Health Impact of Plastics on Health

by | BPA, endocrine disruptors, health, healthy home, indoor environmental health, learning disorders, mircoplastics, personal care, personal care products, phthalates, plastic

The Impact of Plastics on Our Health & The Environment

Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives, but their effects on our health and the environment are becoming more and more apparent. In this post, we'll delve into some of the issues posed by the widespread use of plastic, on human health and on our planet.

We’ll explore topics such as microplastics, plastic pollution, and the chemicals found in plastics that can disrupt our endocrine system.

The Effects of Microplastics

Microplastics are small plastic particles that are less than 5 millimetres in size. 

These particles can come from a wide range of sources, including cosmetics, clothing, and industrial processes. 

Dr. Janice Brahney, an assistant professor at Utah State University, explains that, “Once they enter the environment, they can cause a range of problems.” 

Research from the University of Plymouth has revealed that a single polyester garment can shed up to 1,900 microfibers in one wash, and these microplastics can enter the food chain when they are ingested by small marine creatures, eventually making their way into the seafood we eat. Microplastics can also cause physical harm to marine life, disrupting their digestive and reproductive systems.

There is growing concern about the impact of microplastics on our health. 

Recent research suggests that these tiny particles can enter our bodies through the air we breathe, the food we eat and even the water we drink. 

A study published in Environmental Science & Technology in 2020 found that people could be ingesting an average of 5 grams of plastic every week, which is the equivalent to the weight of a credit card. This means that we are consuming microplastics in our food and water, and these particles could potentially cause long-term health problems.

Plastic Pollution in Our Environment

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face today. 

Dr. Jenna Jambeck, an associate professor of environmental engineering at the University of Georgia, states that, “Over 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, and the majority of that plastic is still in the environment.” 

Plastic pollution not only affects the aesthetics of our planet, but it can also have a serious impact on ecosystems. Birds and other wildlife can become entangled in plastic, or ingest it, causing injury or death. Some sea birds are mistakenly fed plastics as babies, resulting in them being too heavy to fly, so they drown when they head out to sea.

The impact of plastic pollution on our oceans is particularly concerning. 

According to a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, there could be more plastic than fish in the ocean by 2050 if current trends continue. 

Plastic pollution can also have a direct impact on human health. In areas where plastic waste is burned, it can release toxic fumes that are harmful to human health.

The Impact of Plastics on Human Health

Many plastics contain harmful chemicals, including phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and other endocrine disrupting chemicals. 

Dr. Leonardo Trasande, a professor of environmental medicine and paediatrics at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, explains, “These chemicals can disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates hormones that play a critical role in human health.” 

Phthalates are often added to plastics to make them more flexible, but they have been linked to a range of health problems, including hormonal imbalances and reproductive issues. 

BPA is a chemical used in plastics that can mimic oestrogen in the body and has been linked to obesity, diabetes, and other health problems. In many situations, this has been replaced by bisphenol S (BPS) which isn’t any better!

Endocrine disrupting chemicals can also impact foetal development and may lead to long-term health problems.

One of the most concerning aspects of plastic and health is the potential impact on unborn babies. 

Research has suggested that exposure to certain endocrine disrupting chemicals during foetal development could lead to a range of health problems later in life. 

A study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that women with higher levels of phthalates in their blood during pregnancy were more likely to have children with language delays. 

Another study found that BPA exposure during pregnancy could increase the risk of behavioural problems in young girls.

It's not just unborn babies who are at risk from the chemicals found in plastics. 

Adults can also be affected. 

For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that men who consumed food from plastic containers had lower levels of testosterone than men who did not.

Summing it all up –

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our society, but their impact on our health and the environment is becoming increasingly concerning. 

Microplastics are found in our food, water, and air, and plastic pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges we face. 

Chemicals found in plastics can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to a range of health problems, including reproductive issues, obesity, and diabetes. 

It's important to reduce our use of plastics wherever possible and to recycle and dispose of them properly. 

By doing so, we can help to protect our planet and our health.

Healthy Home Tips to reduce your use of plastics:

  • Use stainless steel drink bottles, instead of single-use plastic bottles
  • Choose food in glass containers
  • Buy food from bulk suppliers so you can use your own packaging instead
  • Use glass containers to store your food in – you can reuse your glass jars
  • Herbs and spices keep better in glass jars
  • Left-over food can be placed in the fridge in a bowl with a plate as a lid (no need for cling film)
  • Use metal or glass bottles for home-made cleaning and skincare products
  • Opt for sustainable scrubbing brushes, instead of plastic ones
  • Opt for bamboo microfibre cloths, instead of those made with synthetic fibres
  • Use stainless steel pegs instead of plastic ones
  • Choose natural fibres for clothing, bedding and other textiles, avoiding synthetics
  • Invest in cloth shopping bags and bags you can buy (and store) your fresh produce in
  • Choose stainless steel or bamboo straws
  • Check out our “Eco-friendly” category for more products with this in mind
Could My House Be Making Me Sick

Want your home to be a healthy one that supports your wellbeing?

Like to find out more about creating a healthy home?

Grab this FREE Could my house be making me sick? guide here.

References

  • Brahney, J., et al. (2018). The plastics revolution: how have we created a world in which plastic threatens life? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/the-plastics-revolution-how-have-we-created-a-world-in-which-plastic-threatens-life-102335
  • Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2016). The New Plastics Economy: Rethinking the future of plastics. https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/publications/the-new-plastics-economy-rethinking-the-future-of-plastics
  • Geyer, R., et al. (2017). Production, use, and fate of all plastics ever made. Science Advances, 3(7). https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782
  • Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Endocrine disruptors. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/iaq/endocrine-disruptors/
  • Mínguez-Alarcón, L., et al. (2018). Urinary bisphenol A concentrations and association with in vitro fertilization outcomes among women from a fertility clinic. Human Reproduction, 33(11), 2053-2062. https://academic.oup.com/humrep/article/33/11/2053/5064139
  • Rochester, J. R. (2013). Bisphenol A and human health: a review of the literature. Reproductive Toxicology

Spring Healthy Home Threats

by | air quality, allergies, building materials, buildings and health, cleaning, condensation, hay fever, health, healthy home, healthy home threats, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, moisture, mold, mould, ventilation

Spring Healthy Home Threats… in Every Home

Although it's my favourite season, Spring healthy home threats can be found in every home.

I love the palpable buzz of new life and energy. When we’re surrounded by colour as flowers burst open, and there are fledgling birds all around.

Here in Melbourne, it is considered the most variable of the seasons – I’m sure this is the season that inspired Crowded House’s “Four Seasons in One Day.”

And, like for every season, there are healthy home threats that are closely matched with this one.

What is a “healthy home threat”?

A healthy home threat is anything that interferes with the good work we’re doing to create a healthy home. It could be an allergen, a rise in relative humidity, a leak, new paint, a new technology – there are so many possibilities.

Which Challenges Does Spring Bring?

Spring brings with it longer days (with the sun rising earlier and setting later) as well as warmer days. In many areas, the winds pick up. And when I lived in the Blue Mountains, I braced for “thunderstorm season,” as I called it.

It’s important to understand how the season causes us to change our behaviour, as this can give us clues about what may pose a risk to our great efforts in creating a healthy home.

As Spring gains momentum, we tend to:

  • Get outside more
  • Open the windows to let the warmth in
  • Continue to use heating (as the days are still cool, and vary a lot)
  • Bring flowers inside
  • Get out into the garden
  • Plant vegetables, herbs and flowers
  • Some of us partake in the traditional “Spring Clean”

Let’s now explore how these changes can become Spring healthy home threats.

spring healthy home threats - eco health solutions

Mould Spores

Variations in temperature throughout the day, and also from room to room can create opportunities for mould to grow.

Another change is the increased ventilation as we open up to welcome in the warmth and beautiful Spring air.

Spring Cleaning results in us pulling furniture out, cleaning, sorting through items that may have been untouched for some time.

It’s important to remember that mould releases spores when there are any changes to its environment.

Releasing spores is how mould manages to spread and survive “attacks,” and we need to keep this in mind. 

SOLUTIONS

  1. Aim to keep temperatures throughout your home as consistent as possible – opening ALL windows and doors can be part of this strategy.
  2. Use air purifiers, particularly when Spring Cleaning. (This one is the bee's knees in terms of powerfully cleaning the air.)
  3. Wear a mask when Spring Cleaning.
  4. Use microfibre cloths when cleaning surfaces.
  5. If you find mould, check this post out for my dos and don’ts.
        spring healthy home threats - eco health solutions 4

        Dew Point

        Building materials having different temperatures can create the possibility of dew point being reached within the building. I know that sounds technical, but bear with me as I translate this.

        When dew point is reached, moisture in the air can condense on a cool surface – this could be on a wall or ceiling, or within the structure of the building itself. 

        Obviously then, this creates moisture. And, as I always say, mould is a moisture issue.

        In my years of assessing homes, I’ve seen some dramatic differences in the temperature of building materials, and have frequently found “hidden mould” in brand new builds.

        SOLUTIONS

        1. When heating your home, heat your entire home, and keep indoor doors open to help the temperature stay even throughout.
        2. Keep furniture at least 10cm away from exterior walls so that the walls maintain a consistent temperature.
        3. Ensure that your building is insulated properly – that the entire wall, ceiling or floor is insulated, and it has not been installed in a patchy way.
        4. Keep an eye out for condensation – and dry it off as soon as you see it with a microfibre cloth. If it’s on the ceiling or high window, you can use a flat mop, rather than climbing on a ladder.
        5. Watch the relative humidity – the more moisture in the air, the greater potential for condensation to form. Hygrometers are ideal for this.
            spring healthy home threats - eco health solutions (3)

            Pollen and Microbes

            Spending time outside can see an increase in exposure to pollen as dormant plants spring into life – which is a huge problem for people with seasonal allergic rhinitis (hay fever), and also asthmatics.

            And of course, the increased winds can cause pollen to travel…

            And because gardening involves stirring up the soil, we can inadvertently be exposed to various microbes in the soil.

            SOLUTIONS

            1. Be aware of allergenic pollen in your area, check out this pollen calendar.
            2. If you have allergies (known or suspected) to pollen, then keep the windows closed, stay indoors, and keep your air purifier nearby.
            3. Check pollen alerts (you can get local apps for these).
            4. Keep an eye out for thunderstorm asthma alerts, too (I think mould is part of this picture, not just pollen, but that is yet to be proven).
            5. When you are out and about (including gardening), wear a mask, and consider protective eyewear.
            bed healthy home - eco health solutions

            House Dust Mites

            With the changing temperatures, we’re often caught out at night – either being too hot or too cold… 

            This can cause us to perspire (or sweat) a lot overnight – which is just what house dust mites want.

            House dust mites soak up moisture through their skin, and, a bit like mould, can thrive in moisture environments.

            SOLUTIONS

            1. Check the predicted overnight temperature before going to bed, and adjust your bedding accordingly.
            2. Pull the covers back to air your bed through the day – there’s no need to make it!
            3. When changing the sheets, vacuum your mattress while it's still warm.
            4. Wash your bedding often and dry them out in the sun.
            5. Read this post for extra information on house dust mites.
            rainbow lorikeets spring - eco health solutions (2)

            Spring Healthy Home Threats… now under control!

            There you have it, healthy home threats that are unique to Spring… and most importantly, steps that you can take to protect your health.

            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.

            Spring is the BEST time to create new routines…

            I've created a course that is for people just like you – keen to understand healthy homes at a deeper level… and to take more action.

            Having a home assessment is one thing (a good place to start) –

            Actually having a plan to move forward and maintain your home so that it supports your health is essential.

            And that what this course is – your step-by-step, easy to implement healthy home action plan. 

            Maintaining a Healthy Home

            I've reduced the price to just $97 AUD to support and empower you on your healthy home journey.

            Enrol Now for $97 AUD

            How Working From Outside is Beneficial to Your Health

            by | air quality, earthing, happiness, health, healthy home, simple life, ventilation, VOCs, working

            This post was written by Griffin Parrish, an intern at Siege Media. He's drawn on reputable sources to back up his work and what he's written for us is so inspiring.

            Of course, I would also add cautions around wireless technology, and encourage everyone to connect to the internet via ethernet (cables).

            Enjoy!

            Lucinda

            Health Benefits of Working From Outside

            With an increasing number of people working from home, some are taking it to the next level by working from outside. With a variety of mental and physical health benefits, taking your work outside is a great way to improve your daily life. Whether you take your laptop to a park or work from your backyard or balcony, there are many ways to transform your work life for the better.

            What Does It Mean to Work From Outside?

            Working from outside (WFO) is a new trend in working from home – where you can complete your daily work outside in a natural environment. WFO is especially easy for those who already work from home. Without being tied down to a specific office building, you can easily find a place to work without being trapped indoors.

            Examples of WFO locations include:

              • Coffee shops with outdoor seating
              • Parks
              • Backyards
              • Balconies
              • Pergolas, porches, patios

            By working outside in nature, you can reap the benefits of being outdoors without falling behind in your job.

            What Are the Benefits of Working From Outside?

            In a traditional office setting, many workers spend all day stuck indoors. It is estimated that the average person spends 90% of their time inside. 

            Spending all day sitting inside without any exposure to sunlight or fresh air can be detrimental to your mental and physical health. 

            Read along to learn how swapping your indoor office for an outdoor workspace can positively impact your health and wellbeing.

            Increased Energy Levels

            By exposing yourself to fresh air and sunlight when WFO, you can naturally increase your energy levels. Rather than relying on stimulants like coffee or energy drinks, moving your workspace outside is a great way to naturally feel more energetic. 

            With the natural energy you gain from working outside, you won’t have to worry about a caffeine crash later in the day.

            Reduced Feelings of Anxiety

            Spending time outdoors is linked to several mental health benefits. One of the major benefits of WFO is reduced feelings of stress and anxiety. 

            Whether you take a short outdoor walk between meetings or move your computer outside for the day, being out in nature is a great way to feel calm and elevate your mood.

            Decreased Exposure to Indoor Air Pollutants

            In an indoor environment, air pollutants are two to five times more common than in the outdoors. 

            Consistent exposure to indoor air pollution can lead to various negative health effects, including:

              • Eyes, nose, and throat irritation
              • Headaches
              • Dizziness and fatigue
              • Respiratory diseases
              • Cancer 

            By WFO and limiting your time indoors, you can decrease your exposure to these harmful pollutants, therefore decreasing your risk for health issues.

            plastic free

            Boosted Feelings of Creativity

            In addition to spending time WFO, walking outside can also lead to improved brain function. By taking short walks periodically throughout your workday, you can experience an estimated 60% increase in creativity and problem-solving skills. 

            To maximise these benefits, try walking to your favorite outdoor work location instead of driving.

            Increased Happiness

            When trading your indoor office space for the great outdoors, you will notice an increase in your happiness levels. Even if you’re only outside for as little as 30 minutes per week, it has been proven that it can decrease your depression by 7%. 

            With an improved mood, the workday will be more enjoyable and go by faster.

            Lower Blood Pressure

            In addition to increased levels of happiness, spending 30 minutes outdoors per week can also decrease your risk of high blood pressure. High blood pressure can lead to many adverse health effects including:

              • Headaches
              • Vision problems
              • Fatigue
              • Heart palpitations
              • Shortness of breath

            By reducing your time spent indoors, you can help decrease your risk of heart disease and other high blood pressure symptoms.

            Natural Pain Relief

            When compared to those who spent their time indoors, people who regularly spent time outside had reduced levels of inflammation. 

            Rather than spending your time inside and continually reaching for pain medication, WFO can provide you with natural pain relief.

            Better Cognitive Function

            While WFO, you may notice yourself becoming more productive. This is no coincidence, as spending as little as an hour outside has been linked to a 20% improvement in memory and attention span. 

            By WFO, you are not only improving your mental and physical health, but also your performance.

            Tips For Creating an Outdoor Workspace

            Now that you know all of the benefits that WFO can provide, you may be wondering how you can successfully work from your outdoor space. 

            Check out this helpful infographic from Angi to learn more about how you can create a comfortable and effective WFO space.

            Work From the Outdoors

            Infographic by Angi.com

            References

             Included directly via hyperlinks.

            If you'd like more information on how to set this up safely
            – avoiding hidden hazards, then book a call with Lucinda today.

            Book Here

            Support Your Health by Creating a Healthy Home

            by | air pollution, buildings and health, environmental sensitivities, environmental stressors, grinding teeth, happiness, health, healthy home, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, mould, self-care, sleep, stress, ventilation, VOCs, water damage, wireless technology

            Perhaps you’ve heard about “healthy homes” and wondered how a home could support your health?

            Or maybe you’ve wondered what you could do to create a healthy home?

            And, if you’ve been with me for a while, you’ll likely just be eager for more strategies to support your health.

            Please know, that no matter where you’re at, every step you take is a step in the right direction.

            Let's get started.

            Does Your Home Support Your Health?

            It could be! You don’t have to be bed-bound to be experiencing the effects of hidden hazards in your home – you might be fit and well but feel a bit off at times.

            Since there are so many signs and symptoms which may suggest your home could be hampering your health, and many of these may also have medical causes… The best thing to do is to start by observing.

            Here’s my key question: do you feel better when away from your home?

            From my experience with clients over the last 9 years, the vast majority have reported that when they spend time away from their homes, their symptoms become less severe. For some, it’s almost instant. For others, it is gradual.

            What are some of the common symptoms when your home doesn't support your health?

            Given we’re all different, these will vary from person to person. However, here are some of the more common symptoms.

            • Headaches
            • Sore and/or dry eyes
            • Poor sleep
            • Heightened levels of stress or agitation
            • Sore and/or tight muscles
            • Feeling not quite right (aka malaise)
            • Foggy or muddled head
            • Low energy
            • Vertigo or losing balance (only when at home)
            • Grinding or clenching teeth (aka bruxism)
            • Runny nose
            • Depression, anxiety, rage, angry outbursts

            Please remember, there can also be medical causes for some of these, and these should also be ruled out – as some of the medical causes could be sinister.

            Let me tell you about Beth and Jo

            Beth and Jo were renting, and not long after moving into their new place, they began to feel unwell. Things got worse day by day, and eventually they both needed time off from work.

            Alarm bells started to ring for them when they found they felt worse when resting at home.

            Jo spent the days outside weathering the cold Melbourne winter.

            Beth felt so bad at home, she opted not to take time off – the fact was, she felt better there anyway.

            When I attended their home, it was clear that they had some big issues with water ingress and mould. They decided to break their lease and get out of there A.S.A.P.

            For Beth and Jo the link was super obvious. However, for many people, the changes can be subtle and not so readily noticed.

            Let's consider some easy (and free) ways that you can get started on right away.

            Cap Screen Time

            Studies have established there is a variety of adverse health effects linked to screen time. Apart from the more obvious ones such as dry eyes, there can be a range of other effects.

            The effects of shortwave light (SWL) from the LED lights in screens was studied by Israeli researchers, Green, et al, in 2017. They discovered that 2 hours of evening device use resulted in increased wakefulness at night, low-quality sleep, and suppressed melatonin production.

            But wait – there’s more!

            The research team also noticed symptoms the next day, including an elevated level of sleepiness, a decrease in the capacity to concentrate, poor mood, and reduced performance levels when performing actions.

            What also came to light (excuse the pun!) was that dimming the lights on the screen didn't make much difference to the aftereffects that they had observed.

            Here’s what I recommend –

            Reducing screen time in the evening by setting a curfew. In my home, we started by selecting a time that worked for everyone to “down phones/devices.” For us, it's 7:00PM. Find a time that works for your household and stick to it.

            Clean Your Air

            Australians spend between 90 and 95 percent of their time indoors (State of Knowledge, 2001).

            Knowing this can help us to understand the important role which our homes (and offices) have in our wellbeing.

            I was shocked to discover that many people rarely open windows and doors, and that occupants rely on the heating and cooling systems to control the indoor environment.

            This means that the indoor air is rarely (if ever) exchanged, and the result is that indoor air contaminants continuously increase. Often, too, I’ve seen a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide. There are statistics around that show that indoor air can be 5-10 times more polluted than outdoor air.

            Ventilation is key and done regularly, will allow indoor air to be exchanged with and refreshed by outdoor air.

            The quickest and easiest way to do this is to do a lap of your home, opening every single door and window. It can take as few as 2 minutes to exchange the air in your home. It is ideal to do this hourly.

            Down the Device

            Various exciting technologies over the last 15 years have made it easier for people to be hooked on their devices. Have you noticed anytime you have a question, you reach for your device and search for an answer?

            We've already touched on the shortwave light from LEDs in screens, but there’s more to it than that.

            Our energy, emotional and mental health can take a whack with the constant pings and interruptions when we’ve got an email, SMS or a notification from an app or social media. Our sleep is easily affected when we’ve seen/heard something distressing right before bed.

            One of my guiding principles is “the precautionary principle.” This means that something has to be proven to be safe, and unless it has, then I limit use or access to it.

            So while the scientists re debating the semantics about health vs biological effects, I choose to minimise my exposure to wireless radiation.

            Apart from the potential health risks, there are the mental and emotional health risks that most have already experienced. On top of this, I value quiet time to reflect, form my own opinions, and rest my eyes from the eternal scrolls…

            Thus, I recommend choosing times in your day where you are without your devices.

            Instead, you could go for a walk in nature (and bring in the many health benefits of Shin-Rin Yoku, or “forest bathing”), read a book or magazine, play a board game, draw, dance, sing, play… I’m sure you can easily find joyful ways to spend your time.

            BONUS TIP: Have a look at your screen time (your device measures this) and multiply it by 365 to see just how many hours (or weeks!!) you’re spending with your device. Then ponder what else you could do with that time.

            Creating a Healthy Home Can Support Your Health and Wellbeing

            Create an oasis for yourself at home in which you can feel safe, nourished, and happy…

            Knowing that your home does support your health.

            You can do this!

            And if you want my help…

            Book a Call Here

            And if you'd like more tips, check this out.

            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

            Lead Poisoning: Prevention is Better than Cure

            by | ageing, environmental stressors, health, heavy metals, indoor environmental health, lead, learning disorders

            Lead Levels and Lead Poisoning Prevention come to mind every October…

            Because #ILPPWA: International Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action happens every year in the final week of October.

            And 2021 marks the ninth week – thanks to the work of Elizabeth O'Brien, from The LEAD Group.

             

            This year we have a lot to celebrate!

            And what better way than to team up with the go-to person for all things lead, Elizabeth O'Brien herself.

            Elizabeth has campaigned tirelessly for 30 years.

             

            She is the co-founder of The LEAD Group, which was formed by a trio of parents of lead poisoned children.

            This not-for-profit organisation has dedicated itself to preventing lead poisoning and spreading awareness about the risks.

            As well, they have created almost 100 fact sheets and an array of solutions sheets which are freely available to help consumers arm themselves.

            Which is unfortunately due to the shortfall of policy and guidance from federal government.

            lead levels petrol
            lead levels paint

            Today, we discuss some incredible progress that has been made –

            Real wins for health (and the environment).

            As well, we discuss WHY  you should care about lead…

            Because it isn't only about lowered IQ…

            And, of course, some action that you can take.

            Important Points to Consider

            • Despite lead now being phased out of petrol, lead dust can still be found around busy roads, in soil and in ceiling dust
            • As discussed, from 1st October 2021 no Australian manufacturer is allowed to add lead to paint (apart from the two exceptions of anti-fouling paints and anti-corrosion primers), paint containing low levels of lead may still be used as tradies and suppliers use up existing stock
            • The best place to start is always with a Blood Lead Level test (for every member of the household) – if the result is not below 1ug/dL, then lead-remediation action needs to be taken
            lead levels the toxic effects

            Links

            The Lead Education and Abatement Design (LEAD) Group Inc.

            Lead Safe World

            The Volcano Art Prize

            ADRA (Australian Dust Removalists Association)

            Green Painters Association

            I have written a comprehensive Action Pack
            called “Getting Ahead of Lead.”

            This is available to members of Detox Your Environment Group – a super-affordable membership program where you can access expert advice live!

            Join Us Here

            Other posts on #Lead

             

            Images:
            • Petrol – Arnaldo Motta on Unsplash
            • Paint – Taelynn Christopher on Unsplash
            • Toxic Effects of Lead – WHO
            • Ban Lead Paint – WHO

            Plastic-Free July (and every month)

            by | air quality, building biology, building materials, buildings and health, chemical sensitivities, chemicals, cleaning, cleaning products, drinking water, endocrine disruptors, fragrances, health, healthy home, indoor air quality, indoor environmental health, informed choice, personal care, personal care products, scents, self-care, simple life

            Why Avoid Plastic?

            Avoiding plastic has always been something high on my agenda.

            When I was a teen and a twenty-something, it was about protecting the environment –

            • not creating waste,
            • minimising the creating of single-use items, and
            • protecting our beautiful planet (in a very general sense)

            As I have gotten older, and understood more about the environment and health, it has become even more important.

            Here are three really big reasons to avoid plastics.

             

            1. Pollutants from Plastics

            Plastic bottles and containers can leach phthalates, xenooestrogens and other pollutant into the food, personal care or cleaning product with them.

            This can play havoc with our health, as they interfere with our hormones (“endocrine-disrupting chemicals”).

            What is more, they can also effect other animals that are exposed to them.

             

            2. Plastic Polluting

            Most of us already know about the piles of plastics in the oceans that form islands…

            Our PET bottles, condoms, bags, and so on, all sweep the oceans and accumulate in certain areas.

            As well, very small particles can break off plastic items (including synthetic clothing) to form microplastics.

            These tiny pieces are a massice problem in the environment.

             

            3. Killing Wildlife

            One example is seabirds.

            I saw a documentary where seabirds needed humans to help them survive.

             

            Parents were feeding their young plastic that they had “caught” in the oceans…

            Of course, the young were not able to digest it…

            So it accumulated in their stomachs.

            There were three big consequences of this.

            a) The presence of the plastics in stomachs of the youing birds could leach endocrine-disrupting chemicals… which might have devastating effects on the species.

            b) The birds were not being nourished properly – as plastic isn't food!

            c) The baby birds were heavy with all the plastic in their stomachs – which meant that as they headed out to sea, they would not be able to fly, and would then drown.

            The scientists would catch the youngsters as they headed to the water…

            And get them to vomit out all the plastic.

            There was a surprisingly (and alarmingly) large amount of it!

            By removing the plastic from their stomachs, they were being given the best chance to survive.

             

            It was truly heartbreaking to see this.

            So, what can you do about it?

            Join the Challenge –

            In my free Facebook group, we are doing a Plastic-Free Challenge.

            Consider alternatives to plastic –

             

            Choose Your Tactic

            PlasticFreeJuly.org has compiled this great resource – download it here – then review it and choose which ones that you can action.

            P.S. This is a great one to involve the kids with 😉

            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