Sick Home and Sick Building Syndrome

Sick Home and Sick Building Syndrome

Major causes of sick homes and buildings are inadequate ventilation, chemical contaminants from indoor and outdoor sources, and biological contaminants. These include house dust and the contaminants that attach to dust such as mould and toxic metals; volatile organic compounds which off gas from carpets, furniture and general household and personal care products; contaminants found in your water supply; toxic building materials; exposure to electrical fields (EFs), electromagnetic radiation (EMFs), and radio frequencies from common household appliances; harmful ingredients contained in personal care and general household products you use on a day to day basis. (Bijlsma 2008)

Is your home or office contributing to ... or possibly causing poor health

According to Dr. B.C. Wolverton, a scientist who worked for NASA researching a breathable environment for a lunar habitat, “in 1973 the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) declared an oil embargo against industrialized nations. In an effort to maximize energy efficiently and to help reduce spiraling energy costs, the building industry began to seal buildings hermetically and to reduce fresh air exchanges” (1996 p.9). Then came the introduction of more cost effective synthetic building materials such as pressed wood products or fiberboard (instead of natural wood), carpets, furniture, and cabinetry, all held together by a variety of glues and resins. Next on the list of ’must haves’ were the technological time savers such as microwave ovens, computers, mobile and hands free phones, alarm systems, and wireless everything.

Exposure to all of the above sick building signals in small to significant amounts on a day to day basis may slowly be chipping away at your immune system.

Sick Building Syndrome

Exposure to electric and magnetic fields

Just because we cannot see, hear, or directly feel electric and magnetic fields, we believe everything is ok. However, recent research in respected medical journals has uncovered evidence of potential sick building syndrome health risks such as "insomnia, headaches, chronic fatigue, depression, learning and memory problems, cancer, and childhood leukaemia" (IARC 2009). The World Health Organization International Agency for Cancer Research (IARC 2009) has categorized extremely-low frequency electromagnetic fields as "Group 2B (possible) carcinogen."

Exposure to EMF's is of particular concern because it reduces the levels of the hormone melatonin. "Melatonin is secreted by the Pineal Gland and helps to regulate the body's natural rythyms and attacks cancer producing free radicals." (McLean 2002, p.74) The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences convened an international panel of experts. They reported "electric and magnetic fields like those surrounding electric power lines should be regarded as a 'possible human carcinogen'." (NIEHS Report 1998).

During our Comprehensive Feng Shui Consultation, Carol undertakes sick home and sick building analysis. EMF readings are taken with a digital gaussmeter paying particular attention to the bedroom, study, and any rooms where you spend alot of time.

Freecall 1300 728 279 to speak to Carol Partridge, a qualified feng shui consultant, or complete our Enquiry Form.

References

Bijlsma, N., 2008, Sick Building Syndrome, Australian College of Environmental Studies (0108), Melbourne, Victoria

Greenpeace, Greenpeace exposes hidden poisons in our homes, (Online), 2003
Available: http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/media/press-releases/greenpeace-exposes-hidden-poisons-in-our-homes (2 June, 2008)

McLean, L., 2002, Watt's the Buzz?, Scribe Publications Pty. Ltd., Victoria

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Panel Evaluates Electric and Magnetic Fields for Health Effects, (Online), 1998 Available: http://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/releases/news-archive/1998/emfmtg.cfm (17 September, 2009)

Wolverton, Dr. B.C., 1996, How to Grow Fresh Air, 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office, Orion Publishing Group Ltd, London

World Health Organisation, Extremely Low Frequency Fields Environmental Health Criteria Monograph No. 238, (Online), 4 September 2008-last update, Available: http://www.who.int/peh-emf/publications/elf_ehc/en/index.html (17 September, 2009)