Many of the homes I assess have essential oil diffusers.
Whilst I love that more people are using essential oils, I have concerns about the essential oil diffusers that harbour mould… and then potentially spread it throughout your home.
So, let me share with you ways to avoid mould – and fragrant oils!
Some key points about essential oil diffusers that require water:
they add moisture to your indoor air
the water inside them is infrequently changed
the tubes within them are impossible to dry out – and this is where I see the most mould – and they are equally impossible to clean!
Options:
use an electric oil diffuser – such as this one that requires no water at all
put essential oils on a cotton ball or tissue
grow fresh herbs and enjoy their aroma
Why we Don't Want to Add Moisture to the Indoor Air
Mould spores are everywhere. They are an important part of our world. We just don't want them growing in our homes.
Mould requires food and moisture to flourish. Usually the spores are sitting on food. So the thing that we CAN control is moisture.
When there is enough moisture (high humidity levels or a material is wet for 48+ hours) mould can proliferate. This sets off a chain of events, which for those who are sensitive or sensitised can be extremely problematic. Mould can be detrimental to our health as well as to the structure of the building.
Taking steps to reduce moisture levels is ideal – and avoiding adding it is even better!
There are many ways to kill mould, but this does not make it safe for your health.
Dead mould is called “unviable” and alive mould is called “viable.”
Mould is everywhere, however only about 25% of the spores are viable. The rest aren't, which means they are dead.
In terms of health, mould, viable or not, is a problem.
Parts of mould break off, these are called hyphae.
There are spores released to start new colonies. Some contain mycotoxins and others contain microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs).
Some moulds are particularly irritating, allergenic or problematic for health.
Yet for people who are sensitive or sensitised to mould, ANY mould can be a problem.
Here's a video that I did… Mould Unwanted: Dead or Alive
Please excuse the start where the writing is mirrored – I hadn't realised it would do that. 🙂
In my years, I have assessed a lot of places (hundreds of them). In many I have found mould, dead and alive.
Mould is often not visible – and can also be hidden.
Remember, mould doesn't have to be alive to be an issue.
The first part of a water damage and mould Indoor Environmental Health Assessment is the visual inspection. My eyes are trained, and I can easily spot potential issues.
During the first week of April, many people across the globe come together to help raise awareness on a mineral that has been scientifically proven to cause cancer and other serious illnesses. Global Asbestos Awareness Week is a time where topics such as prevention, the health risks of exposure and banning asbestos get the full attention they deserve.
To date there are at least 58 countries that banned the use of asbestos, Australia being one of them. In observance of this week, I’m going to do my part by sharing information with you on the hidden dangers of this carcinogen.
Segue – A Trip Down Memory Lane
I really wanted to do this because of something that I did – which never should have happened. In my line of work, I hear all sorts of regrets that people have… and if I knew what I know now, I would never have made this mistake. Let me tell you the story.
Once, about 20 odd years ago, I lived in a fabulous house which was built in 1968. In terms of building biology, it was a house of horrors, but I didn’t know anything about that then.
I decided to remove the layers of funky (yes, funky) 1970s wallpaper. Once the layers were off, I discovered that the plasterboard had been installed to provide a rough surface for the wallpaper to stick to. I didn’t want that because I was painting over it. Being an indestructible 20-something, I sanded and sanded and sanded it. Eventually, I gave up and painted anyway. When I was doing my building biology training, it hit me. That was very likely to be asbestos! I don’t know if it was. I don’t yet know if there are any long-term ramifications – but it scares me to realise that I may end up with mesothelioma or asbestosis – or similar; simply as a result of being ignorant.
What is Asbestos?
Known for its heat resistance and durability, asbestos is a microscopic, fibrous mineral found naturally in the environment.
It is these characteristics that made it such a star player in the production of building materials.
Products such as roofing shingles, wallboard, flooring tiles, and insulation were made with asbestos and it was heavily used before the 1970’s.
Australia was one of the highest users of asbestos until there was strong scientific evidence that linked the mineral to serious health concerns.
It wasn’t until the mid-1980’s that our government began implementing a ban on asbestos. The ban covers both imports and exports of asbestos, as well as any use of chrysotile asbestos used in building products.
A Concerning Fact
You may still find asbestos in older homes, so be sure to do some research before getting into any DIY-renovation projects. If you need help on where asbestos could be in your home, take a look here for some advice on what you should do if it is present.
Here are some common places you may find them in your home:
You may wonder: how can I be exposed and what are the health risks of exposure?
If a material that contains asbestos is damaged, it can release tiny particles that contain the asbestos fibre which can easily be inhaled. Since it is such a strong material, our bodies can’t break it down, so the fibres become trapped inside the body to eventually develop tumours.
As mentioned above, asbestos is linked to many serious health effects. One of the strongest correlations is with mesothelioma, an aggressive rare cancer that the only known cause is from exposure to asbestos. The signs and symptoms of this cancer often get confused with lung cancer and asbestosis. Although these other illnesses are caused by asbestos, they are completely different in physical characteristics.
Therefore, it is important when going through the diagnosing stage to specify your family history, your health concerns, and any chance of being exposed to asbestos (like sanding it – note to self).
What can you do to help raise awareness – even your own?
Remember, asbestos-related illnesses are 100% preventable.
Stay informed and let others know about this material. To continue to spread awareness, join in on the conversation online or in your community.
Have your home assessed by a licensed asbestos inspector (I have listed some here).
Here are some simple ways you can get further involved:
Social media is an important step in raising awareness. Educating your friends and family around the globe by creating a simple tweet or status update could prevent future exposure. #2017GAAW was created in honour of this year’s Global Asbestos Awareness Week led by the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation. You can learn what’s being talked about and what other organisations/experts are saying.
Donate to any organisations of the illnesses mentioned above that would use the funds for research and future treatment options.
TIPS If you are worried about asbestos in your place, choose an asbestos assessor who has completed the BOHS training. This is the training I did and I can vouch for the high level of this training. Also, get a “demolition survey” if you are planning any renovations. You will also find some great information here.
If you would like to discuss your situation with me, get in touch.
Electric fields are an important part of an EMF audit.
In an nutshell, extremely low frequency (ELF) AC electric fields are present where there is any household wiring or any appliances plugged in. They exist where there is a potential.
You can read more about the science behind ELF AC electric fields here. The focus here is on the importance of assessing them.
I measure ELF AC electric fields
There are a pinch (not even a handful) of people who actually measures and assesses ELF AC electric fields. I am part of this small group and have assessed these since graduation. This is one of four EMF areas which I assess. I also assess ELF AC magnetic fields, high frequencies and “dirty” electricity.
Most EMF audits only cover ELF AC magnetic fields and high frequencies – half of what we assess!
ELF AC electric fields is NOT assessed by measuring body voltage. Body voltage gives an indication of exposure when someone is laying on their bed… that is all. ELF AC electric fields need to be measured with specialised equipment – as the fields are incredibly easy to influence. This means that if I put a meter in or very near the field, it will change. If I enter the field or move very close to it, it will change. (You can read more about the concept of earthing mats – which are all about managing this form of EMF here.)
The Wisdom of Those Sensitive to EMF
ELF AC electric fields emanate from the wall. People who are electromagnetically sensitive position their bed in the centre of the room. I have seen this time and time again when assessing their places. Their beds are well away from all the walls.
As well, they often turn circuits off – which can reduce the fields.
Case Study
Recently, I was called to complete an Essential Audit for a client who was primarily concerned about EMF. One of the biggest concerns was the smart meter – as is often the case.
Like with all audits, an emphasis is placed on where a person spends time.
So, I completed each of my layers of assessment, including my 4 levels of EMF testing.
Level 1: high frequencies – due to the position of the smart meter. Areas where the client spent time were well within Building Biology Guidelines.
Level 2: ELF AC magnetic fields – again, these were well within acceptable levels as per the Building Biology Guidelines.
— This is where other EMF audits stop —
Level 3: “Dirty” Electricity – levels here were up to 7 times higher than the goal, so needed to be addressed.
Level 4: ELF AC electric fields – the levels were mind-blowing!
Building Biology Guidelines state (using a potential-free probe) that levels of ELF AC electric fields should be below 1.5V/m. The levels I measured were above 50V/m.
OUTCOME
I was able to advise my clients on the best course of action for their situation. I gave them both immediate steps and a longer term solution.
As you can see, if only two levels were completed, the advice would have been that the area is safe.
Clearly, having assessed 4 levels of EMF, it is unsafe. As such measures needed to be taken to ensure the safety of my clients.
What Does the Science Say?
Very little – but enough!
The biggest focus of research over the last 40 years has been on ELF AC magnetic fields and high frequencies.
ELF AC electric fields are difficult to measure.
Maes
However, Maes (2015, 3) states that,
“studies show that long-term exposures of only 10 V/m increase the risk for childhood leukemia, cancer and other health problems.”
Cech, et al
Cech, et al (2008) studied the impact of ELF electric fields on pregnant rats: “By vectorial addition of the electric current densities, it could be shown that under worst case conditions the basic restrictions recommended by ICNIRP (International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection) guidelines are exceeded within the central nervous system (CNS) of the mother, whereas in sole field exposure they are not.
However, within the foetus the induced current densities do not comply with basic restrictions, either from single reference-level electric fields or from simultaneous exposure to electric and magnetic fields. Basic limits were considerably exceeded.”
Gok, et al; and Guler, et al
Two other studies were looking to explain the effects of AC ELF electric fields.
a) Effects in the brain and retina in pregnant rats (Gok, et al, 2016), and
b) Discover the effectiveness of antioxidants from AC ELF electric fields exposure (Guler, et al, 2009).
The premise can be made from the scope of the research is that there are biological effects in these different areas.
Reiter
Research was done by Reiter (1993) into the effects of ELF electromagnetic field exposure and its effects on melatonin production.
Reiter concluded that the mechanisms remain unknown, but the effect exists.
Blank
Some findings were included in the BioInitiative Report, including:
Electric fields exert a force on electrons, and have been shown to stimulate protein synthesis in HL60 cells (Blank et al, 1992), E coli (Laubitz et al, 2006) and muscle in vivo (Blank, 1995).
(Blank, 2007, 9)
Despite the limited body of research, there is growing evidence that demonstrates health or biological effects within the body.
Thus the levels of all types of EMF should be as close as possible to nature. Else, they should fall within the no or slight concern categories of the building biology guidelines.
Cech, R, Leigeb, N, Pediatitis, M (January 2008) Current Densities in a Pregnant Woman Model Induced by Simultaneous ELF Electric and Magnetic Field Exposure Phys Med Biol 2008 Jan 7;53(1):177-86. doi: 10.1088/0031-9155/53/1/012. Epub 2007 Dec 19. (Online) Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18182695 (27 January 2017)
Gok, DK, Akpinar, D, Hidsoglu, E, Ozen, S, Agar, A, Yargiciglu, P (December 2016) The Developmental Effects of Extremely Low Frequency Electric Fields on Visual and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials in Adult Rats Electromagn Biol Med. 2016;35(1):65-74. doi: 10.3109/15368378.2014.987923. Epub 2014 Dec 11.
Guler, G, Turkozerr, Z, Ozgur, E, Seyhan, N (February 2009) Antioxidants alleviate electric field-induced effects on lung tissue based on assays of heme oxygenase-1, protein carbonyl content, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and hydroxyproline. (Online) Sci Total Environ. 2009 Feb 1;407(4):1326-32. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2008.10.050. Epub 2008 Nov 22.
Let's first explore humidity – to set the scene and give context to the rest of this post.
What is Humidity?
Humidity is the amount of water vapour in the air. It is important to know and understand this, particularly if you have any water damage or you live in a humid environment.
Humidity is commonly measured and discussed in two ways.
Firstly, there is relative humidity – this is the one we hear about a lot. When you think of being somewhere tropical, where you feel clammy despite having just showered, these areas will have a high level of relative humidity. The level is given as a percentage, for example 62%.
Relative humidity is the measure of how much water vapour is in the air and varies according to the temperature, in that it is relative to the temperature. The warmer the air, the more water vapour can be held and thus the relative humidity level will be higher.
Specific humidity is a different measurement and does not vary with temperature. It is expressed as gpk (grams per kilogram) or gpp (grains per pound).
Ideal Levels of Humidity
There are no ideal levels for specific humidity. As a building biologist, the different readings in different rooms can show me where to look further for water damage, and this requires quite specialised equipment.
Relative humidity is the one that is easiest to measure and changes can be quite noticeable in the way it feels. This is the one more closely related to comfort. Relative humidity is easily measured using an inexpensive hygrometer, such as this one.
Most people generally feel comfortable when the temperature is between 18-24oC and the relative humidity is between 35-75%, beyond this people generally feel uncomfortable.
When relative humidity levels are high, the air is uncomfortably moist – you may feel hot and clammy, sticky or just damp.
When relative humidity levels are low, you may feel quite dry – dry eyes, dry throat, dry skin, “parched”; you may even experience more static electricity.
The optimum level for relative humidity is between 40-60%.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and house dust mites all are less active; and these biological contaminants can be highly problematic for health, and form part of the microbial stew.
Occupant Activity and Humidity
Humidity can result in water damage.
In our homes, there are four main ways for water damage to occur. The first is a disaster of some sort, eg flooding. The second is damage to the building, eg a burst pipe, tiles coming off the roof, a leak. The third is poor building design or poor workmanship, such as not having an exterior vent on an extractor fan, having bedrooms with no opening windows, running the downpipes to the underneath of the house… And the fourth (which can often be overlooked) is occupant activity.
Occupant activity can cause a lot of water damage. Some examples are:
not using the extractor fan when bathing
using a clothes dryer
spilling liquids and not cleaning them up quickly
Examples of Moisture Created from Occupant Activity
The following is from Elkink and Pringle's 2012 book Building Basics: Internal Moisture – and these levels, I am sure, will amaze you!
Activity
Creates
Showering and bathing
Varying levels of moisture depending on temperature of shower, length of time, ventilation.
People in a room
Awake we exhale 200ml of water vapour per hour. Asleep we exhale 20ml per hour. This is roughly 3L of moisture per day.
Unflued gas heaters
0.5-1L of water per hour.
Cooking
Varies depending on method (e.g. boiling and steaming), if the heat source is gas; and includes kettles, microwaves, dishwashers and washing dishes.
Clothes washing and drying
Up to 5L per load can be released if clothes are dried inside on a rack.
All produce enough heat and water vapour to require additional mechanical ventilation systems.
Humidifiers
Increase the humidity in a room and can result in condensation.
Accidental floods
Overflowing baths, sinks and laundry tubs can all create problems if not dried within 24-48 hours.
Roof space ventilation
This is important particularly if extractor fans are flued into the roof cavity, and not vented externally. Changes in pressure can cause moisture and other contaminants to enter the building.
Steam cleaning
A potential problem is created if the materials are not completely dry within 24-48 hours.
Leaking pipes and appliances
A very large problem, which will vary depending on what, where, how much, and how long before it is rectified.
A normal subfloor
Evaporation from a 93m2 subfloor is 45L of moisture per day, and up to 180L per day if there is standing water on the subfloor soil.
Ventilation
As you can see, there are a lot of ways that we can fill our homes with moisture – inadvertently, which is one reason why ventilation is important. My ideal would be for every home to exchange all of the air every few hours, and yet reality brings us back to at least once a day.
My favourite thing to do is to open windows and doors in the morning until I feel the temperature change, and I know that all of the air in my home has been exchanged.
I'll come back to this a little later, but it is important to note that moisture moves to where levels are lowest… So, if there is less humidity outside, then opening your windows can allow the moisture to dissipate out of your home. If the relative humidity is higher outside, then it could be better to open your windows and doors when this has changed over.
How to Use a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier takes the water vapour out of the air and it can be used to bring relative humidity levels back into the optimum zone – between 40-60%.
I like people to have them, particularly when the cause of the moisture is occupant activity or a lack of ventilation (such as a rented property with no extractor fan in the bathroom).
Here is a general step-by-step guide for how to use a dehumidifier for the initial deep-drying. Please note that every house is different, so this is merely a guide.
If you have pets, like birds, etc, please take them out of the room first.
Close the windows and doors of the chosen room.
Open cupboards and drawers in this room.
Set your dehumidifier to 30% relative humidity.
If temperature of the room is low, turn on the heater (or the heater on the dehumidifier) for optimum drying.
Run the dehumidifier for 24-hours a day for 1-3 days.
A good dehumidifier will automatically turn itself off when its water tank reaches capacity – so you should be able to run it while you are at work (they are a bit noisy, so this is preferable to running them overnight).
After this initial drying phase, you can use it periodically to dry the room.
NOTE: If there is water damage and/or mould, I recommend that a) the source of the water is addressed and b) if anything is wet for more than 48 hours that the resultant mould be addressed first.
When Else a Dehumidifier is Useful
A dehumidifier, as mentioned is great for moisture caused by occupant activity.
My #1 use for a dehumidifier, in an ongoing way, is to use it in the bathroom or ensuite when bathing. Despite using it regularly, it always astonishes me the amount of water vapour that a shower can produce.
It can also be used when you are exchanging the air in your home, and the outside relative humidity is higher than the indoor relative humidity.
If you get a good one, it will also have a heater on it. This is beneficial as you now have a clothes dryer – that doesn't add moisture to the air! Simple hang your clothes on a rack and run the dehumidifier nearby (wishing I had one when I lived in the Blue Mountains, where it took weeks to dry my laundry!)
Which One Do I Recommend?
I have sought out one that I like (I stock it for this reason) – I personally own this model and use it every day.
This is the New Wide Tech All Seasons 35L Dehumidifier.
Basically, bigger is better, it does the job more efficiently and has a greater water capacity.
What else to look for?
variable humidity settings
the water tank will automatically signal when it is full and the dehumidifier will stop working
a ceramic heater to help dry more quickly and allow it to work well in cooler climates
option for continuous drainage
When a Dehumidifier is Not Enough
As much as I am a fan of the dehumidifier (pun not intended) – there are times when one is not enough. My biggest concern with recommending them is that someone may have water damage to their property with resultant mould.
Mould spores are everywhere and just need water as the spark of life… anything that is wet for longer than 48-hours can be a problem – even if it is dry now.
Read more about mould here and mould, water damage and health here.
A dehumidifier is fabulous for occupant activity, but not ideal (without professional assessment) when there is something more going on, eg structural damage…
So, these factors would give you an indication that you should look beyond just drying out the room with a dehumidifier:
You (or someone in your household) is unwell, and generally, your health improves when away from the home
You have mould
Your home (or parts of it) smell musty, mouldy, damp, dank or earthy
Your clothes are always damp
There is a history of water damage in your home
You have a leak
There is water under your house
Obviously, the above list does not cover everything. Mould is a serious problem, and it is a moisture issue. Addressing the source is paramount to resolving the issue.
(This post is intended to be informative, and not an infomercial. Given the gravity of biotoxin/mould-related illnesses, please understand that I do need to point out the limitations, and how you can action the situation.)
References
Aderholdt, J (3 August 2011) The Insulation Lab (Online) Available at http://www.ntcinsulation.com/the-insulation-lab/moisture-_psychrometrics_and_relative_humidity_-_their_effect_on_structure_and_air_quality (accessed 28 November, 2016)
Elkink, A and Pringle, T (2012) Building Basics: Internal Moisture Building Research Association of New Zealand, Porirua, New Zealand
ProAir (2011) Indoor Air Quality (Online) Available at http://www.proair.ie/the-technology/indoor-air-quality/3/ (accessed 28 November 2016)
Changes To Mobile Phone Use and Ownership in Aussie Kids
Recent Roy Morgan research finds that girls own their first mobile phones earlier than boys.
Children between the ages of 6-13 were surveyed, along with children 14 years and over. They found that from the age of 8-9 years old, 12% more girls than boys own mobile phones.
the fact that WHO and IARC classified radiofrequency EMF (used for wireless technology) as a possible human carcinogen
… there are numerous concerns about the use of mobile phones, particularly for the young developing/growing bodies.
Recently at the 2016 Environmental Sensitivities Symposium,Dr Mary Redmayne shared research that she did in 2009 into New Zealand ‘tweens usage of mobile phones, comparing it to nowadays. She found that many children used their phones “covertly” – inside their pockets and so forth, which can be particularly problematic in terms of the proximity to reproductive organs.
I am not going to delve into that here… merely point out ways to stay safe.
Staying Safe from Mobile Phones
I am going to add to this list:
1) Divert/forward mobile phones to your corded landline, and then turn your mobile phone off.
2) Don't hold onto your mobile phone when it is on or in use.
3) Carry your phone in a Radiation-Reducing Phone Case to reduce what you are exposed to – and ideally keep it in flight-mode while you do this.
4) Air-Tube Earphones are a better alternatives to the standard ones – but speakerphone is better still.
5) Put your mobile phone in flight mode and turn it off when it is not in use.
Some extra tips for mobile phone safety from Environmental Health Trust:
Avoid using your cell phone when the signal is weak or when moving at high speed… as automatically power increases to emit a maximum amount of radiation because the phone repeatedly attempts to connect to each nearest network antenna.
Children should only use cell phones for emergencies. Children’s skulls are thinner than adults’ and their brains are still developing. Hence, radiation from cell phones penetrates more deeply into their brains and is likely to cause more damage.
Avoid using your cell phone in metal contained spaces like a car, elevator, bus, train or airplane.
Protect your fertility. This radiation has been shown to damage sperm and the ovaries. Many people move the phone away from their head to reduce exposure but down to their torso forgetting that a cell phone or laptop to the abdomen results in higher radiation absorption to the reproductive organs.
Read your cell phone manual to find the minimum distance the federal government recommends that your cell phone must be kept away from your body. Keeping it closer than the designated distance can result in a violation of the FCC Exposure Limit. Exceeding FCC levels is proven to result in burns, sterility, and brain damage. Learn more about fine print instructions at ShowTheFinePrint.Org.
Remember that these “minimum distances” in the cell phone manuals do not protect you from nonthermal effects such as sperm damage, damaged brain cells and increased brain cancer risk. Federal guidelines are set thousands of times too high to protect from these “nonthermal” effects from long term low level cumulative exposures.
Special Note if You're Pregnant It is especially important for those who are pregnant to reduce cell phone exposures because research has shown cell phone radiation can damage to the brain and reproductive system in developing pregnancies. To learn more, please go to the Baby Safe Project.
This last week of October recognises the risk of lead poisoning in our lives – this is international Lead Poisoning Prevention Week of Action.
Lead was the cause of the downfall of the Roman empire and it has been recognised as the cause of German composer Ludwig van Beethoven health problems, loss of hearing and early death.
Yet lead abounds in our daily lives – primarily from its previous use in petrol, but also in paints, water pipes, leaded crystalware, lead-light/stained glass, sinkers, ammunition, and potentially even in the imported painted toys that your children may have. The LEAD Group (2012) also point out that it can also be found in flashing (an important consideration if you drink rainwater collected from your roof), kohl eye and lip pencils, old metal toothpaste tubes, radiation shielding in hospitals, some PVC products, leadshot, painted pre-1970 furniture, road marking paint, painted china and so on.
Given that most of us spends more than 90% of our time indoors, it is always important to consider potential hazards.
Another important point is that lead is sweet – so children and animals may lick, suck on or even consume paint.
I had a quick chat about Lead Poisoning Prevention with Elizabeth O'Brien from The LEAD Group, which you can watch here.
The Silent Epidemic
Elizabeth O'Brien took part in the 2016 Environmental Sensitivities Symposium. Here is an excerpt from her chapter in the 2016 Environmental Sensitivities Symposium: Text Book.
Even though most of us have never been tested for lead and therefore have not been diagnosed with lead poisoning, we are all exposed to lead in the modern world, and every microgram (millionth of a gram) of lead and even every molecule or atom of lead, does damage in the body.
If you have other risk factors (for example, family history) for any of the huge range of health effects of lead there’s virtually no chance that lead will be identified as one of the contributors or causes (Vella et al, 2014). Also, unless you suffer overt lead poisoning – an extremely high dose acute lead poisoning, the symptoms of typical modern chronic lead exposure may not show up until years, or decades, later.
Thus lead poisoning is known as “the silent epidemic.”
Therefore, the number one action that you can take today, is to organise a test with your doctor to assess your blood lead level. Obviously zero is the goal, but The LEAD Group advocated taking action to reduce exposure if your result is not below 1 microgram/decilitre.
Signs and Symptoms of Lead Poisoning
In Babies and Children
The Mayo Clinic (June 2014) list the following symptoms of lead poisoning
In newborns
Learning difficulties
Slowed growth
In children
Developmental delay
Learning difficulties
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Sluggishness and fatigue
Abdominal pain
Vomiting
Constipation
Hearing loss
In Adults
According to the Department of Health and Human Services (2016) list out the following signs and symptoms (for adults and children), but do point out that “some children or adults may not have any symptoms at all.”
Symptoms of acute lead poisoning:
Muscle pains
Fatigue
Abdominal pains
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures
Coma
Symptoms of chronic lead poisoning:
Irritability
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Learning disabilities
Behavioural problems
Poor school performance
Poor coordination
Impaired growth
In Dogs
Dr Becker (1997-2016) lists the following signs of lead poisoning for dogs:
loss of appetite
colic (pain, inflammation, gas or discomfort in the colon)
vomiting
diarrhoea
constipation
anxiety
hysterical barking
jaw champing
salivation
blindness
problems with coordination and movement
muscle spams
convulsions
abnormal posture from severe muscle spasms
pressing the head against a wall
Please consult your vet immediately if you notice the symptoms.
O'Brien, E “Save Lives by Testing for Lead” in Curran, L (2016) 2016 Environmental Sensitivities Symposium: TextBook Building Vitality, Melbourne
Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria, Australia (2016) Lead Exposure and Poisoning (online) Viewed 25 October 2016. Available at https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/lead-exposure-and-poisoning
Hawthorn University offer high level online training to health practitioners, predominantly naturopaths. So, I was thrilled to receive an invitation from Hawthorn University to present a webinar.
I have watched many of their webinars, which are available for free and are presented by highly respected people, so as you can imagine, getting an invitation from them was such an honour.
The topic which I presented on is, of course, so dear to my heart – Holistic Detoxification: How to Create a Healthy Home Which Supports Healing.
Too often I hear stories of people on the (expensive) merry-go-round of treatments, objects, supplements, drugs… when in many cases the cause is environmental and can easily be addressed by changing the environment.
I wanted to help students of natural therapies and practitioners understand more about this and avoid unnecessary treatments and delays.
In a nutshell, the topics that I covered in my webinar include:
why detoxification is so important
case studies
our built environment
hindrances to detoxification
action steps for your clients/patients
when to think of the environment
After the webinar, I was able to answer the questions asked by the audience – and they were such fabulous questions.
I would like to publicly thank Hawthorn University for the opportunity to present this webinar, all of the audience members, and everyone who has watched it since. What an honour!! 🙂
