Category A Healthy. House

An exposed concrete slab can be an attractive finished flooring surface. Usually when a slab will be used as a finished floor it must be trow­eled to a smoother finish than a slab slated for use as a subfloor. Smooth-surfaced concrete re­quires the expertise of an experienced trades – person. When it is first poured, the concrete will have more water than it needs to complete the setting reaction. Some of this extra water will come to the surface. If the concrete is fin­ished before the extra water has fully migrated upward, it will become trapped in the upper layer of the concrete, resulting in a weakened surface that will release concrete dust into the indoor environment. The window of oppor­tunity for properly smoothing the surface is short. If too much time has elapsed, the sur­face will have set and will remain rough.

For exposed finished slabs, control joint locations must be carefully planned for their esthetics, and often more joints are added to minimize random cracking. Color is often added, either mixed into the wet concrete or applied after the concrete sets. Because the slab is usually poured near the beginning of the construction, it must be kept covered dur­ing the course of construction to ensure that it is not damaged or stained. All of these factors will add to the price of the concrete work, but the process will still be cost-effective when the price of covering the concrete with another material is considered.

Both the coloring agents and the surface treatment must be selected carefully to achieve a healthy finish. One process uses muriatic acid to stain floors. Although the finished floor will not outgas, muriatic acid is a highly toxic chemical that requires protective equipment for the installers, and the wash-off is consid­ered hazardous waste that must be properly disposed of.

More benign methods for staining or col­oring exposed slabs may be specified:

• Do not use aniline-based coloring agents.

• Use only high-quality mineral pigments such as Chromix Admixture and Litho – chrome Color Hardener or Davis Colors. Verify with the manufacturer that the se­lected color is free of chromium and other heavy metals.

• PureColor is a two-stage stain formula­tion of pure mineral ions and oxygen cat­alyst for concrete surfaces. Colors can be custom mixed.

• A solution of iron sulfate (fertilizer) re­acts with the concrete, producing yellow,

orange, red, and brown stain hues depend­ing on the chemical composition of the concrete.

Acceptable sealers are listed in the next sec­tion.

After pouring, concrete can cure and gain strength only if it remains nearly saturated with water for a minimum of 28 days. The cur­ing process stops if the relative humidity of the concrete drops below 80 percent Improp­erly cured concrete will develop structural weaknesses and cracks that can become path­ways for unwanted moisture and soil gases to creep into the building. Rushing the drying process may also weaken the surface so that concrete dust continually sloughs from the surface into the home. Pouring slabs in cold weather is also risky since cold temperatures impede the curing process. The use of propane heaters may cause the concrete surface to be­come weak and crack as combustion gases en­ter the material and interfere with its chemical composition.

Improperly cured concrete will have high alkalinity levels that can cause certain sub­strates and finishing materials to breakdown or rot. Testing pH can help determine whether a concrete surface has been properly cured and whether problems will develop with cer­tain finish applications. This simple test is described in the materials testing section of Division 13.

Steel bars are placed in footings and stem walls to reinforce the concrete. In situations where the ground is higher than the floor level, such as in a basement or behind a retaining wall, steel reinforcing is also present, often at hor­izontal and vertical intervals of 12 inches or less.

If an owner wishes to eliminate large amounts of conductive metal from struc­tures, it is possible to use fiberglass reinforcing bars. These rebars were originally designed for bridge construction because they do not rust, corrode, or dissolve from galvanic action. Be­cause fiberglass rebar cannot be bent onsite and must be preordered, you should plan well in advance if you wish to use this product. It can be ordered through Tillco or V-rod. If you plan to use fiberglass rebar, ask your local code enforcement officials prior to purchase whether they will accept a particular product. We have used fiberglass rebar successfully in a few homes but have found it to be expensive and inconvenient. You also can reduce electric fields by grounding metal rebar, but the pres­ence of the metal can still provide a potential pathway for stray magnetic fields.

Form Release Agents

Concrete formwork is usually coated with re­lease agents so that it can be easily removed and reused once concrete has cured. Although many inert products may be used for this pur­pose, diesel fuel and other equally noxious substances are commonly used because they are least expensive and readily available. These practices should not be allowed in a healthy house and we suggest the following be speci­fied:

* The use of petroleum-based form oil as a release agent is prohibited. The follow­ing are acceptable for use as form release agents:

• Non-rancid vegetable oil or an accept­able paint specified in Division 9

• Bioform: 100 percent biodegradable form release agent, environmentally safe, VOC compliant, does not freeze

• Crete-Lease: Very low-odor, non-toxic, nonflammable, biodegradable spray-on concrete form release agent

• ELM Concrete Form Release WS: Very low-odor, nontoxic, biodegradable spray-on concrete form release agent

• SOYsolv: Very low-odor, water-based, nontoxic, nonflammable, biodegrad­able spray-on concrete form release agent

Metal throughout a structure can contribute to electropollution (see Division 16). Placing a mesh of welded wire fabric within a concrete slab to help prevent cracking is common, but this practice can distribute unwanted volt­age throughout the home. Several types of

the modern applications of a magnesium oxide – based cement. According to a paper by Argonne (anl. gov, search for "Grancrete"), Grancrete is "a tough new ceramic material that is almost twice as strong as concrete [and] may be the key to provid­ing high-quality, low-cost housing throughout de­veloping nations."

The Bindan Company in Chicago (bindancorp. com) makes twelve different products with mag­nesium oxide. Their magnesium oxide/phosphate cements and concretes are some of the strongest ever tested.

A useful application of magnesium oxide is four – by eight-foot panels imported from China and known commercially as Strong-Enviro Board, Dragonboard, and MagBoard. These panels are commonly available in many standard US thick­nesses from Vs to 3Л inch and can fully take the place of plywood, OSB, and drywall in virtually all construction applications. The fiber-reinforced sheets typically meet all UL, ASTM, and ICC re­quirements as replacements for conventional in­terior and exterior sheeting materials. They have a two – to four-hour fire rating, depending on the
thickness, are 100 percent nontoxic, and produce no toxic gases if they burn. More information can be obtained from the manufacturers’ websites, strongenviroboard. com, dragonboard. com, and mag-board. com.

George Swanson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in industrial design from Western Wash­ington University (1975) and is a graduate of the International Institute of Bau-Biologie & Ecology (1992). His firm, Swanson Associates, specializes in the design of healthy and ecological structures us­ing a variety of alternative wail systems. He is cur­rently involved in product development in China and in the importing, distributing, and application of magnesium oxide-based building materials. See geoswan. com.

approved nonmetallic reinforcing fibers are now readily available to do the same job with very little or no increase in cost. Check with local code officials to determine acceptability in your jurisdiction. If wire mesh reinforcing is being excluded, you should add the follow­ing specification:

• Slab reinforcing shall be Уг" fiberglass or

polypropylene fibers as manufactured by

Fibermesh 650 or Novomesh or equal.

Before the widespread use of Portland cement, magnesium oxide-based cements were among the world’s most popular cement products. By the late 19th century, the use of Portland cement had spread around the world. Although Portland cement has now essentially cornered the market, it has some inherent drawbacks when compared to the magnesium oxide-based cements used by our ancestors. Portland cement manufacturers are currently allocating enormous R&D funding to overcoming deficiencies that impact the envi­ronment, human health, and the strength, dura­bility, and usability of Portland cement. Billions of dollars are being spent in an effort to make Port­land cement do what magnesium phosphate – and magnesium oxychloride-based cements do natu­rally.

No one ever purposely set out to make a prob­lematic cement; quite the opposite. When Joseph Aspdin invented his water-activated Portland ce­ment in his Leeds, England, kitchen in 1824, it seemed to be a viable and exciting advance in ad­dressing the needs of the Industrial Revolution, which was hungry for construction materials. His
new product was convenient to use and the raw materials to make it were in abundant supply.

Portland cement is created by heating raw ma­terials to 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit to create clin­kers. It is common knowledge that the worldwide production of Portland cement, which is increas­ing at a rate of 5 percent annually, currently creates as much as 12 percent of the greenhouse gas emis­sions responsible for global warming.

Some of the most harmful effects of concrete made with Portland cement come when it is "en­hanced" with plastics. The concrete never cures, or does so extremely slowly, which may enhance the strength of the concrete but not the health of a building’s occupants. Furthermore, concrete treated with these plastics outgasses and is toxic, particularly when it is mixed with mold. The high temperatures used in the production of Portland cement make it extremely thirsty for water (hydro­philic), causing a number of problems including the promotion of mold growth.

In many buildings today, 50 to 90 percent by weight of a solid concrete envelope is involved in holding up its own "dead weight."ln the future, the

Other recycled materials such as crushed brick are highly absorbent and may have been exposed to atmospheric pollutants prior to being used in concrete. Aggregate that is free of toxins and acquired odors should be speci­fied as follows:

fly ash (unless it is possible to verify that it contains no heavy metals or toxic sub­stances), cinder, and volcanic material (other than pumice). The contractor shall verify the aggregate content with the con­crete supplier prior to pouring.

• Only clean, natural mineral aggregates are acceptable. The following are un­acceptable aggregates: crushed brick, crushed sandstone, crushed concrete slag,

Admixtures

Many different types of admixtures may be added to the concrete mix to modify various

use of ultra-high-strength magnesium oxide ce­ments could reduce the use of structural cement materials significantly, thereby increasing the per­centage of more insulative, nonstructural infill elements and creating far more energy-efficient envelopes.

Magnesium cements have consistently proven to be superior to Portland cement in strength, versatility, and environmental integrity. Yet until recently magnesium cements had virtually fallen into disuse over the past 175 years. A brief history of magnesium cements will explain why these ancient building materials are of such great his­toric importance and, more importantly, why they may now hold the key to the future of worldwide sustainable building practices. This cement al­ternative (often called ceramic cement) provides unique advantages over Portland cement.

Blends of magnesium oxide were used in an­cient times in Germany, France, Mexico and Latin America, Switzerland, India, China, and New Zea­land, among other countries. The Great Wall of China and many of the stupas in India, still stand­ing today, were made with magnesium-based cements. Ancient European artisans used a timber frame with magnesium oxide infill in construct­ing homes. No gaps are visible in the 8oo-year-old walls that remain in use.

Magnesium deposits exist in abundance in ev­ery corner of the Earth and cover roughly 8 per­cent of its surface. Depending on where they are mined, magnesium oxide cements require only 20 to 40 percent of the energy used to produce Port­land cement.

Magnesium-based cements have exceptional health-promoting properties for the occupants of homes in which they are used as a building ma­terial. For example, research at Argonne National Laboratories has documented that occupants of homes made with traditional cow dung and mag­nesium oxide located right next to the Chernobyl nuclear power plant had less radiation sickness from the nuclear accident than any other group. Occupants of modern stud frame and concrete homes, even miles away, succumbed at higher rates to radiation sickness.

These natural cements bind exceptionally well to all things cellulose (such as plant fibers

properties. For example, air entrainment ad­mixtures disperse air bubbles throughout the concrete to improve resistance to freezing and thawing. Water reducing admixtures decrease the amount of water required. Retarders and accelerators modify the setting time of con­crete. Super plasticizers allow for lower water to cement ratios. They frequently contain sul – fonated melamine, formaldehyde conden­sates, sulfonated naphthalene, and other po­tentially harmful ingredients.

Water reducing agents and air entrainment

admixtures are frequently added to concrete mixtures even when not specifically requested. The exact ingredients of an admixture are usu­ally proprietary. Although admixtures gen­erally make up a very small portion of the concrete and do not pose a significant prob­lem to any but the most sensitive individuals, they can be completely eliminated if concrete work is scheduled for warm weather and if the concrete supplier is aware of this requirement. Even with admixtures, concrete must never be poured on frozen soil or when there is a risk

and wood chips) and are often referred to as living cements. Although the cost of magnesium oxide cement is currently considerably higher than that of Portland cement, a wide variety of indigenous rock, plant and wood fibers, and other cellulose granules can be added to it as aggregate, extend­ing the basic cement material by up to 95 percent and thereby reducing its cost. This is in sharp con­trast to Portland cement, which repels cellulose.

Magnesium-based cements commonly achieve compressive strengths of 9,000 to 45,000 pounds per square inch and tension strength of over 800 pounds per square inch, many times stronger than conventional concrete. Combined with clays and cellulose, magnesium oxide forms cements that "breathe" water vapors, a significant plus. The clay in magnesium oxide balances and enhances the movement of moisture. The material never rots because it always expels moisture.

Magnesium-based cements are completely nonconductive of electricity, as well as heat and cold, and have been used for flooring for radar sta­tions and hospital operating rooms.

Until the early 1930s almost ail terrazzo floors were made with magnesium phosphate or mag­nesium oxychloride. These materials were used extensively throughout the United States until Portland cement offered what appeared at the time to be a less costly, more user-friendly alter­native. The successful manufacture, marketing, and proliferation of Portland cement occurred at a time when energy was cheap and public aware­ness of environmental health concerns was virtu­ally nonexistent.

Recently magnesium-based products have become available from several sources:

Argonne National Laboratory (anl. gov) and others have now licensed firms to market magne­sium-based cements underthe nameCeramicrete. These companies have patents on their products. US Gypsum, the original American maker of Port­land cement, is also introducing magnesium oxide as a nontoxic accelerant and additive. Aquacast is one magnesium oxide product being marketed by US Gypsum.

Grancrete, a spray-on structural cement, has been developed by scientists at Argonne Na­tional Laboratory and Casa Grande LLC as one of

• No admixtures shall be used in the con­crete. It is the contractor’s responsibil­ity to comply with the necessary climatic parameters so that required strengths and finishes are obtained without additives. Verify with the supplier that all concrete is free of admixtures, including air entrain­

Introduction

Concrete is widely used in residential con­struction for footings, stem walls, and exposed basement flooring, as a subfloor for slab-on – grade construction, and as a finished floor material. Concrete consists of cement (usually Portland cement), water, and sand and other aggregates.

Once cured, concrete becomes an inert product and is not usually associated with toxic exposure, although there may be some more subtle health effects. (Refer to the essay by George Swanson to learn more about these effects and about products that can be sub­stituted for Portland cement.) Certain com­mon construction practices can make con­crete harmful to human health and should be avoided. These practices are discussed in the following sections.

Components of Concrete

Cement

Cement is the “glue” that holds the various components of concrete together and com­prises approximately 18 percent of the con­crete by volume. Concrete is high in embodied energy because of the tremendous heat re­quired to make cement. Cements are often advertised as “green” because they substitute a waste product for Portland cement. The re­placement of Portland cement with fly ash has become a common practice. However, fly ash can be a byproduct of the incineration of toxic or hazardous waste. We therefore believe that cement products containing fly ash should be used only if it can be determined that it is de­rived from a nonhazardous source.

Although it is difficult to build a home to­day without the use of some concrete, there are many strategies, discussed throughout the book, that we can employ to reduce our use of Portland cement.

Water

Clean, potable water should be specified for mixing concrete:

• Water shall be of potable quality, free of taste, color, and odor, and should not foam or fizzle.

Aggregate

The aggregate component accounts for 60 to 80 percent of concrete volume. The size and characteristics of the aggregate will affect the quantities of cement and water required and
the compressive strength, weight, and sur­face character of the finished concrete. Aggre­gate materials range in size from fine sand to crushed rock pieces. Sometimes recycled ma­terials are used as aggregate and these may be a source of contamination. Recycled industrial waste products may contain hydrocarbons and sulfur. If the source is an industrial pro­cess with residual heavy metals or toxic com­pounds, it can result in a product with toxic properties.

Although it is more convenient for a contrac­tor to build on a site without obstacles such as trees, native vegetation, and boulders, some but not all contractors will go to great lengths to preserve as much natural vegetation and as many other landscape features as possible. Do not assume that the preservation of your site will be a priority of the same magnitude for a contractor as it will be for you. To clarify your desires and the contractual obligations of the contractor in this regard, you can formalize site preservation intentions by stating them as part of your contract.

Here is an example of site specifications created for the purpose of preserving the nat­ural features of the site and preventing pest in­festations as a result of the clearing process.

It is the owner s intention to preserve the nat­ural vegetation and land features of the site to the greatest extent possible.

• The owner and architect shall approve the site layout prior to the digging of the foot­ings.

• Topsoil and large boulders shall be stock­piled for future use.

• All trees designated for removal from the building site are to be marked for review by the owner or architect.

• All tree stumps and dead foliage shall be fully removed from around and under the

building site and disposed of offsite so they do not attract termites and other pests.

• The owner and architect shall determine which trees are to be transplanted or maintained during construction.

• The construction area and access to it shall be as small as is reasonable to facili­tate construction of the home. This area is to be clearly demarcated and roped off to prevent any destruction of natural terrain outside the area by construction vehicles.

Grading

Many mold problems originate with poor drainage around the building perimeter, which can cause water to puddle against the building and sometimes to seep inside. Al­though less prevalent in dry climates, mold is still a serious health threat, especially in flat – roof construction where canales or scuppers are used for roof drainage and erosion around the discharge is common. An adequate roof overhang will be the first line of defense in keeping water away from the building enve­lope. Good site grading will be the second line of defense and a perimeter drainage system in combination with stem wall dampproof­ing as described in Division 7 will constitute the third component of a comprehensive rain­water management plan. The following speci­fication for surface water runoff management is recommended: [4]

• All canales, scuppers, and downspouts shall have splash blocks and an adequate drainage path away from the building.

Soil Treatment

Sometimes the soils under brick walkways, under interior brick pavers, surrounding the structure, or under the structure itself are treated with insecticides or herbicides. This practice should be avoided. Many people have become sensitive to very low levels of pesti­cide exposure. Children are especially vulner­able. Some harmful agents will remain potent long after the building is gone. Where soil treatment is mandated or otherwise unavoid­able, we recommend the use of boric acid, dia – tomaceous soil, or other least toxic measures. (Refer to the section on integrated pest man­agement in Division 10.) You may wish to specify the following:

* Do not treat soil with manufactured chemical treatments.

* Treat sand surfaces under floors and brick or stone walkways with diatomaceous soil. Inhaling dust from diatomaceous soil is hazardous and proper precaution should be used during application.

* Use barrier cloth under exterior walkways to prevent weed overgrowth.

Pavement

Petroleum tar, which is the main component of asphalt or “blacktop’ paving, is carcino­genic and should be avoided. Not only does it emit harmful vapors during installation but it also will volatilize when heated by the sun. More healthful options include concrete slab, concrete or brick pavers, and paving stone or gravel over a well-drained and compacted base.

The following products are innovative ways to stabilize a road base without the use of asphalt or concrete paving:

• NaturalPAVE XL Resin Pavement: A combination of nontoxic, environmentally friendly organic and inorganic resin ma­terials that creates a high – strength pave­ment.

• Perma-Zyme: A biodegradable and envi­ronmentally safe road stabilization enzyme product that works by lowering the surface tension of water, promoting penetration and dispersal of moisture. This causes hy­drated clay particles to fill voids in soil so that it forms a tight, dense, and permanent stratum.

• Stabilizer: A colorless, odorless psyllium – based concentrated powdered soil additive for dirt or crushed stone surfaces. Stabi­lizer binds and flocks aggregate screenings to provide a firm natural surface for path­ways, trails, and driveways.

Where asphalt paving already exists or is the only paving option available AFM DynoSeal Driveway/Asphalt Sealer may be used. It is a low-odor elastomeric sealer and top coat­ing for asphalt surfaces that helps to reduce the outgassing and odors generated by new asphalt.

Further Reading

International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology. Home study courses, online study, and seminars. PO Box 387, Clearwater, FL 33757,727-461-4371, buildingbiology. net.

If a site lacks water, it is important to deter­
mine the cost of obtaining it. If the site is served by the local municipality, the water company may be able to give you an estimate. If the site is rocky, you may need to excavate trenches by blasting the surrounding rock. If you must drill a well, the neighbors or the local well driller can inform you of the depth of surrounding wells and give you information about water quality. If the site already contains a well, ensure that the submersible pump was manufactured after 1979, or that it is safe. If the

The American Society of Dowsers Inc., dowsers. org

BioGeometry, biogeometry. com and vesica. org The British Society of Dowsers, geomancy. org The Canadian Society of Dowsers, canadiandowsers. org

The Canadian Society of Questers, questers. ca International Institute for Bau-Biology & Ecology, buildingbiology. net

Pyramid School of Feng Shui, Nancilee Wydra, fengshuibydesignonline. com

a. Information provided by Dulwich Health and available at dulwichhealth. co. uk.

b. Alf Riggs. "Harmful Effects from Earth Radia­tion & Electrical Fields" [online]. [Cited Decem­ber 19,2007.] whale. to/v/riggsi. html

c. Hans Nieper."Modern Medical CancerTherapy Following the Decline of Toxic Chemotherapy." Townsend Letter for Doctors & Patients. Novem­ber 1996, pp. 88-89. Dr. Nieper’s Revolution in Technology, Medicine and Society. MIT Verlag, 1985, pp. 206,222. Lecture notes from a medical seminar in Los Angeles, July 4,1986, pp. 13-15, 22, 28, available from Brewer Science Library, mwt. net/~drbrewer/other. htm. See also Hans

A. Nieper et al. The Curious Man: The Life and Works of Dr. Hans Nieper. Avery, 1998.

d. Kathe Bachler. "Noxious Earth Energies and Their Influence on Human Beings" [online]. [Cited December 19,2007.] whale. to/v/bachler. html. See also Kathe Bachler. Discoveries of a Dowser. 5th ed., Veritas, 1984 and Kathe Bachler. Earth Radiation. Wordmasters, 1989.

e. AlfRiggs."MyalgicEncephalomyelitis"[online]. [Cited Decembers,2007.] alfredriggs. com

J. David McAuley has practiced architecture in Canada for 29 years using Building Biology, feng shui, and Earth energy dowsing. He is currently studying BioGeometry. David designs buildings to support health in balance with the environment, including sacred spaces, healing retreat centers, and socially conscious spaces for those in need. He can be contacted at 519-823-2441 or jdm-arch .com.

oils in older pumps contain PCBs, they repre­sent a serious health threat should a rupture occur. Whatever the source of potable water, it should be tested by a professional and filtered or purified as required. Water quality will be discussed further in Division n.

Choosing a site that avoids hazardous pollutants and then building with healthy materials are vital for creating a healthy home. The naturally occur­ring Earth energies, known as geopathic stress, are another important factor to consider. These ener­gies result from polar magnetism, underground domes, veinsand streams of water, radon gasemis – sions, electromagnetic waves, and seismic activity. Their effects can be seen in rockfaufts, fissures and geological stresses, power spots, vortices, mineral and ore deposits, and underground caves.

Their health effects can range from subtle to severe, with some being well accepted and oth­ers less recognized and sometimes controversial. California prohibits new construction over earth­quake faults, and the US Environmental Protection Agency recommends that all homes be checked for radon gas emissions. Switzerland and Germany have mandated testing for geopathic stress before hospitals, schools, and multifamily dwellings are constructed.

Increasingly, the human body is also subjected to the effects of artificially produced electromag­netic forces. These result from mining, building foundations, excavations, underground trans­portation, sewers, water pipes, communication
systems, electrical generation, and transmission infrastructure as well as microwaves, satellites, ra­dar, cell phones, and wireless technologies.

In the 1940s, German researchers Ernest Hart­mann and Manfred Curry identified a tightly wo­ven network of magnetically charged, naturally occurring energy lines crisscrossing the Earth and penetrating buildings. When geopathic stress is combined with human-caused stress conditions over a prolonged period of time, our health can be profoundly affected.

Our five senses pick up an infinitesimal part of the spectrum of information about these stresses. In the past, known locations with high levelsof nat- urallyoccurring harmful Earth forces wereavoided. Indigenous people were aware of places where subtle energies supported the abundant growth of plants and trees and the health of animals. We are all familiar with special places that make usfeel comfortable, warm, or inspired. Similarly, when we walk into other spaces we become disturbed, cold, or restless. Overtime, the places where we live and work will have an impact on our health.

Our understanding of these subtle health ef­fects is growing. According to the Dulwich Health Clinic in London, geopathic stress is present in
problems may be costly. Industrial toxins in the soil, poor percolation for installing a sep­tic system, and unstable soils are examples of conditions that might be causes for concern. We recommend that you make your offer to purchase contingent on inspections by profes­sional consultants. In this way you can prevent being obligated to purchase a contaminated or otherwise unacceptable site. The following sections describe some of the more common consultant specialties.

Phase I Environmental Inspector

If you are considering a property with a past of industrial or agricultural use or underground fuel tanks, or if old buildings are suspected of containing lead or asbestos, then a Phase I environmental audit should be conducted to

people with most types of serious and long-term illnesses. "Geopathic stress does not cause any specific type of illness but lowers your immune system and your ability to fight off viruses and bacteria."9

In 1989, Otto Bergsmann found measurable changes in levels of serotonin, melatonin, calcium, and zinc when a person was subjected to noxious Earth energy emissions.13 Hans Nieper concluded that the incidence of cancer was higher over geo­pathic zones: "Geopathic zones increase the risk of gene lability," or genetic errors. He strongly ad­vised those suffering from these ill effects to re­move themselves from the site of geopathogenic exposures

Kathe Bachler has linked children’s poor school performance to geopathogenic "interfer­ence zones."d After investigating noxious geo­pathic lines and chronic fatigue syndrome in 14,000 cases, Alf Riggs concluded that geopathic stress is a major factor in 72 percent of cases of the syndrome and that measurable improvement oc­curred when a patient’s bed was moved to a neu­tral location. There was even more improvement when a wooden bed was substituted for a metal bed and mattress springs. e

Other physical indicators have included:

• sleep disorders (strong resistance to going to bed, insomnia, nightmares, sleepwalking, sweating, cold/shivers, waking feeling tired/ unrested, waking feeling nauseous)

• an aversion to lying in certain spots in one’s bed

• experiencing a feeling of falling out of bed

• depression, stress, rapid heart rate, or cramps

Some physicians suggest that, if symptoms do not respond to normally successful treatments, Earth energies may exist in their patient’s home.

Conventional electronic scientific instruments can be used to indicate zones of geopathic stress by measuring parameters such as conductivity of the ground and air, DC magnetic fields, changes to air ionization, ground temperature, above-nor­mal soil or air humidity, and seismic activity. These sophisticated instruments are expensive and not generally usable by the public.

Plant life and animal behavior can indicate ar­eas of geopathic stress. Cats, bees, and ants are drawn to these areas. Cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, swallows, chickens, and dogs avoid them. In tradi­tional cultures, animals were herded onto building identify the risks. Remember that up-front costs are minor compared to hazardous waste cleanup costs, which may far exceed property value.

Geotechnical Consultant

If you are concerned about the geological structure of the site, you should consult with a geotechnical engineer, who will be able to troubleshoot problems such as high water tables, unstable soils, expansive soils, earth­quake faults, and sink holes. Engineering so­lutions can be devised for many of these prob­lems so that the costs of development can be determined before you purchase the land.

Septic Engineer

In many locations where municipal sewers are not available, an engineered septic system plan is required before a building permit will be issued. The septic engineer, who is often a geotechnical engineer as well, will study the

sites and their behavior was observed to ensure avoidance of geopathic stress. Oak, ash, elm, and willow trees thrive in areas of high geopathic stress whereas fruit trees do not. Trees can also be observed to see if they lean, twist, or grow knurls.

Lightning has been reported to strike where underground water veins cross and geopathic stress appears to be more prevalent in areas of ex­posed fractured igneous or sedimentary rock and less common in areas with a thick overburden of gravel or soil. Clay soils seem to accentuate the stress. Even observation of buildings can be use­ful since cracks, moisture, mold, crumbling plaster, discoloration and damaged materials in existing construction, and patterns of alignment or deteri­oration of stone, masonry, concrete, or pavement correspond to areas of geopathic stress and can indicate its presence.

For centuries, dowsers or diviners have lo­cated water veins, energy grids, and points of el­evated energy (power spots). Levels of skill and techniques for assessing, locating, and correcting these forces vary considerably, but results are re­ported to be consistent among experienced prac­titioners.

Geopathic stress can be reduced or reversed, but the most important corrective measure is avoidance. Architects and designers should take land energies into account and avoid them when siting buildings. In its top 25 principles, Building Biology considers geobiology in the process of selecting building sites and materials. It recom­mends avoiding certain materials such as steel structural frames, metal furniture, electrical wir­ing, and ductwork, which conduct and transmit Earth energies throughout a building.

Various correction techniques and devices have been proposed. Individual research and testing by experienced practitioners is recom­mended to ensure that any corrective measures are effective and do not have any unhealthy con­sequences.

Choosing building sites with a balanced qual­ity can positively influence our health. It is not a good idea to spend extended time in negatively stressed areas or to inhabit places of high ener­getic activity. Pay attention to how you feel on a po­tential building site. Applying information about Earth energies known from ancient universal prac­tices will have a profound effect on our health and well-being in our homes and workplaces.

Further information:
land formation and perform percolation tests to determine how the sewage waste projected for your development can best be handled. In areas with limited percolation, steep slopes, or high water tables, the installation of a proper septic system could be costly or even impossi­ble. If such conditions exist, it is best to be in­formed prior to purchasing the land.

Introduction

This Division contains information on site se­lection and on site maintenance and restora­tion during the construction process.

Site Selection

Long before construction begins, you will choose the appropriate site. When the ancient Romans selected a site for housing, they paid careful attention to the health-giving qualities of the land. To test a potential homesite, cattle were confined to graze in the area for a specific period of time, after which they were slaugh­tered and the innards examined. If the animals had unhealthy livers, the site was abandoned.

Unfortunately, the health consequences from the natural conditions of almost any site today pale in comparison to the potential haz­ards created by humans. Keep the following guidelines in mind when choosing a site:

• Choose a location where the air is rela­tively unpolluted.

• Evaluate levels of light and noise pollu­tion.

• Determine the direction that prevailing winds blow and how they change season­ally. Consider what is upwind from you.

• Avoid industrial areas, power plants, ag­ricultural lands with heavy pesticide use, and other major pollution producers.

• Avoid proximity to high-voltage power lines, microwave relay stations, and cell­ular phone and broadcast towers. In gen­eral, distances of one-tenth mile from high-voltage power lines and one-half mile from microwave cellular and broadcast towers are adequate. Many public utilities will provide free site measurements for background electromagnetic field levels. Ensure that measurements are taken at a time when power lines in the area are op­erating at peak load, or have the field cal­culated based on peak load projections. Utility companies should provide this in­formation in writing.

• Avoid sites adjacent to parking lots and traffic corridors.

• Crest locations generally have better air quality and more air movement than val­ley sites.

• If you are considering a site in a populated area, analyze the present use and future de­velopment of your neighborhood. How are nearby empty lots zoned? Do the neigh­
bors use pesticides? Is there smoke from woodstoves and fireplaces in the winter?

• Investigate water quality in the area.

Professional Assistance in Site Selection

You may require assistance in selecting your site, especially when remedies to suspected