cuts down on exposures. The checklist of what to look for in and around the property is very comprehensive and makes it so easy to look for the potential dangers that may be lurking. This course is a must have for anyone wanting to know what to look for and avoid when searching for a healthy home.”

    – Genevieve, VIC

    Check it out here. 👉

    Please note: this course does NOT take the place of a professional Indoor Environmental Health Assessment.

    BUT it does mean you don't have to have so many! 🙂