Category A Healthy. House

Specification

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

Construction specifications are the detailed written instructions that support architectural drawings. Together, the “specs” and the drawings comprise the construction documents. The drawings explain the physical layout and appearance of the building, how it will be structured, and the choice of general construction materials. Specifications contain instructions that cannot be shown easily on the drawings. They indicate how materials are to be handled and installed, and prescribe brand names of products and performance requirements. Detailed specifications are not often included in the documents for residential construction. However, if you want to build a healthy home, detailed specifications are essential because many standard practices and materials are unacceptable.

The specifications in this book are designed as a guideline for homeowners, architects, and builders to use in building a healthy home. To organize the specifications, we use
the 16-division Master Format list, developed by the Construction Specification Institute and widely recognized as the standard for construction specifications. The Master Format covers all aspects of construction in a sequence familiar to architects and builders. Part II is therefore comprised of divisions rather than standard chapters. Although in 2004 CSI changed over to a 50-division format, we have kept the original 16 divisions in this new edition for the sake of simplicity.

Construction specifications contain information about performance standards that ensure the structural integrity and quality of construction. Our guidelines are not intended as a substitute for standard specifications but as an addition to them. For example, standard concrete specifications will specify the strength of concrete to be used, how it is to be mixed and poured, and procedures for testing its strength. The specifications in this book do not include such basic information. Instead, the information appearing in the following
іб divisions focuses on the health of home occupants as well as the health of home builders and subcontractors.

Where appropriate, the differences between healthy and standard construction are explained. Products, manufacturers, tradespeople, and consultants involved in healthy building are specified. Telephone numbers and websites are included in the Resource List in Appendix В so that you may conveniently locate the closest distributors.

Fragrant Fumes

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

In 1996 E. B. was a 58-year-old man with a ten-year history of chronic sinus congestion, hoarseness, and headaches. By the time he consulted with Dr. Elliott, he had tried many forms of treatment, including nasal surgery, frequent courses of antibiotics, decongestants, and steroid nasal drops. After removing dairy products from his diet, he noticed only a partial improvement in the congestion. Dr. Elliott then suggested that he try eliminating all scented products from his body, including detergents, soaps, and colognes. Through a process of trial and error, E. B. discovered that his aftershave lotion was a significant cause of his symptoms. His voice has now returned to itsformer resonance and he is without headaches and sinus congestion.

Discussion

Manufacturers of fragranced products need list only"fragrance"on the label, not the actual chemicals. The perfume industry is self-regulated and is not required to provide formulations, test results, safety data, or consumer complaints to the Food and Drug Administration. Millions of people are made ill by artificial fragrances, which are now used in almost every cleaning, laundry, and personal care product on the market. Most people are unaware that fragrances can cause or contribute to health problems. The most common symptoms related to fragrances include asthma, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, mental confusion, memory loss, nausea, irritability, depression, rashes, and muscle and joint pains. With increasing awareness and growing demand, products are now becoming available that are frag ranсe-free or scented with purely plant-derived substances.

building exterior, including drainage, roof gutters, roofing, painting, and staining

• a checklist of regular maintenance requirements for which outside services may be called upon, such as chimney sweeping and ductwork cleaning

• warranties and contact numbers of appropriate subcontractors

Proper Use of Exhaust Fans,

Smoke Detectors, and CO Monitors

Smoke detectors and CO (carbon monoxide) monitors will warn occupants only when functional. Exhaust fans will prevent excess moisture or remove pollutants from cooking only if the occupant remembers to use them.

When exhaust fans are in operation, the owner may need to provide make-up air by opening a window or manually turning on a supply switch. Understanding and maintaining such devices is an important part of maintaining a healthy home.

Avoiding Artificial Fragrance in the Home

The use of toxic fragrances is so prevalent in our culture that many chemically sensitive individuals have a hard time finding a home to rent or buy that is free of acquired odors from scented products. In fact, these common synthetic fragrances pose a health threat to any occupant and should not be used in a healthy home. As Dr. Elliott explains, artificial fragrances are found throughout most homes and workplaces in body and hair care products, household cleaners, detergents, fabric softeners, air fresheners, and even some magazines. Fragrance is cited as an indoor irritant and pollutant in several major studies.17

In the days before “better living through chemistry,” fragrances were made from flowers. Now approximately 95 percent of all ingredients used by the fragrance industry are synthetic.18 According to the US Food and Drug Administration, about 4,000 petroleum derived chemicals are used in fragrances.19 These include toluene, formaldehyde, acetone, benzene derivatives, methylene chloride, phenyl ethyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, and benzyl acetate. A single fragrance can contain as many as 600 different chemicals.

In a 1988 study, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health identified 884 toxic substances in a partial list of 2,983 chemicals now being used by the fragrance industry. 20 Many of these substances are capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, reproductive disorders, and skin irritation. According to the National Academy of Sciences, there is minimal or no data on toxicity for 84 percent of the ingredients found in fragrances.21

Currently there is no agency regulating the fragrance industry. Tlie FDA is aware of the serious nature of the problem but is unable to undertake the astronomical expense of testing each of the chemicals found in fragrances. Without such testing, the FDA would be subject to lawsuits by manufacturers if fragrances were banned. Thus, as is often the case, the onus falls on the consumer to make informed choices. At the end of this chapter you will find the names of some companies that supply fragrance-free products or products with fragrances derived from natural sources.

Avoiding Biocide Use in the Flome and Garden

Pesticide use should be unnecessary in a well – built home. Similarly, a well-planned and healthy garden with site-appropriate plant selections and careful gardening practices should not require the use of any toxic herbicides. There are almost always effective benign methods for dealing with house and garden pests. Because of the potentially devastating health consequences of pesticide use, more benign solutions should be rigorously pursued when a pest problem arises. The principals of integrated pest management are discussed at greater length in Division 10.

Healthful Flome Cleaning

Cleaning substances with a skull and crossbones abound in our grocery stores for use in home care, but these highly toxic and caustic substances should not be used for the maintenance of a healthy home. Fortunately, safe and environmentally friendly cleaning products are readily available. Please refer to the list at the end of this chapter and to the general cleanup section in Division 1 for healthy suggestions for every cleaning need.

A Healthy Home Must Be a Smoke-Free Home Almost everyone knows of the threat caused to personal health by smoking tobacco. Most people are also well aware of the threat caused by inhaling passive smoke. Once smoke is absorbed into the surfaces of a home, it takes extensive renovation to eliminate it. A nosmoking policy along with the careful design and use of fireplaces is essential to the maintenance of good air quality.

My Air Smells Bad! What Can I Do?

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

Подпись: r

Identifying the cause of smelly indoor air can be a complex process. The English language is not a good tool for describing smells and there is often little agreement about what an odor smells like, making it difficult for a professional to identify the offending substance from a description of the smell. To make identification even more difficult, there are tens of thousands of synthetic compounds and thousands of naturally created compounds that produce odors. Complicating matters still further, many compounds in the air are broken down by the natural process of oxidation to form new compounds. The new material may smell when the old one did not, or the new material may smell completely different from the original. Identification can be simpler with more common odors such as mold, gasoline, natural gas, or alcohol.

There are sophisticated approaches and instruments for identifying the chemical composition of an odor. Once the chemical is identified, potential sources can then be determined and the building can be searched for these sources. However, this approach uses expensive equipment in a lab, costs hundreds of dollars per air sample, and may require multiple types of samples.

Luckily, most of us come equipped with an exquisitely sensitive instrument — the noselThe human nose is incredibly effective fortracking smells. The olfactory sensitivity of most people is at a part per million level. In other words, people can smell one part of the offending substance in a million parts of air. A few individuals can detect odors at a part per billion level, the level normally reserved foranimalssuch as dogs. So tracking the odor back to its source can be done by using your nose.

Employing a Climate-Based Understanding for Construction Detailing

The building industry in the United States, a country with vast climatic variations, is primarily regulated by a handful of building codes. These codes do not sufficiently address the fact that in each climatic zone there are particular concerns about how moisture, temperature, wind, vegetation, and wildlife will impact the building envelope. Historically, regional building types throughout the world evolved over time as local materials were fashioned into a perfect response for the surrounding climatic conditions. Much of this indigenous wisdom has been cast aside in our lifetime. Residential building techniques have undergone sweeping experimentation since

World War II. With the introduction of mass produced and transported building components and the increased dependence on mechanized heating and cooling, our homes are for the most part constructed in the same manner regardless of location. The need for energy conservation has led to tight, highly insulated envelope construction.

As a result of these factors, we have placed greater performance demands on the building envelope than ever before. A new suburban home in Cincinnati may look identical to one built in Los Angeles. In spite of vastly different climatic conditions, the two buildings will be mechanically equipped to provide the occupant with an interior temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

A word of caution: some strong chemical vapors can be a health threat. People who are already sensitive or allergic to smells should not be involved in this type of investigation. Other people should not continue tracking odors that become too strong to be comfortably tolerated. You should stop following solvent fumes, gasoline fumes, or natural gas odors when they become uncomfortably strong. If this happens, it would be a good idea to call for help and air the space out. Note that natural gas, propane, and other household fuel sources contain odorants to alert you if they are leaking. These gases are an explosion hazard, so if you suspect that a dangerous gas leak may be the cause of the odor, call for help immediately. The gas company will provide a free leak detection service.

If the entire house smells, it may be helpful to air it out first and then close it up again to see if the formerly pervasive smell can be detected closer to the point of origin. Because people experience what is called olfactory fatigue, becoming less and less sensitive to the smell with prolonged exposure, you may need to give your nose a rest from time to time.

Moldy smellsare common. The source ofthese smells can sometimes be located by looking for places where waterintrusion hasdampened building materials, decorative items, or other household goods. Water intrusion can be located by looking for water stains on drywall, baseboard, carpets, or corrugated boxes stacked on a concrete floor. In homes built on a concrete slab, problems with water movement through the slab can cause mold growth in the carpet and pad, particularly along outside walls or under furniture with skirting that

However, the interaction between the climate and the building envelope in these cities will be very different. Professionals in the building industry are now discovering that certain assumptions made 30 years ago about how the new products would interact with climate and mechanized space conditioning were shortsighted. As a result, we are experiencing widespread envelope failure. To further complicate matters, similar buildings will fail in different ways in different climates. These failures affect not only the longevity of buildings but also their ability to support human health.

Architects, builders, and homeowners must become familiar with the localized conditions of the potential homesite. An inquiry into the kinds of problems that have developed in local buildings because of the natural environment would be beneficial. The local building lore can potentially be a rich source of information. Listed below are a few examples (by no means inclusive) of differing regional conditions and respective challenges:

• The air of coastal locations is typically characterized by high salt content, resulting in metal corrosion.

• Areas experiencing alternating freeze/ thaw conditions will be subject to ice damming problems. Buildings will also be much more susceptible to deterioration caused by water seeping into cracks and then expanding as it turns to ice.

• Wood products exposed to the elements in southwestern deserts will suffer from accelerated drying due to extreme UV exposure and low humidity.

• Moisture and mold problems associated with condensation caused by air condi-

prevents air circulation. You may be able to smell this mold by getting close to the carpet.

Mold growth inside the walls that results from water intrusion can sometimes be located by removing the electrical wall outlet faceplates and smelling the air in the outlet boxes, particularly those mounted in the outside-facing walls. The smell from a moldy basement or crawl space will move upstairs because rising warm air exiting at the top of the house draws replacement air from the basement and through other holes in the building suchasoutletandswitch boxesand heating/air conditioning ducts. Also look for water leakage in cabinetsundersinks. lt is always prudent to call in a mold specialist in cases of suspected mold and 1 do not advise a homeowner to open wall cavities or baseboards. You can, however, lead the inspector to places where you have noticed moldy smells.

Less common but sometimes problematic are bacterial smells. An example is the odor of dirty socks, or locker-room odor. Wet building materials and fabrics in a home can create a problem with bacterial as well as mold growth.

Another approach to tracing an odor is to think about everything that happened prior to its detection. When did you first notice it? Did this coincide with something being brought into the house or a precipitating event? This might include one or more of the following:

• painting and decorating

• new clothing or household goods

• pest control treatments

• new furniture, carpeting, or drapes

• a change in cleaning products or housekeeping services

• new asphalt-type roofing, yours or neighbor’s

tioning are typical in climates with high temperatures and humidity.

• Fire safety is a major concern in wooded areas.

• Nearly every region has specific insect and vermin problems.

Certain conditions unique to your building location will not be remedied or addressed by building codes, standard building practices, or materials manufacturers. Architects and builders must be jointly responsible for investigating specificities. To this end, we highly recommend the Builders Guides by Joseph Lstiburek (see Further Reading at the end of this chapter).

Furthermore, there is undeniable evidence that global warming is changing our climate and increasing the incidence of extreme weather events. Building designs and practices that were once considered adequate for a given region may now need to be more stringent as the incidence of floods, hurricanes, tornados, ice damming, and other destructive events increases. For more information on measures to be taken to adapt to increased climatic impact, refer to John Bantas book Extreme Weather Hits Home: Protecting Your Buildings from Climate Change (see Further Reading).

Reducing Toxic Emissions Through Choice of Building Materials

As we explained previously, modern building techniques have created sick buildings in part by using building materials that outgas toxic emissions. It stands to reason that to create healthy buildings we must find ways to reduce

– significant rain, with or without high winds, causing building leakage

• house painting, yours or neighbor’s

• lawn treatments, yours or neighbor’s

• long periods of non-use for sinks, bathtubs, or showers, leading to drying of water in the drain trap

• spills or leaks that could enter your basement from nearby industries or gasoline stations

• septic tank wastewater system failure

The "house detective" process can be time consuming and lengthy, but you know your home better than anyone else. You can save time and money by giving the situation careful attention and thought before your professional arrives. If all else fails, you can call a specialist to help identify the source by collecting a sample of the offending airfor lab identification of its chemical components. Good sniffing!

Larry Gust is a Building Biology Environmental Consultant (BBEC) certified by the International Institute for Building Biology & Ecology (building biology. net). He holds a degree in electrical engineering and is a Certified Mold Remediator through the Indoor Air Quality Association (iaqa. org) and a Certified Electromagnetic Radiation Safety Advisor through the Science and Public Policy Institute Safe Wireless Initiative. Since achieving the BBEC certification in 1992, he has been operating an indoor environmental consultancy covering all aspects of the built environment, including mold, chemical, and electromagnetic pollution (healbuildings. com ). He lives in Southern California and practices nationwide.

the sources of pollution generated by these materials.

The following products and materials are common sources of indoor pollution in standard construction:

• insecticides, mildewcides, herbicides, and other biocides found in building materials or applied onsite

• composite wood products that are bound with formaldehyde-emitting glues, including particleboard, chipboard, plywood, and manufactured sheathing

• building products, finishes, cleaning products, and additives that emit harmful VOCs, including solvent-based paints, sealants, finishes, and adhesives

• asphalt and products containing asphalt, including impregnated sheathing, roofing tars, and asphalt driveways

• building materials containing mold

• materials that are absorbent, are hard to clean and maintain, and require frequent replacement (such as carpeting)

There are several strategies for reducing the chemical load introduced into a home. In order of effectiveness, these strategies are:

1. Eliminate sources of pollution.

2. Substitute healthier materials.

3. Exercise prudence when using unavoidable toxic substances.

4. Cure materials before they are installed within the building envelope.

5. Seal materials so that they outgas less.

Elimination

If all toxins could simply be eliminated from buildings, we would have the basis for an ideal environment. In many instances, this is not only possible but also cost-effective. For example, countertop materials can often be attached to cabinets with mechanical fasteners, thereby eliminating the need for toxic adhesives, and exposed woods maybe left unsealed in locations where sealing is unnecessary.

Substitution

Where chemicals must be used, it is almost always possible to substitute a less toxic substance in place of a standard one. For example, paint with no harmful emissions, VOCs, or preservatives can be specified in substitution for a standard paint that contains harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde. Since the first writing of this book, awareness of and demand for healthier building materials have increased and there are many more healthy alternatives on the market to choose from.

Prudent Use

In a few cases, the use of a toxic substance is unavoidable. For example, there is no acceptable substitute for the solvent-based glues used to join plastic plumbing lines. However, the specifications outlined in this book provide guidelines for reducing the amount of exposure to these products.

Curing

In cases where toxic substances are chosen for reasons such as cost or durability, the impact of the product will be reduced if it is properly cured. For example, in the specifications we explain how to cure plywood before it is applied. Many materials can be purchased with factory-applied finishes that have been heat – cured. Such finishes, which may have been quite noxious in their liquid state, are safely applied and cured under controlled conditions. Many factory applied finishes will have

Подпись: The Problem: Exterior gypsum board sheathing has been installed on this home during the rain. Building paper is now being installed over the wet sheathing. This will trap the moisture and is likely to result in a moldy wall. Recommendation: Building materials should be protected from the elements and rapidly dried if they do become wet. Photo: Restoration Consultants.

little or no impact on air quality by the time they are installed in the home.

Sealing

If a toxic building component cannot be eliminated or substituted, then sealing it will help to reduce the rate of outgassing. Although this approach is far from perfect, there are cases where we recommend vapor sealants or barriers for this purpose. For example, premanufactured wood windows are routinely dipped in fungicides. As it is almost always cost-prohibitive to have custom windows made, sealing the windows with a special clear sealer or primer will help limit pesticide exposure.

Throughout the planning of a healthy home, you will be weighing the health risks,

costs, time, and aesthetics of the above five strategies to find the solutions that are best for you.

Introducing Quality Control Measures During Construction

Even a home with the finest design and most careful materials selection can become a home that does not support health if quality control is lacking on the jobsite. Typically, the quality control measures that a homeowner might expect or wish to have performed will not be carried out unless they are clearly specified and included as part of the building contract. To ensure that the design intent and the written and drawn instructions are properly executed, certain procedures and tests should be agreed upon and required. Quality control

Подпись: The Problem: Construction debris was not properly removed from this site. A wall cavity was used for debris disposal and then covered over. When there was an accidental flood in this building the hidden material became wet and could not dry out quickly. A serious mold problem resulted. Recommendation: Building cavities should be left clean and free of debris. Photo: Restoration Consultants.

measures are discussed throughout this book (particularly in Division 1 and in the environmental testing section in Division 13) and include:

• clear contractual agreements between the owner and the builder regarding both standard and special project procedures, protocols, materials, and contract close-out

• procedures, inspections, and tests to be performed during construction and upon commissioning of the building to assure that the building will perform as intended

Providing Occupant Education

A home that is well conceived and well built as described above will provide a healthy environment initially. However, the home will
continue to nurture the optimum health of its occupants only if they are fully educated about the healthy maintenance of their home.

Owner’s Manual

The contractor should provide the owner with a manual that contains the following information:

• a description of the building construction materials and components, including updated drawings and specifications with any “as built” changes clearly marked

• maintenance schedules and manuals for household and mechanical appliances

• a checklist outlining the owner’s responsibilities in overseeing the regular and periodic maintenance and inspection of the

CASE STUDY 7

The Relationship Between Allergies and Chemical Exposure

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

Inthe 1950s it was estimated that about Mpercent of the population suffered from allergies. According to some estimates, this proportion at present is estimated at between 40 and 75 percent. Why the dramatic increase? Allergists in Japan pondered the same question. A hypothesis was put forth that certain chemicals act as sensitizing agents. To test the hypothesis, two groups of mice were exposed to high levels of the Japanese equivalent of juniper pollen, and then tested for an allergic response. In both the study and the control groups about 5 percent of the mice developed allergies to the pollen. The study group was then exposed to benzene fumes from car exhaust. Upon retesting, there was a significant increase in the study group’s allergic response to the pollen, while the control group remained at 5 percent.3

Discussion

Although there is clearly a link between chemical exposures and allergies, the exact mechanism has not yet been elucidated. Most people who have acquired multiple chemical sensitivities also suffer from traditional allergies to pollens, dust, dander, and mold. Benzene is only one of many pollutants known to damage the immune system. Since these chemicals are found in thousands of modern products for home and industrial use, millions of people are constantly exposed to low levels at home and at work.

a. M. Muranaka et al. "Adjutant Activity of Diesel Exhaust Particulates for the Production of IgE antibody in m ice." Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Vol. 77 (April 1996), pp. 616-623.

include surrounding landscaping can incorporate vegetation to help shade, allow in sun, block harsh winds, or funnel helpful breezes. Edible vegetation can also double as an organic food source.

Design for Combustion Source Management and Safety

The introduction of harmful combustion byproducts into the home poses a serious health threat that can be entirely avoided through proper design and equipment specification. The measures we describe are neither coderequired nor commonly found in standard construction.

• The mechanical room and mechanical equipment should be designed so that no

exchange of air takes place between them and the living space.

• All gas appliances should be properly vented to the outside.

• The garage should be separated from the living space so that air exchange does not occur between the two.

• Any home with gas or other combustion appliances should be equipped with carbon monoxide monitors.

• A source of fresh air intake should be provided to make up for air consumed in combustion and air exhaust processes.

Design for Water Management Many health problems begin when buildings become moldy. Throughout this book we

Подпись: Adobe interior walls and stone flooring store heat in the winter and remain cool in the summer while the straw bale walls of this home (not shown) provide a high degree of insulation.These natural materials provide an energy efficient solution for the cold winters and hot summers of Northern New Mexico. Architect: Baker-Laporte and Associates; Builder: Living Structures; Photo: Eric Swanson.

suggest strategies for the proper control of water and water vapor. Moisture control begins with good design that includes:

• sufficient roof overhangs and protection over door and window openings that will help keep rain and melting snow away from the building and its penetrations

• a well-designed and detailed perimeter drainage system that will keep basements, crawl spaces, and floor slabs dry

• sufficient means for evacuating moisture generated from within the building by human activity

• placement of floor drains and detailing
so that a water discharge resulting from equipment failure (and equipment often eventually fails!) will not have costly and health threatening consequences

Design for Durability and Serviceability

• A large part of home design involves issues of cost and quality. If the owner is informed about lifecycle costs and not just the initial costs of materials and systems, he or she will be much more likely to make choices favoring durable and easily maintained materials. For example, a tar-and-gravel roof is less expensive than

a single-ply membrane roof, but the first roof may come with only a two-year warranty while the second one may have a ten – year warranty. The first roof will outgas for several weeks each time it is replaced and the home will become filled with carcinogenic tar fumes. The second roof may be a “torched down” application that causes little pollution when patched or replaced. If the owner plans to stay in the home for more than five years, the second roof, although more expensive initially, will in the long run be a healthier and more cost- effective choice.

• Every homeowner has specific needs that will affect the indoor environmental quality and should be fully considered in the
design phase. For example, there may be a need for extra ventilation in hobby areas or a locked closet to keep inappropriate materials away from small children.

• Family sizes grow and shrink. As people age, they require greater ease of accessibility. Small children require constant surveillance. As children grow they require more autonomy. More and more people are choosing to work at home. A flexible design can more easily accommodate these lifestyle changes and allow a family to stay in the home as changes occur. A desire for stability can promote initial choices based on quality and longevity. Anyone who has ever moved can relate to the extreme stress caused by the process of relocation.

Something in My Home is Making Me Sick: General Testing Protocols

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

The process of performing a building inspection to address a client’s concerns is much more than taking instrument readings and reporting on the findings. A good building inspectorshould be part building scientist, part investigative journalist, part psychologist, and part building contractor. A nickname for the home inspector is"house doctor," which makes sense since the process of diagnosing and curing a sick home has many parallels to diagnosing and curing an ailing person.

The homeowner perceives a need and contacts the inspector to help address it. The building inspector’s job is to understand how a building is affecting the client or how environmental conditions are affecting the building. It is critical to ask the right questions. There is a pollutant affecting the client or the building; this pollutant has a reservoir within the building or an adjacent area of influence; and there is a pathway and a driving force
allowing the pollutant to come in contact with the person or building. This is true for everything from electromagnetic fields to moisture and mold to pesticides, a whole range of building pollutants that can be investigated and measured if one has the necessary tools and skills to make this invisible world visible.

Typically your first contact with the inspector will be a phone interview during which you explain in detail the history of your home, any changes you have made to it, and any changes you have observed in its feel, smell, and appearance overtime. A seasoned inspector, like a doctor, will beabletotakea good case history, askyou the right questions, and offer insights based on your experience and your concerns. This interview is critical to laying thefoundation for the inspection. Has remodeling, a recent pesticide application, or the installation of a new wireless phone or internet

Design for Responsiveness to the Natural Climate

In all but the most hostile environments, a home that is designed to be responsive to its surroundings will provide a wide range of opportunities for its residents to reap the health benefits of nature while reducing dependency on energy-consuming mechanical space conditioning.

• Good window design can greatly reduce dependence on mechanical heating and cooling. Placing windows to prevent overheating and to facilitate cross ventilation and solar gain when needed can result in both energy savings and a higher level of comfort. Proper window placement, the right type of window design, and glass

coating, used in conjunction with overhangs and trellises, can contribute to a successful home design.

• Proper room layout and window placement can also provide good natural lighting and a sense of well-being while reducing dependence on electrical lighting.

• Screened porches, overhangs, trellises, and patios can provide opportunities for extended outdoor living while acting as climatic buffer zones around the home.

• A paved entry path, covered entry porch, and foyer will reduce the amount of tracked-in dirt and provide a convenient place for shoe removal or cleaning, resulting in a cleaner home.

• An extension of the design process to

service occurred? All these conditions and more can affect sensitive individuals.

Even the most obscure building symptoms can be reduced by improving the environment.

An inspector is trained to treat buildings, not diagnose people, but improvements in the environment often lead to the improved well-being of a building’s occupants. Many autoimmune – type diseases find their beginnings in a sensitizing event. The focus of the inspector’s investigation will be attempting to discover the onset of this event and, based on the inspection and test results, recommending a means to minimize your exposure to whatever has made you ill and/or is making your building deteriorate.

Nature is the measuring stickfor a Building Biologist’s inspection. The baseline for elevated levels will be the natural surroundings. The interior of your home should have lower levels of dust, particulate matter, and mold than the surrounding outdoors. Your electromagnetic fields, especially in your sleeping area, should be minimal. During the course of the investigation the inspector may uncover other conditions of which you had no previous awareness but that can affect your health.

In my work as an inspector, my intention is to understand what is happening in the home or office and be able to present this information to my client in a supportive way. In other words, I cultivate a good "bedside manner."This is a critical aspect of the client/inspector relationship. The last thing I want is for the information I present to overwhelm my client or leave them feeling that conditions are outside their control. Remember, there is a natural or least toxic alternative to all our building challenges. Little changes built up over time can lead to big improvements. You can start by simply removing all the plug-in airfresheners and

Something in My Home is Making Me Sick: General Testing Protocols

This entryway is designed for "tracking off" dirt and for shoe removal. It features a covered paved entry way and a sunken vestibule with easily mopped stone floors, that effectively keeps outside mud and dirt from finding its way into the home.

Photo: Paula Baker-Laporte.

installing pleated filters on the air conditioning system or letting more fresh air into your home.

After the client interview and building history, it is time to begin the physical investigation. The inspector will have formed a hypothesis of what is occurring within the building and will attempt to prove or disprove this hypothesis by taking the appropriate measurements with the appropriate instruments and testing devices. A typical baseline investigation targets a building’s systems and measures the operational conditions for a number of parameters, depending on the focus Just as the doctor will take your vital signs during a general checkup, the building inspector will begin the general investigation with measurements for temperature, humidity, moisture content, mold, airborne particulates, air exchange, chemical components, and electromagnetic fields, the building’s "vital signs" Further testing can be expensive
and is indicated only when the building inspector has cause for concern based on the results of the case history and initial inspection.

A Building Biology inspector will use Building Biology standards, which are based closely on a natural and healthy environment. Deviations from these standards indicate a departure from a healthy environment. The farther we progress away from a natural baseline, the unhealthier a building becomes. Building health is a measurable phenomenon when your inspector has the skills and tools.

Making positive changes to unhealthy building conditions will result in an improvement and a move toward the goal of a healthy building. Reductions in moisture intrusion will result in a drier building and prevent damage to building materials and also possible mold growth. Improvements in the temperature and humidity performance

Something in My Home is Making Me Sick: General Testing Protocols

Deep roof overhangs and a covered entry help protect the natural wall elements of this straw – clay timber frame home. Architect: Paula Baker-Laporte; Builder: Econest Building Co.

Photo: Paula Baker-Laporte.

and filtration of an air conditioning system can be the difference needed to prevent a proliferation of dust mites (a prime allergen for asthmatics). Eliminating chemical pesticides and using common – sense natural pest control in their place will reduce exposure to neurotoxins that challenge immune systems. In short, Building Biologists are looking for ways to make buildings as healthy as possible. Build tight, ventilate right, and make conscious decisions about the materials you bring into your home. This is the house doctor’s equivalent of "eat right and get plenty of exercise and good rest" Maintaining a healthy home, like maintaining a healthy body, requires preventive "medicine." It is the homeowner’s job to become knowledgeable about and perform the necessary maintenance for the systems that keep the home healthy. This includes regular mechanical system maintenance, regular home cleaning with a good HEPA vacuum,
periodic changing ofwaterandairfilters, and minimizing exposure to electromagnetic fields and chemicals through prudent avoidance.

Will Spates has been practicing Building Biology for over 15 years and has been involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of environmental systems for over 30 years. He is the founder and president of Indoor Environmental Technologies, a testing and consulting firm that has performed over 4,000 inspections. He can be reached at wspates@IETbuildinghealth. com and at IETbuildinghealth. com.

Asthma Related to Mold Exposure

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

When Dori Bennett was 46 she consulted with Dr. Elliott for the sudden onset of severe asthma. She had apparently been in good health until she moved into a new home. A leak in the home was repaired prior to the move, and the house had passed inspection. After her asthma progressed to the point of requiring hospitalization, it was suspected that the source of her problem was in her home. An environmental consulting firm noted heavy growth of mold in the crawl space. Molds found included Aspergillus, Actinomycetes, Bacillus, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Mucor, Penicillium, Phoma, and Ulocladium. Several strains of virulent molds, some of which are known to cause asthma, pneumonia, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, and immune dysfunction, grew on culture plates.

Her family hired an environmental cleanup crew to rid the house of the mold in order to prepare it for resale. An outdoor unit was constructed to house a large heater fan to blow air under the house, while a unit on the opposite side of the house removed moisture-laden air. It took six weeks to dry out the earth under the house. A detailed mold remediation ofthehouseand contents followed. The cost of the cleanup was $40,000. When further testing showed that the house was fully remediated, it was sold. Ms. Bennett now lives in a home free of mold growth and her health is slowly improving.

Discussion

Mold and mycotoxin exposure can affect any organ in the body, including the respiratory, nervous, and immune systems. Homeowners, building managers, and health care professionals need to be much more aware of this potential problem.

contained inside walls or other building cavities such as attics and crawl spaces, the slightest air current can send spores swirling through the air, where they can be easily inhaled.

Carpets act as large reservoirs for dust, bacteria, and mold. Microbes commonly grow within the ductwork of forced-air heating systems, which can spread mold and dust throughout the house. Unless kept spotlessly clean, toilets and many modern appliances that use water reservoirs, such as vaporizers and humidifiers, can breed microbes. Methods for preventing and controlling mold infestation are discussed throughout the specifications.

Strategies for Creating a Healthy Home

The use of toxic substances in construction is standard. Furthermore, certain prevalent construction practices lead to destructive moisture conditions, pest invasions, or unsafe combustion, all of which can cause even the most chemically inert home to become unhealthy over time. The occupants too will greatly influence the longevity and healthfulness of any home through the day-to-day interaction they have with it.

We have organized the information in Part II of this book to correspond to the standard іб-division format commonly used by residential contractors. In Part II we will explain
the many instances, some obvious and others less so, where undesirable materials and practices may be found in standard construction. Healthier options for materials are listed and quality control measures for the construction phase are specified. Following is a brief overview of the strategies behind the specifications found in Part II of this book. These five strategies are:

• Designing for health

• Employing a climate-based understanding for construction detailing

• Reducing toxic emissions through choice of building materials

• Introducing quality control measures during construction

• Providing for an ongoing healthy home environment through occupant education

Designing for Health

Although all homes should be designed to support health, healthy housing is unfortunately considered to be a specialized field of residential design. There are basic design features that should be included in all homes, but they are often overlooked. These features, essential to our health, safety, and sense of wellbeing, include:

Chronic Illness from Acute Exposure to Virulent Mold Species

Posted by admin on 12/ 11/ 15

In 1993 when Tomasita Gallegos was 37 years old she first consulted Dr. Elliott. At that time she was frightened, in a state of severe agitation, and somewhat disoriented. Her face was bright red; her mouth showed increased salivation; her eyes were watery with constricted pupils; and her skin was warm to the touch. She was referred to Dr. Elliott by another physician, who felt she might have experienced a pesticide exposure.

Ms. Gallegos was employed as a housekeeper in a private home. The morning of the day she became ill, she was instructed to clean the guest house, which had been recently occupied. Shortly after the patient entered the guest house, she became acutely ill with the above-mentioned symptoms. After the acute symptoms subsided, she was left with multiple problems, including chronic fatigue, panic attacks, chest pains, headaches, memory loss, and extreme chemical sensitivity. Her constellation of symptoms was baffling since it was determined that no harmful chemicals had been used on the premises.

An environmental engineering company was consulted to evaluate the guest house. Upon removing the furnace and cooling coils to allow access for a thorough cleaning of the ductwork system, the consultant found approximately two inches of water with green slime at the bottom of the supply plenum. Because the area was dark and cool and in the direct airstream of the house ductwork, the spread of microorganisms was very likely. Close inspection revealed that a defective humidification system was the source of the leaking water. Most of the microbial agents were fungi that, although found widely in nature, were highly concentrated in the interior environment. Many fungi produce toxic compounds called mycotoxins. The intense microbial exposure had the effect of sensitizing the patient, leaving her with an overreactive immune system, commonly known as environmental illness. At present, with diligent avoidance of molds, toxic chemicals, and allergens, Ms. Gallegos is slowly beginning to regain her health.

Discussion

Whywasthispatientso severely affected from such a brief exposure? The type of mold was a particularly virulent species. In addition, some individuals are more susceptible to fungal contaminants than others. If the detoxification pathway in the liver is already at maximum capacity, it might take only a relatively small exposure to overwhelm the system. This theory is called the rain barrel effect and refers to total toxic load. When more toxins enter the "barrel" than the body can excrete, the barrel overflows and symptoms develop.

to be found only in older homes, mold can be found wherever moisture accumulates, such as basements, bathrooms, windowsills, laundry rooms, or wherever leaks and flooding occur. Moist building materials, including new materials, can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria within a few days. Many of the materials used in standard construction of new homes are susceptible to water damage and fungal growth. A moldy home is frequently a sign of a home with deteriorating building materials. Even when molds are

Chronic Illness from Repeated Low-Level Pesticide Exposure

Posted by admin on 11/ 11/ 15

E. Merriam is a 59-year-old woman who complained of frequent flu-ІІке symptoms after beginning employment at a new location. Symptoms seemed to recur every month and were especially severe over the winter. Conventional medications were of no benefit. After two years of watching her health decline, she discovered that the building in which she worked was being treated prophy – lactically one weekend a month with a pesticide that contained an organophosphate called Durs – ban. Associating her flu-ІІке symptoms with the monthly pesticide applications, she felt she could no longer continue to jeopardize her health and left her job. Three years later, she finally regained her health but she remains sensitive to petrochemicals.

Discussion

In December 2001, the EPA partially banned the organophosphate Dursban for indoor use because of overwhelming evidence of harm to humans and wildlife. But, in spite of its acknowledged extreme toxicity, it can legally be used until stockpiles run out. Outdoor use, including agricultural applications, is still permitted.

Chlorpyrifos is the active ingredient in many pesticide products, including Dursban. Organo- phosphates are known to be neurotoxic and can cause damage to the brain and central nervous system, resulting in learning, memory, and behavior problems. They can also damage the immune system, increasing the risk of severe allergies, chemical sensitivities, and cancer.

10 includes a discussion of pest management that emphasizes preventing pest invasions through the use of physical barriers and the control of moisture, which eliminates potential food sources.

Electromagnetic Fields

Electromagnetic energy is ubiquitous. Some electromagnetic waves, such as sunlight, are natural. Other fields, such as radio and television waves, microwaves, and power line frequencies, are generated by human activity. Scientists classify electromagnetic waves according to frequency, which corresponds to the wavelength. At one end of the spectrum are the infinitesimally short, high-frequency gamma rays. At the other end are long, extremely low-frequency vibrating waves that may stretch for thousands of miles and are used by submarines for underwater communication.

The magnetic field that envelops the Earth produces a steady, nonoscillating direct current at 7.83 cycles per second, or 7.83 hertz, similar to that of the human body. This current pulsates on and off, but the electrons producing the electricity always move in a single direction. Each cell in the body has a pulsating vibration with an associated electromagnetic field (EMF). Communication between cells in the body is a function of electrical charges. These charges generate electrical currents that govern many of the body’s major functions, such as heartbeat, nerve conduction, and transport across cell membranes. These natural fields pulse on and off but do not oscillate.

Manufactured fields oscillate back and forth. Unlike natural current, the electrons

Подпись: A poor choice for a home site in an area of elevated electromagnetic fields. Photo: Reinhart, Kanuka, Fuchs.

creating the fields change direction and thus are called alternating current (AC). The electrical power grid operates at 60 hertz and simultaneously produces an electric and a magnetic field. Each field has distinct properties and is measured separately using different meters. Common sources of 60 hertz electromagnetic fields include power lines, electrical wires, electric blankets, fluorescent lights, televisions, and other household appliances.

Radio waves are a form of electromagnetic field. On a typical radio receiver set you will find a dial, known as a frequency tuner, used to change stations. As you move the dial to the higher numbers, you are increasing the frequency of the radio electromagnetic field you are seeking; when you move the dial to lower numbers, you are reducing the frequency. AM radio stations are found between 550 and 1600
kilohertz (550,000 and 1,600,000 hertz). If the radio could be tuned all the way down the dial to 60 hertz, you would be listening to the (very noisy) sound of electrical equipment.

There are major differences between radio waves and the electrical waves used to power equipment. One difference is that radio waves are broadcast through the air; they are wireless and can travel for extended distances. Electricity, on the other hand, is transported through wires. It would be ideal if the fields from wiring systems stayed in the wires while the electricity is transported from one place to another. The problem is that wires “leak.” They broadcast electromagnetic fields, with the distance dependent on amperage. Amperage is analogous to the volume at which electric fields are being transmitted through the wires.

Assume that a radio receiver could be tuned to radio stations operating between 40 and 80 hertz. As mentioned previously, if you were to tune the dial to 60 hertz, you would hear a lot of noise because electricity in the United States operates at 60 hertz. Next, assume that you take the same radio receiver to Europe. Upon tuning the radio to 60 hertz, you would hear nothing because the European power system operates at 50 hertz.

To experiment with the sound of electricity, take a cheap AM transistor radio and tune it between stations at the low end of the dial. By holding the radio near an operating electrical appliance or a dimmer switch, you will pick up static. The buzzing noise you hear is not the 60 hertz frequency but rather higher frequency interference created by the 60 hertz frequency. Before meters for measuring elevated electromagnetic fields were readily available, some people would use an AM radio to obtain a rough idea of whether an area contained elevated manufactured electromagnetic fields. The method is far from foolproof, but it was certainly better than nothing. Several models of inexpensive meters are available today that provide more accurate assessments.

Many scientists agree that electromagnetic fields have biological effects, but they disagree on the exact effects and whether they are harmful. Research has indicated that magnetic fields can induce a small electrical field inside the body, which in turn creates an electric current in and around the cells.14 This current has been thought to alter the function of cell chemistry and to inhibit or enhance cell growth. Although there is no consistent dose/ response relationship between magnetic fields and cancer, experiments on laboratory animals have shown that magnetic fields cause changes in protein synthesis and hormone levels.

Studies in Europe have indicated that exposure to varying levels of electric fields can contribute to nervous disorders such as insomnia, depression, and anxiety. One US study found an increase in aggressive behavior among baboons exposed to electric fields.15 Other studies have indicated that there maybe a synergistic influence between magnetic and electric field exposures, making the combination more harmful than exposure to either field alone.

Over the past 50 years, people have been exposed to ever increasing amounts of manufactured radiation. The long-term consequences of this exposure are not clearly understood. Millions of Americans are now unwittingly engaged in long-term experiments on themselves. Whereas Sweden and Switzerland have set national limits for certain types of electric and magnetic field exposure, the US government has not. From time to time our government has officially recommended “prudent avoidance” (without defining the levels it would be prudent to avoid). Yet epidemiological studies have linked elevated child leukemia risks to exposures as low as 4 milligauss.16 Given the potentially dangerous (albeit controversial) consequences of EMF exposures, coupled with the ease of reducing these exposures in new construction, it may make sense to explore strategies for EMF reduction when planning and building a new home. Several simple and inexpensive measures to reduce EMF exposures are explained in Division 11 (in the sections on appliances and electric and magnetic fields) and in Division 16.

Curiously, the magnetic portion of the electromagnetic field is indirectly prohibited by the National Electrical Code. The code specifically prohibits net current, or current that is uncanceled, because it creates heat and is a potential fire hazard. Net current is also what creates magnetic fields, although most electricians are not aware of this. When magnetic fields are found in wiring, this usually is the result of a wiring error that violates code. Preventing magnetic fields caused by wiring is simply a matter of introducing protocol on the jobsite that ensures a building has been wired to code.

Naturally Occurring Pollutants

Not all toxins are manufactured. Some naturally occurring substances in homes can have harmful effects on humans. Some of these pollutants include radon and radioactive contaminants, trace metals, house dust, molds, and pollens.

Radioactive Contaminants

Radioactive contaminants such as radium and uranium occur naturally within the Earths crust. During the decay or breakdown of uranium, radon is produced. Radon is an invisible, odorless radioactive gas that seeps from the ground into homes, commonly through cracks in the foundation or basement slab or through mechanical openings. Radon can also enter the groundwater and affect water supplies.

Closed spaces present a hazard because radon levels can build up to values thousands of times higher than outdoor levels. High radon levels can cause radiation exposure equivalent to thousands of chest x-rays per person on an annual basis. Information on detecting and preventing radon contamination in homes is provided in Division 7.

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are natural components of the Earths crust. They cannot be degraded or destroyed. Heavy metals are trace elements with a density at least five times that of water. Living organisms require trace amounts of some heavy metals, including iron, copper, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc, but even these beneficial trace minerals can cause toxic reactions in excessive amounts.

Other heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, aluminum, and cadmium, have no known beneficial effect on living organisms, and their accumulation over time can cause serious illnesses. Each metal targets different areas of the body. An area commonly affected is the brain and nervous system, resulting in learning, behavior, and memory problems, mood disorders, tremors, and early dementia. But any organ of the body can be targeted and symptoms can be as wide ranging as high blood pressure, anemia, rashes, and cancer.

Heavy metals are present in the air, food, water, and countless human-made chemicals and products.

Heavy metals in trace amounts can often be found in drinking water. Metals such as aluminum, copper, and lead can accumulate over time in human tissues and are known to cause damage to the brain, liver, and kidneys. Having drinking water tested for contaminants is advisable in order to determine if a water purification device will be necessary. Refer to Division 11 for further information.

Other sources of heavy-metal exposure in the indoor environment include insecticides and herbicides, fungicides and rat poison (arsenic and cadmium), cigarette smoke, paint pigments (cadmium and lead), contaminated air and soil around the home, dust particles,

cookware (aluminum), pipes (lead and copper), and flame retardants (antimony).

Biological Pollutants

Biological pollutants include pollen, house dust, and mold spores. Pollens from weeds, grasses, flowers, bushes, and trees enter the house through the doors and windows. They can be problematic for people with allergies. Air filtration methods are addressed in Division 15.

House dust is composed of much more than simply soil. It is a complex mixture of dust mites, animal dander, mold spores, textile particles, heavy metals from car exhaust,
skin cells, and more. Mites are a major culprit in causing allergies from house dust. They feed on skin cells and breed in mattresses, pillows, carpets, and upholstered furniture. Although generally harmless, their skeletal parts and fecal matter, which stick to dust, can elicit allergic reactions in sensitive people. Dust mites require humidity ranges greater than 50 percent to thrive.

Mold plays a significant role in triggering allergies, asthma, and chemical sensitivities. Mold can produce byproducts as toxic as some of the most hazardous manufactured chemicals that affect the nervous and immune systems. Though commonly assumed

Chronic Illness from Repeated Low-Level Pesticide Exposure

The Problem: Gypsum board was glued directly to concrete block below floor level. Ground moisture passing through the block wall and condensation has resulted in mold growth on the gypsum board. Recommendation: Proper drainage design would have prevented moisture movement through the wall. Gypsum board is particularly vulnerable to mold growth when damp. If the block had been furred out prior to installation of gypboard then there would have been more opportunity for drying to occur.

Photo: Restoration Consultants.

Chronic Illness from "Harmless" Pesticide

Posted by admin on 11/ 11/ 15

Barbara Adler was in good health until March 1996, when she experienced the sudden onset of severe migraine headaches, loss of energy, frequent dizzy spells, and difficulty concentrating. She consulted with a neurologist and many other health care practitioners overthe ensuing months, but none was able to help relieve her symptoms or shed light on the cause of her deteriorating health.

At some point in her search for wellness, she reviewed the journal she had been keeping in which she recorded significant events in her life. She noted that, around the time of the onset of her symptoms, her husband had purchased a bug spray from one of the local nurseries. He was told that the insecticide would be appropriate for the bugs on his houseplants. Barbara remembers that the bug spray smelled noxious to her, and she put some of the sprayed plants in the garage. She looked at the label on the bottle and saw that it contained Diazinon, a potent organophosphate

matoes), on golf courses, and for mosquito and fire ant control

• continued spot and local use for termite control until December 31, 2002

• use in new home pretreatment until December 31, 2005

• unrestricted export

Inert ingredients, which can account for up to 99 percent of a pesticide, are not usually identified on the label. The Trade Secrets Act protects manufacturers from being required to fully disclose them even if the ingredients are potentially hazardous to human health. No studies of any kind are required on the inknown to have toxic effects on the nervous system. Barbara returned to the nursery to register a complaint and was told that Diazinon was not harmful.

Discussion

Although it is illegal for manufacturers to claim their pesticides are "safe," Dr. Elliott notes that in her experience local nurseries and other establishments selling pesticides frequently tell customers that organophosphates such as Sevin, Dursban, and Diazinon are harmless when applied according to instructions. In fact, many people with multiple chemical sensitivity disorder attribute the onset of their illness to pesticide exposure. While the patient in the above case became ill after an acute exposure to which she reacted immediately, the majority of cases occur when repeated, low – level exposures cause a gradual decline in health and vitality.

ert ingredients. Many inert ingredients can be more toxic than the active ingredients, yet warning labels apply only to active ingredients. In a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit, the Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides (NCAP) obtained from the EPA a list of 1,400 of the 2,000 substances being used as inert ingredients in pesticides. These ingredients included Chicago sludge and other hazardous waste, asbestos, and some banned chemicals such as DDT.6

A recent study found that combining pesticides can make them up to 1,600 times more potent.7 A good illustration of this synergy is found in a class of pesticides called

Pesticide Facts

• A National Cancer Institute study indicated that the likelihood of a child contracting leukemia was more than six times greater in households where herbicides were used for lawn care.9

• According to a report in the American Journal of Epidemiology; more children with brain tumors and other cancers were found to have had exposure to insecticides than children without cancer.10

• According to the New York State Attorney General’s office, 95 percent of the pesticides used on residential lawns are considered probable carcinogens by the EPA.11

• 2,4-D was a component of Agent Orange and is used in about 1,500 lawn care products.12

• Pesticides have been linked to the alarming rise in the rate of breast cancer.13

• Besides causing cancer, pesticides have the potential to cause infertility, birth defects, learning disorders, neurological disorders, allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, and other disorders of the immune system.

pyrethroids, which are mistakenly thought to be harmless because they are plant-derived. The unlabeled inert ingredient commonly mixed with the pyrethroids is PBO (pipero – nyl butoxide). Alone, each substance has limited toxicity to insect species; when they are combined, the mixture is extremely effective. PBO potentiates the pyrethroid by destroying one of the enzymes in the detoxification pathway that deactivates the pesticide in the insect. Humans exposed to this mixture suffer impaired ability of the liver to metabolize toxins in the environment.

Biocides can be absorbed through the skin,

inhaled, or swallowed. Many building products and household furnishings such as carpets, paints, and wood products are treated with biocides. Infants and small children are more likely to be harmed by biocides because their developing organs and nervous systems are more easily damaged and because they are more likely to come into direct contact with treated carpets and lawns.

Pesticides can drift a long distance from the site of application, leaving residues throughout the surrounding community. Pesticides contaminate everything and everyone they contact. Residues are found in rain, fog, snow, food, water, livestock, wildlife, newborn babies, and even in the Arctic ice pack. People and pets may track pesticide residues into the house. An EPA study in Florida found the highest household pesticide residues in carpet dust.8

Pesticides may cause both acute and chronic health effects. Acute health effects appear shortly after exposure. Chronic health effects may not be apparent until months or years later. Chronic effects generally result from long-term exposure to low levels of toxic chemicals but may also arise from short-term exposure. A tragic misconception about pesticides is that the potential for harm is primarily the result of acute or immediate poisoning. In fact, delayed effects pose the greatest problems to human health. Many pesticides are fat soluble and bioaccumulate in tissues, where they can exert prolonged effects on the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems.

When building or remodeling a healthy home, you can lower your pesticide exposure by not treating the soil under the building and by eliminating or sealing standard building products that contain biocides. Division

« Previous 1 … 11 12 13 14 Next »

Library builder

Library builder

Library builder

Library builder

Categories

Distributing of pipes

Soldering of metalplastic pipes

Visually -

Miniatyurizm of a modern shower cabin: style and convenience

Shower, sauna, disco

Concrete baths and Dade Design company sinks.

With what to begin repair in a bathroom

How truly to choose a bath

Brand new bath: elegantly and especially

Bathe in a bath in pleasure!

Category A Healthy. House

Specification

Further Reading

Fragrant Fumes

My Air Smells Bad! What Can I Do?

The Relationship Between Allergies and Chemical Exposure

Something in My Home is Making Me Sick: General Testing Protocols

Asthma Related to Mold Exposure

Chronic Illness from Acute Exposure to Virulent Mold Species

Chronic Illness from Repeated Low-Level Pesticide Exposure

Chronic Illness from "Harmless" Pesticide