EME Archives - Eco Health Solutions

Electromagnetic Energy Can Affect Your Health

by Lucinda Curran | 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 Lucinda Curran | 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

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 15^oC, instead, set it for 25-30^oC.
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.

Healthy Homes 101 Checklist © Eco Health Solutions

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Winter Healthy Home Threats

by Lucinda Curran | 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

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.
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.
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

Have your gas appliances checked by a licensed gas fitter every autumn so that they are ready for use in winter.
Ventilate your home often – as discussed above.
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

Avoid using wood fires.
Rug up and/or be physically active – this is a great time of year to get big gardening jobs done.
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

Monitor the levels of relative humidity with a hygrometer – we’re aiming for 45-55% RH; 50% RH is ideal.
Use extractor fans when cooking, bathing or laundering.
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

Dry your windows daily with a dry bamboo microfibre cloth.
Dry glass that is high up using a flat mop.
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

Head outdoors to “discharge” and “ground.”
Do without wi-fi and other wireless devices.
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 Lucinda Curran | 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 Lucinda Curran | 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

Sl eep 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?

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…

You get to breathe fresh natural air, instead of indoor air
Being in nature in this way can allow you to discharge accumulated EMF – it is a form of grounding
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
If you do this free from devices, it can be deeply relaxing, which can be incredibly healing
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?

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