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Building Biologists ? our saving grace?

 

The following article was written by Raphael Siket and published in the "ART OF HEALING" publication. It provides a brief look into the world of Building Biology and how Building Biologists play an integral role in providing healthy homes, healthy buildings, healthy environments and healthy lifestyles. 

 

How can the indoor environment in my home or workplace affect my health? The question should be ... how could it not? On average we spend around 90% of our time indoors and generally we are blissfully unaware of the hazards and toxins to which we are exposed everyday. In fact indoor air can be up to 6 times more polluted than outdoor air (even in the middle of a city).

 

SOME OF THE CULPRITS
Fumes released from the plastic fittings and upholstery in the new car you have just bought are in fact toxic to humans, and ‘off-gassing’ in cars can continue to occur for up to 2 years after the car has been manufactured. Toxic chemicals released from new computers, desks, chairs, building materials, paint, plastic office stationary and equipment all off-gas in a similar way.

Unsuitable lighting, colours, air-conditioning, heating and ergonomicsare often the underlying cause of many health complaints.

The cocktail of synthetic chemicals in our every day soap,
toothpaste, cream, cosmetics, shampoo, cleaning products, perfumes and deodorants add to our body's chemical burden. With all of the latest wireless technology, mobile phones, power lines and electronic equipment, we are exposing our bodies to microwave frequencies and electromagnetic fields that they have never been exposed too before. Even the water that we drink and bathe in, contains numerous chemical treatments and their associated toxic by-products.

The arsenal of chemicals that we are now exposed to were only introduced to our environment after the Second World War. Pesticides developed during the war have now found their way into our everyday products. This means that there are two generations that have been exposed to the ever increasing amount of chemicals and electrical smog that we regard as "normal" today.  

Yet there is bewilderment at the incredible increase (since the 1950's) in asthma, allergies, skin conditions, breast cancer and infertility (just to mention a few). Has our exposure to all these chemicals over time caused an increase in many adverse health conditions? As BuildingBiologists we believe that our chemical and electrical smog exposure is directly related to deteriorating health.

One of the areas in which Building Biologists are often consulted is that of electromagnetic fields. Electromagnetic fields are emitted from appliances, laptops, mobile phones, power lines and have the potential to be harmful when they exceed certain exposure levels. It is interesting to note that countries like Sweden adhere to a strict recommended expposure level of below 4mG (milligauss) in relation to electromagnetic fields, whereas here in Australia the guideline for electromagnetic field exposure is 1000mG. There have been many consistent scientific studies linking Childhood Leukaemia to electromagnetic field exposure of 4mG and above.

Another type of potentially harmful exposure is microwaves and these are related to the use of mobile phones and microwave ovens. Microwave ovens emit a very high electromagnetic field when in use and alter the molecular structure of the food that you are "cooking" or heating.
Mobile phones regularly "check in" with the nearest communication tower even when not in use. Every time this happens you are exposing your body and vital organs to microwaves.

The electromagnetic field exposure will be at its highest levelwhenever the phone is ringing (receiving or making a call). This is whyit is so important that your phone is not carried in your pocket oraround your neck.

When you talk on your phone you are exposing yourself to both electromagnetic fields and microwaves. It is very important to make use of the speaker phone on your mobile in order to create some distance between your brain and the phone. Even small distances will reduce your exposure dramatically. Some ear pieces can actually concentrate the exposure and make matters worse, but there are a few that are beneficial (Safe-T-Fone ear piece for example). Unfortunatelyit is almost impossible to know which earpieces are better than others without using equipment to test them.  Also, try and avoid using yourmobile phone in buses, trains and cars as the metal surroundings increase microwave exposure. 


Building Biology is an environmental health science. Although it is fairly new to Australia it has been widely recognised and utilised for many years in various parts of the USA and Europe. A Building Biologist considers all aspects of the indoor environment that may affect the health of the occupants and the planet as a whole.

Seeking treatment through your health practitioner is critical, but discovering and rectifying possible environmental hazards is equally important. This is why Building Biologists are passionate about working closely with health practitioners to ensure truly holistic treatment.

The good news is that making beneficial changes is simpler than you think!
 

 

  • Many skin and respiratory conditions are alleviated by simply fitting appropriate water and shower filters.
  • Certain plants can be used as natural air filters such as the rubber plant, Lady Palm, Peace Lily and Corn Plant.
  • Many problems are often solved by opening some windows and ventilating with "fresh outdoor air".
  • Electromagnetic fields drop off dramatically with distance and so once you know where the field is located (due to power lines, faulty wiring, meter box or electrical appliances), it is often costless and easy to avoid harmful exposure.
  • In many cases moving a bed head 2 metres away from a meter box has alleviated insomnia, nightmares and fatigue. 
  • Appropriate colours for a particular room/space can have profound psychological affects on the inhabitants. For example, too much red in a bedroom is very activating and should be avoided. Blues and greens are generally more beneficial in a place of rest and relaxation.
  • Inappropriate lighting can cause glare, headaches and eye strain. By incorporating appropriate lighting for individual rooms and applications you can benefit your health and the environment as a whole (incorporating energy efficient lighting – for example, by replacing the old Edison light bulbs with compact fluoro’s which are around five times more efficient).
  • Changing your shampoo, soap and cosmetics to truly natural alternatives that contact few or no chemicals, can have dramatic affects on the condition and health of your skin, hair and overall body function.


Many allergies and asthma problems are eased by changing to a vacuum cleaner that is fitted with a good quality HEPA filter.
In many cases homes can be designed so that there is no need for heating or cooling systems. Through intelligent design and good building materials a home is able to naturally maintain a comfortable indoor temperature all year round.

Your home and workplace are where you spend a majority of your life. Doesn't it make sense to ensure that these environments are beneficial to your health and well being? 


It is easy to feel quite overwhelmed by all of the environmental toxins we are exposed to everyday. However, building biologists can help to identify and address every hazard individually and provide simple and practical solutions. It is not about changing your entire lifestyle at once, but rather about becoming more environmentally aware and implementing small changes at a pace that best suits you. Most of the solutions are simple and cost effective.

Ensuring that your indoor environment is healthy goes hand-in-hand with ensuring that the natural outdoor environment is protected too. Using natural building materials and personal care products will generally mean that you are contributing less to the planets' chemical burden. We all have incredible power in the choices we make when purchasing products and services. One of the greatest contributions to your health and that of the planet as a whole comes from deciding what products and services you choose to purchase and the companies you thereby choose to support.

Please don't ever think that you alone cannot make a difference.

Every plastic bag you don't use, tree you plant or organic vegetable you purchase makes a world of difference.

Improving
The air you breathe
The water you drink
And the products you use
Benefits
The life you lead
The generations to come
The planet as a whole


Biography of the author

Raphael Siket is a qualified Building Biologist and the Director of Australia's leading Building Biology consultancy company - ecolibria. He is president of the Australasian Society of Building Biologists and lectures at The Australian College of Environmental Studies in Melbourne.