I am new to the concept of Building Biology and I’m not sure where to begin?

A short conversation with a friendly Building Biologist can quickly narrow down whether your environment merits an investigation. There are many types of investigation that can be carried out and sorting through them can sometimes be done quickest on the phone.

Can I take the assessment process one step at a time?

Yes, the process can start with a simple walk-through of your home, or intended property, for a verbal categorization of health risks ranging from: moisture intrusion, proliferation of mould, EMF exposure, water pollution from plumbing and air pollution from both inside and outside the property. A full audit with a written report in any of these categories can be arranged as a next step. Where justified, remediation by specialist-third-party-contractors may be required.

I am thinking of moving home. How can I ensure that I get it right in terms of health?

A Building Biologist begins analysis of properties online. You may wish to then view properties together or allow your Building Biologist to view properties on your behalf. When on your own, there are so many aspects of a building to consider, that even when armed with a list of advice the 'rule-of-thumb' may not apply in every case. From evidence of blocked sub-soil drainage to the pathway of major electrical cables beneath a bed, a Building Biologist will point out shortcomings to you on the spot for you to weigh against the multitude of other considerations involved in selecting a home. Often of most value is the ability to discuss how easily issues can be rectified.

How would I know if the house is causing my illness?

Often, clients arrive at Building Biology after years of unsuccessful conventional medical treatments, only to discover the simple root cause has been their home or work. A Building Biologist will take your health and building history into account and investigate the possible pathways to illness present in your home or workplace. Often the solutions can be simple to make and the effects can be experienced immediately. In fact, just feeling better when away from the house is the clearest sign the house may be the cause.

I have young children. Are they more resilient to environmental hazards than adults?

No, quite the opposite. A child’s detoxification ability does not fully develop until the age of 20. Prolonged exposure to biotoxins can sensitise an individual causing long term immune system and developmental damage. The elderly, with compromised immune systems are also at high risk of contracting disease.

MOULD

What is involved in an assessment? Will it cause much inconvenience?

The decision to go forward with an assessment will involve a protocol for the client, including a questionnaire and strict instructions for the 24 hours leading up to the audit. The protocol for a mould inspection will limit showering, cooking, cleaning, heating and air-conditioning leading up to the visit, which may take around 3 hours on the day.

I am a tenant who would find it difficult to relocate, what can a mould assessment do for me?

Tenants need to protect themselves by keeping good photo records in their incoming report to establish if mould pre-existed their tenancy. Failing that, a mould assessment can propose the likely duration of moisture ingress and current moisture content in building materials. A building can be recommended uninhabitable in whole or in part based on health guidelines for mould and dampness. While some condensation issues would appear to be caused by occupant habit it can sometimes be established that the building has been built incorrectly.

Are moulds more than just an allergen?

Out of the hundreds of thousands of mould species certain species are identified as capable of emitting mycotoxins which can cause disease, cancers and even death. On the whole most moulds induce allergic reactions and so an individual who has become highly sensitized is usually met with misunderstanding from the general public and even from close family members.

What if I'm feeling symptoms but cannot see or smell mould?

Some of the highest levels of mould spores can be measured from air samples of rooms with no visible mould and no smell at all. Mould lurks in wall cavities, ventilation ducts, roof voids, and carpets. Organic building materials and even dust are food for mould and humid conditions lasting over 48 hours is all it takes to activate mould growth.

EMF

What is involved in an assessment? Will it cause much inconvenience?

The decision to go forward with an assessment will involve a protocol for the client, including a questionnaire and being prepared to reset building system after shutting off mains power. An assessment can take around 3 hours and mobile phones and wi-fi should remain off.

I can see mobile phone towers from my bedroom window, how concerned should I be?

A cell tower in direct line of sight from a bedroom can be a cause of sleep disturbance and hinder the body's important immune functions at night. When conducting an EMF audit of the home it is often found that internal sources of radiofrequencies as just as strong. This is a chance to become better educated in how to minimise EMF exposures to your body and prevent premature aging of your internal organs.

I hear about EMF shielding solutions. Are they the answer to my EMF problems if I am sensitive?

There are differing degrees of shielding, from personal protective clothing to shielding fabrics for bed canopies. Large scale solutions that are difficult to reverse, such as painting a room with carbon-based paint are a last resort and when not carried out carefully can have unintended consequences where EMF emissions can be trapped and amplified.

POLLUTION

If you audit my home's indoor air quality will you simply advise me to buy a portable air purifier?

Our services go beyond simplistic product recommendations. Once set on the path of improving your family's air and water quality you will be introduced to methods of critically judging anything that you bring into the house and tasked with improving your housekeeping routine.

I moved into a new home. How long do VOC's take to dissipate?

While chemical composition of all building materials, solvents and adhesives used in a project are difficult to completely inventory, VOC's are generally known to off-gas in a number of weeks to months. SVOC's, however, dissipate continuously over the lifetime of the product and to a greater extent in the presence of high humidity.

Why do I encounter the term HEPA filter so frequently when I read about air purifiers and vacuum cleaners?

Without a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter particles as small as 0.3 microns in size would pass straight through and back into a person's breathing zone. A HEPA filter prevents the recirculation of mould spores, dust, pet dander, bacteria and even some viruses. Notably, mycotoxins are not captured by HEPA filters and require a different solution.

CONSTRUCTION

I already have an Architect for my home design. How do I ask them to incorporate Building Biology principles?

A Building Biologist works with an Architect in a similar way that another third-party consultant, such as a Structural Engineer might do. A great deal of improvement is possible from a review of the drawings and specifications for the building. Strict requirements for the installation works can be explicitly incorporated into contracts before tender to ensure they are adhered to.

Would commenting on the heating and cooling systems for the house be included in the scope of a Building Biologist's services?

Yes, these building systems are critical to not just the comfort of a house but their operation can cause undetected health risks to the occupants.

I have already started construction and only now realise I should have engaged a Building Biologist earlier on. Is it too late to get much benefit?

A Building Biologist can comment at any stage of a project. While early design planning and materials selection are the most beneficial periods for involvement, the on-site construction stage represents the last opportunity to reverse potential mistakes that will be too costly to rectify after completion. The well conceived and thoughtfully designed drawings can often be disregarded once the real constraints of the site are encountered.

Will my Architect and Builder really follow a Building Biologist's advice?

Building Biology Connection has over 27 years of Architectural experience placing it in a unique position for guiding every aspect of a project. It is important to note that when actions are taken at the right time in a project they can be cost neutral to a client and encounter less resistance from the project team.