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Mould Water Damage and Health

by Lucinda Curran | building biology, buildings and health, health, indoor air quality, mold, mould, water, water damage

Mould, Water Damage and Health

Mould spores are everywhere. They are a vital part of life on earth as they play the important role of breaking things down. However, like most “pests,” within our homes, they can wreak havoc, in two ways.

Before examining these, the following are important points to note.

Mould Doesn’t Have To Be Obvious To Be Present

You may not be able to see or smell mould for it to be present.

Mould can grow in between the walls, under tiles, behind the kickboards in the kitchen, and it can even be growing on the wall without being visible to the naked eye.

Oft times, when you can see is it, it is just the tip of the iceberg, where there is so much more that is out of sight, and the patch you can see is just an indication that it is there.

Mould Doesn’t Have To Be Growing To Be A Problem

Mould releases spores and hyphae (branches) can break off it and circulate in your home. Spores and hyphae both pose risks to human and animal health due to the mycotoxins that they contain.

Wreaking Havoc

Firstly, mould can structurally damage your home. Building materials that are wet for more than 48 hours can create a perfect habitat for mould, primarily as there is both water and source of food.

As well, water-damaged insulation is less effective, and therefore can increase energy consumption.

The presence of moisture can be attractive for vermin and termites, both of which are problematic in terms of the former being capable of carrying disease, and the latter being able to seriously damage the integrity of a building.

Modern building design is centralised around the notion of being energy efficient, this generally means “well-sealed,” which results in a building losing its ability to breathe. A result of this is that moisture cannot escape, and thus building materials, even without being affected by a leak or flood, can become “water-damaged.”

Secondly, mould can wreak havoc with regards to health.

Mould Can Be Problematic

Clearly, the presence of mould, mould spores and/or hyphae can have life-changing consequences.

What follows is a list of signs and symptoms identified that may be related to mould exposure. This is for your information and is not intended to diagnose or to replace the advice or care of your registered health care professional.

Symptoms Associated with a Water-Damaged Building

Of three systematic reviews on the adverse health effects associated with water-damaged buildings, the following signs and symptoms were consistent: cough, wheeze and asthma.

Other symptoms include upper respiratory tract symptoms, respiratory infections, bronchitis, allergic sensitisation and hay fever. This set of symptoms is also recognised by New York State (2010),

Headaches and tiredness have also been associated with mould exposure (Bornehag et al, in New York State, 2010, 27; IICRC, 2008, 74), as has cause skin reactions (National Institute of Medicine, 2004, 170).

Children and those with preexisting conditions are recognised as being at great risk (New York State, 2010, 27).

Other health effects

Neuropsychological effects, impaired energy production pathways, changes to hormonal functions, alterations to visuo-spatial learning and memory, migraine, pain, balance problems, autonomic nervous system abnormalities, and respiratory problems were all noted in research analysed by the Mold Research Committee (2010).

The National Institute of Medicine acknowledges that there are a group of mycotoxins that “selectively or specifically target the nervous system” resulting in neurotoxic effects, some of which include interfering with neurotransmitters or receptors (2004, 157, 160).

Many sources correlate mould-exposure to sick building syndrome, this is discussed at length in IICRC, 2008). By removing a person from a mouldy environment, it has been noted that their symptoms dissipate (New York State, 2010, 27).

Looking deeper, there is a growing body of research that implicates mould in inflammation (as discussed by the Mold Research Committee, 2010).

Remember…

If…

an area has been wet for more than 48 hours;
there is a history of water damage; or
you have any concerns

… it is worth getting your in touch.

Get in touch.

#mould #waterdamage #health

References:

IICRC S520. (2008).Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mould Remediation. (2nd ed). ANSI/IICRCS520-2008. Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Vancouver, Washington. USA.

Mold Research Committee (27 July 2010) “Research Committee Report on Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Caused by Exposure to the Interior Environment of Water-Damaged Buildings” Policyholders of America (Online) Available: http://courses.aces.edu.au/pluginfile.php/720/mod_resource/content/1/Policy%20Holders%20of%20America%20%282011%29%20CIRS.pdf

National Institute of Medicine (2004). Damp indoor spaces and health. National Academies Press. (Online). Available: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?isbn=0309091934

New York State. (2010). Toxic Mould Task Force. Final report to the governor and legislature. (Online). Available: https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/indoors/air/mould/task_force/docs/final_ toxic_mould_task_force_report.pdf

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski on Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation on Human Endothelium

by Lucinda Curran | buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, health, indoor environmental health, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, smart meters

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski is a leading scientist in the area of EMF. He is presenting a public lecture. The topic: Effects of Mobile Phone Radiation on Human Endothelium.

Prof Leszczynski, PhD, DSc Adjunct Professor of Biochemistry, University of Helsinki, Finland, Chief Editor of ‘Radiation and Health’, Lausanne, Switzerland.

About Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture

Several animal studies suggested that mobile phone radiation may cause leakage of the blood-brain barrier. Studies of my research group, using cultures of human endothelial cell line, have shown that mobile phone radiation, at levels permitted by the current safety standards, activates Hsp27/p38MAP kinase stress response pathway.

EMF and Skin

Exposure of endothelial cells to mobile phone radiation caused transient increase in phosphorylation (activity) of the Hsp27 stress protein and p38MAP kinase. Activation of the Hsp27/p38MAPK pathway led to re-distribution of the F-actin in cytoplasm and an increased stability of the F-actin stress fibers. This, in turn, led to shrinkage of the endothelial cells.

These observations suggest that mobile phone radiation might affect endothelial permeability and potentially cause leakage of the blood-brain barrier.

Furthermore, it is likely that the activation of the Hsp27/p38MAPK pathway affects also endothelial gene expression, as shown by the analysis of changes in expression of endothelial transcriptome and proteome.

The only human volunteer proteomic study, performed by my research group, has indicated that mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin.

mobile phone radiation might alter protein expression in human skin.

Further studies are necessary to determine whether changes of transcriptome, proteome and bloodbrain barrier permeability are caused by mobile phone radiation in human brain.

Prof Leszczynski’s Lecture – WHEN and WHERE

Melbourne University, Friday, 11th December, 2015, at 2.00PM

Richard Newton Rooms, Level 5, Electrical Engineering Building, University of Melbourne

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski’s Lecture – HOW

Concerned that EMF May be Affecting Your Health?
Let's talk! Book a call here >>

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski Wireless Radiation and Human Health Policies

by Lucinda Curran | buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, environmental sensitivities, indoor environmental health, mobile phone, radiofrequencies, smart meters

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski, who holds two doctorates in molecular biology and biochemistry, is presenting a FREE public lecture

Between 1992 and 2013 Prof Dariusz Leszczynski worked at the Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority. During the years 2003-2007 he worked as the Head of Radiation Biology Laboratory and from 2000 to 2013 as a Research Professor.

He has spent several periods working at different universities around the world: 1997-1999 – Assistant Professor at the Harvard Medical School, 2006-2009 – Guangbiao Professor at the Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China and 2012-2013 – Visiting Professor at the Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Australia.

Among others, in 2009 Prof Dariusz Leszczynski testified in the US Senate and in 2015 in the Canadian House of Commons hearings on cell phones and health and in 2014 advised Minister of Health of India.

In 2011 he was one of the 30 experts, invited by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, who classified cell phone radiation as possibly carcinogenic to humans.

About Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture

“Wireless Radiation and Human Health Policies: How reliable is the Scientific Evidence?”

The scientific evidence for biological and health effects of radiation emitted by the wireless devices is contradictory. Different areas of investigation included epidemiology, human volunteer studies, animal and in vitro studies. For all, there are both, studies showing effects and studies showing lack of effects.

When considering the impact on human health, the most important results are those obtained in human studies. Health policy recommendations and safety limits must be firmly based on the scientific evidence.

But the question is, how to make reliable health policy recommendations and how to set adequate safety standards, when the scientific evidence is contradictory, when the quality of science is poor or when there are gaps in the scientific evidence.

Should the precautionary policies be considered, especially of the Precautionary Principle, as defined by the European Union?

These are important health-policy-related questions. They will be addressed in the context of the currently available scientific evidence of the wireless radiation effects and its quality for decision-making.

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture – WHEN and WHERE

Monash University Wednesday, 9th December, 2015, at 11AM, the Lecture Theatre of The Alfred Centre (5th floor) 99 Commercial Road

Prof Dariusz Leszczynski's Lecture – HOW

You do not need to register or RSVP to this event.

Worried about how Wireless Technology May be Affecting Your Health?
Contact Lucinda >>

Endocrine Disruptors – Endocrination

by Lucinda Curran | indoor environmental health

“Endocrine disruptors” “BPA” “DANGER”

Endocrine disruptors are everywhere!

Our modern lives are filled with things that make our tasks easier. No longer do we have to put up with unsightly wires. We can get a tan in a salon. We can spray on and wipe off dirt in our homes. Babies even come from test tubes.

There are many aspects of our modernity that have not been proven to be safe – for human use, in our environments, and for our planet.

Often it takes a while for problems to develop,
thus PROVING something IS UNSAFE later is not always appropriate.
Hence the PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE.

What are they?

The endocrine system is the hormone system – it regulates our development, the way we cope in the world, our ability to heal and more.

BPA was one such chemical that hit the headlines in the last few years. BPA is one of many endocrine disruptors. (BPS is the alternative that many plastic-product manufacturers are now using instead because it is so similar… It is also similar to BPA in its ability to disrupt hormones!)

The World Health Organisation has recognised them as possible or known carcinogens… but there is more to life that having or not having cancer.

If our hormones are interfered with during pregnancy, we may or may not develop normally.

For many years now, animals have been studied in the wild, and it has been noticed that an alarming number of males of many species does not develop properly… and this applies to humans.

Some of the changes include undescended testes, hypospadias (where the hole of the penis is on the side, not the tip), where young women discover that their fertility issues are because genetically they are male, and so on!

As well, they can play a role in obesity – and some are called “obesogens.”

This is a space to watch with a keen interest as things are changing/revealing themselves rapidly.

You can watch more in this documentary by #StéphaneHorel

https://youtu.be/wzp6g1H52wQ

If you want to discover more about these and other products we use in our daily lives that can adversely affect our health, then join us in our Detox Your Environment Inner Circle.

Non-Stick Pans – Should You Stick With Them?

by Lucinda Curran | building biology, chemicals, cooking, diet and lifestyle, health, indoor air quality

The introduction of non-stick pans has allowed us to use less oil in our cooking, which is great. It is also easy to clean, make it a “tool of choice” for kitchen staff.

However there are a number of concerns about these products.

Non-Stick Pans: History

I love to understand why and how things come about, so here’s the story on non-stick pans.

Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

Back in 1938, there was a fellow by the name of Plunkett who was working for a chemical company. His job was to make refrigerants using tetrafluoroethylene gas. He noticed the canister registered empty before it weighed empty, so, he cut open a canister and discovered a slippery white waxy coating lining the inside of the tin. In 1945, the Teflon trademark was registered for PTFE.

By 1948, it was being used by DuPont in their marine products. In 1954, the wife of an engineer urged him to use the product he was using on his tackle (“Teflon”) on her cooking pans ~ and thus was born the first Teflon coated cooking pan! In the US, Marion Trozzolo had been using Teflon on scientific utensils, and in 1961 marketed the “Happy Pan.”

Perfluorooctanic Acid (PFOA) (aka C8)

The story isn’t so interesting here, just that 3M began using it in 1947 and DuPont in 1951. In 1999, the US EPA began investigating the toxicity of it, which resulted in 3M phasing it out. Not only is it used in non-stick pans, but waxed papers, dental floss and tape, stone, tile and wood sealants, and textiles products, particularly outdoor clothing.

Dangers

PTFE pyrolysis is detectable at 200oC (392oF) – which means it begins to break down from heat.

Studies have documented bird deaths from PTFE at 202oC (396oF), with reports of bird deaths from non-stick cookware being heated to 163oC (325oF). Interestingly, it is the degradation by-products that are lethal to birds and can cause flu-like symptoms in humans.

In 2003, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) petitioned the US government to have warning labels on products with non-stick coatings.

In terms of the temperatures I am talking about, this will give you a better guide:

Meat is usually fried from 204-232oC (399-450oF)

Smoking point for many oils is 260oC (500oF) – but safflower and avocado oil have a higher smoking point

Empty cookware that is heating can exceed this

Persisting…

PFOA persists in the environment – meaning that it does not breakdown. It is toxic and carcinogenic to animals. In 1961, DuPont was aware that it was causing hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver) in mice fed with PFOA (Arneson 1961, Clapp).

2012 studies have linked PFOA exposure to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, thyroid disease, hypercholesterolemia and pregnancy-induced hypertension (Nicole, 2013). It is thought the general population is exposed to it via stain resistant treatments, carpet cleaning liquids, house dust, microwave popcorn bags, water, food and some PTFE cookware.

Carcinogenic…

PFOA is recognised as being carcinogenic, toxic to the liver, toxic to the immune system, and as being an endocrine disruptor (particularly thyroid) (Lau, 2007). As well, it alters fat metabolism and oxidative stress.

New Generation

The new pots and pans are making a range of claims. Collecting adequate data from the companies was a tad difficult, so the following represents information gathered from websites, and where assumptions have been made, I have made it clear.

Woll

Woll have a video to show the manufacturing process.

There is no mention of PTFE or PFOA, but I assume from what they have said, that these are not used in creating this surface.

They use “diamond crystals” to create their non-stick surface. These are not really diamonds, but titanium dioxide (TiO₂ CAS 13463-67-7). My research showed that titanium dioxide has the potential to react with aluminium (used in Woll cookware) and other metals at high temperatures resulting in a “violent or incandescent reaction” (you can read this in the MSDS here: http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductMSDSDetailCB0461627_EN.htm). What constitutes a high temperature is unclear.

My other concern is that it appears that Titanium Dioxide Type 4 is used in cookware, and this is in the form of nanoparticles.

Due to the current lack of understanding of the safety of nanoparticles, I must err on the side of caution and not recommend this product.

Stonedine

Stonedine claim to be free from PTFE and PFOA. Two big ticks for these.

I really struggled to get meaningful information from the company to my specific questions – I really only had a staff member cut and paste information from their website that I had already read.

Stonedine says that the surface of their products “actually contains real stone particles that are directly bonded to the aluminium then fused to a 1/8 inch thick ferromagnetic stainless steel base plate…”

What I understand of this is that aluminium makes up some of the cooking surface.

I assume, because it has not been stated and I could not get answers, that the stone surface is something at least similar, if not the same as Woll’s.

Again, I would not recommend this product based on the information that I currently have – namely the nanoparticles of titanium dioxide and the aluminium on the cooking surface.

FlavorStone™

These pans are claimed to be PFOA-free. Here’s a quote direct from their site “FlavorStone™cookware is manufactured using the latest advances in technology and design. FlavorStone™ cookware is highly durable and is designed to last as long as the tough sapphire gemstone that inspired its name.”

In terms of more helpful information, it has, “multiple layers of water-base [sic] non-stick coating” and has an aluminium alloy core with a stainless steel induction base.

It sounds like the aluminium is not in contact with the food – which is a good thing.

However, there does not seem to be enough information provided about what the non-stick coating is.

I have trawled through their site and manuals, and have come to the conclusion (an assumption) that the surface may in fact be PTFE. This is based on the care instructions which are very much focused on temperature, and the durability seems less than the two mentioned above – suggesting that the surface is quite different.

My Recommendations

Stove-Top:

Good old-fashioned stainless steel pots and pans win hands-down for me.
If you have a problem with nickel, you can get a form of stainless steel that is 18/0 (ie 0% nickel). SolidTeknics have a range (Nöni™) which are stainless steel and nickel-free
Ceramic cookware, such as Silit Silargan
Wrought Iron, such as SolidTeknics Aus-Ion™ Satin range

Other options:

Pottery pots and pans (where the glazes do not contain lead);
Enamel pots and pans

Baking:

We haven’t really focused on this at all here, but I do need to say very clearly, that I do NOT recommend silicone bakeware. Also, please avoid baking sheets and bags as these are coated with silicone.

What I do recommend is:

Borosilicate glass;
Glass ceramics – such as Corningware; and
Traditional pizza stones.

#nonstick #cooking #healthyfoodprep

UPDATED: 16 December 2019

References:

Arneson, Gerald J. (November 1961) “Toxicity of Teflon Dispersing Agents” DuPont, Polychemicals Department, Research & Development Division, Experimental Station

Clapp, Richard; Polly Hoppin, Jyotsna Jagai, Sara Donahue “Case Studies in Science Policy: Perfluorooctanoic Acid” Project on Scientific Knowledge and Public Policy (SKAPP)

DanozDirect (2014) FlavorStone^TM(multiple related pages) viewed online at http://www.danozdirect.com.au/flavorstone/

Lau C, Anitole K, Hodes C, Lai D, Pfahles-Hutchens A, Seed J (October 2007) “Perfluoroalkyl acids: a review of monitoring and toxicological findings” Toxicol. Sci. 99 (2): 366–94

Nicole, W. (2013). “PFOA and Cancer in a Highly Exposed Community: New Findings from the C8 Science Panel” Environmental Health Perspectives 121 (11–12)

StoneDine (n.d.) Stonedine (multiple related pages) viewed online at http://www.stonedine.com/

The Chemical Book (2008) Titania (13463-67-7) viewed online at http://www.chemicalbook.com/ProductMSDSDetailCB0461627_EN.htm

Woll Cookware (2014) Woll Cookware (multiple related pages) viewed online at http://www.woll-cookware.com.au/

photo credit: Marty Harrington on Unsplash

Earthing Mats: Do They Really Work?

by Lucinda Curran | building biology, buildings and health, electromagnetic radiation, EMF, environmental sensitivities, health, indoor environmental health

I get a LOT of enquiries about earthing mats.

Many people have heard or seen things about them.

Many are seeking them out to remedy their exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF).

A lot of the information out there is positive and reports the profound effects from using earthing mats.

What Is Earthing?

Earthing, in principle, is wonderful.

Earthing is about getting barefoot and walking on the earth… It is about grounding, releasing anything accumulated…

Having said that, it means walking on the earth without holding your smartphone, without using your bluetooth and without listening to music on your MP3 player.

Earthing is about getting barefoot and returning to nature. It is wonderful, it is soul-nourishing as well as beneficial.

How Does It Help?

Earthing doesn't solve EMF exposure problems – it simply helps to discharge what you have accumulated.

BUT… (You knew there'd be one, right?)

Earthing does not help when you are in electromagnetic fields.

I'll explain.

Our bodies are made of 60-80% water. This makes us excellent conductors.

All electricity seeks the shortest route to earth.

So, if you are using earthing mats, what happens is that electrical fields bend to pass through you as you are providing a direct and short path to earth.

It's like standing in the middle of a field during an electrical storm.

And Earthing Mats?

People claim that they are effective because they can demonstrate a drop in body voltage using a multimeter.

It is true that your body voltage reading drops however, you are actually increasing your exposure as more EMF is passing THROUGH you.

Imagine sitting on a chair next to a lamp that is switched on.

If you place an earthing mat underneath you, without changing anything else, your body voltage reading would drop.

But, you haven't changed anything, so the EMF has not lessened. It is still the same.

Now, instead of finding another way to earth, the fields will distort to pass through you and through the earthing mat to earth or ground.

So, what you have done by using an earthing mat is INCREASED YOUR EMF EXPOSURE.

What Can You Do Instead?

The very best thing that you can do is to get rid of the source of the EMF. The simplest way to do this is to turn off and unplug appliances that are not in use.

Apart from this, avoid spending time in the electromagnetic fields. Move the power cords away from where you are sitting, move your bed far away from the smart meter… Constant exposure to EMF can be a factor in the development of electrical hypersensitivity – and environmental sensitivity.

In terms of earthing (or grounding) safely, these are safer options.

1. Head to the beach, the park or your own garden… Take off your shoes and stand barefoot on the earth. Be mindful of what is near you, especially if you are in your garden – make sure that the hot water system or smart meter is not nearby, leave your phone and other devices inside…

2. Standing on a piece of aluminium foil short circuits the charges that you have accumulated – according to Dave Stetzer – a leader and expert in the field of dirty electricity.

My advice?

Spend time in nature without devices… enjoy the tranquility of it all.

The Principles of What Are We Aiming For

by Lucinda Curran | building biology, buildings and health

Principles – What Are We Aiming For?

When entering a building – be it your home, your workplace, a school, a factory or any other structure – I am wearing my Indoor Environmental Health Consultant Goggles. These goggles enable me to see beyond the immediate – a little like Superman's x-ray vision.

These goggles are formed based on the Building Biology Principles – which are like the core belief system of someone trained to assess the way the building affects health.

Simply put, nature is our ideal – and this is what we are striving to achieve in the internal of a building.

Building Materials

Buildings should be built in harmony with their environment – with the building materials used reflecting what suits the individual site.

As well, the materials used should have low embodied energy and rate well in a life cycle analysis.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air is affected by the materials used, and therefore materials are selected that enhance the quality of the air, the moisture content, and the thermal nature.

The air should smell like natural clean air – as though you were in the country.

Mould and Water Damage

Our goal is to ensure that the mould inside our buildings is similar in variety to that in the environment our building is in, and the levels are equally as low or lower.

Mould is ultimately a moisture issue, so we need to design and build to prevent issues.

ElectroMagnetic Fields (EMF) also known as EMR or EME

The electro-climate (electromagnetic fields) should preserve the natural fields of the planet and minimise the impact of the human-created ones.

The “background” levels of nature are what we are striving to achieve.

Buildings and Health

Buildings, ultimately, should be beneficial – to people, animals and the environment.

They should support our health, our sense of happiness and vitality as well as supporting us “in the world” (in terms of being productive and social).

Where We Can Help

We can become involved:

at the planning stage – to match your building to its environment;
before building or renovating – to advise on suitable (both to the site and sustainable) building materials and design; and
existing buildings – to identify both problems and solutions for health.

Looking for help with this?

Book A Call Today ~

Building Biology? What is it?

by Lucinda Curran | building biology, buildings and health, environmental sensitivities

Building Biology??

In a nutshell, Building Biology is the science of the way that a building impacts upon your health.

Building Biology, for me, is another set of skills that I can use to improve the health and wellbeing of you – my client.

Sleeping Well – Or Are You?

In my work as a Chinese medicine practitioner, I've had many people tell me that they sleep well. However, a large percentage of them wake up feeling tired.

This can be caused by electromagnetic fields (EMF). EMF can prevent a person from fully resting at night-time, resulting in waking up tired.

The “big picture” view of this is that your body does not get the opportunity to heal properly and regenerate for the next day.

Of course, there are many other aspects to the way that EMF can impact upon your health. Some other examples are:

Grinding or clenching your teeth
Ringing in your ears
A sense of being agitated or restless

Headaches? Frequent Colds? Finding It Hard To Focus Your Thoughts?

Again, your home or workplace could be impacting upon your health.

These can all be caused by the quality of your indoor air.

Did you know that on average, we spend 80-90% of our time indoors.

What is more, indoor air can be 10 times more polluted than outdoor air.

Astounding, I think.

You’ve seen the advertisement where her animal friends compliment Mrs Hippo about the lovely smell of her home? By using the product that she advocates, you are actually ADDING to the indoor air pollution.

Air fresheners act in two ways:

They coat an air pollutant – they don’t get rid of them; and
They inhibit your ability to smell – which means that they are changing your body’s normal functioning.

Mould also contributes to the pollution of indoor air. Mould does not have to be visible to be a problem.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released into the air from building materials, furnishings, plastics, personal care products and cleaning products. They often have a large impact upon the indoor air quality, and because of their constant presence can contribute to a general feeling of being unwell.

What About A New Building?

All too often people laugh off the idea of mould, “My building is brand new!,” they scoff.

However, there have been enough brand new buildings that I have assessed, some that haven't even been lived in yet, that have mould issues.

With an understanding of building science, embodied energy, life cycle analyses and the ways that building materials and furnishings behave with regards to indoor air quality and EMF’s, I am able to advise you on choosing products that are beneficial to your health – whether it be at home, at school or at work.

How Do I Know If I Need A Building Biologist?

You may relate to many of the symptoms discussed above.

Another really clear sign that something within a building that is affecting you is when you feel better once you are out of it.

This of course is different to feeling good because you are not at work (sadly not everyone loves their work as much as I do!). But if your symptoms ease off or disappear when you are out of the building and return when you are there again, we can certainly suspect the building.

Some examples:

“Bob” had a raging headache that became a severe migraine through the day when he was at work. However, by Sunday evening it had eased off. As soon as he got back to work it returned and increased in severity. This happened for three weeks. Then he found out that a “smart” meter had been installed three weeks earlier.

“Samantha” felt “off” every day, she felt that she always had a cold that never quite eventuated. Like Bob, on weekends, she felt fine. It turned out that there was a problem with the quality of the air at her workplace.

“Peter” moved into a new home. After living there for a short period of time, his friends noticed that he was emotional and angry, seemingly without cause. His new home was full of mould.