If electromagnetic fields dramatically reduce in strength with distance from the source, what is a safe distance from a source?

The safe distance will vary with the nature of the source. Readings taken using an approved meter are therefore required to determine this distance for each source. However, for many household electrical appliances, including clock radios which are often found in bedrooms, a distance of at least 2m is generally safe.

Why do you test for body voltage instead of measuring electric fields?

Electric fields are difficult to measure accurately because the human body and other objects within a field can affect the readings. Our bodies attract and hold electrical charge. Body voltage readings measure the electrical pressure difference between this charge and the ground. If we are grounded (e.g. standing in bare feet on damp grass), the charge flows through us to the ground rather than being held by the body. Under these circumstances, body voltage readings are low. However, if we are insulated from the ground (e.g. when standing on carpet or wearing rubber soled shoes), the charge cannot reach the ground and therefore builds up on the body, leading to high body voltage readings.

What type of shielding is available to protect stop radio frequencies entering a building?

Shielding materials include paint containing carbon fibres, window film and fabrics, containing conductive material, that can be used for window coverings.

Are these materials also effective against electromagnetic fields?

As radio frequencies and electromagnetic fields have different properties, those materials that effectively block radio frequencies are not necessarily effective against the electric and magnetic fields generated by electrical wiring and appliances. Magnetic fields travel through nearly all materials and are therefore very difficult to block out. Electrical fields can be blocked by solid objects, including metal sheets and fabric containing conductive fibres, that are connected to earth. It is essential that these materials be connected to earth, for if they are not earthed, electrical charge will build up, making them electric field sources.

How can building materials and furnishings cause poor indoor air quality?

Some building materials, including plywood and chipboard, consist of wood and synthetic glues. The glues generally contain substances called volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) which evaporate into the air. Furnishing fabrics and carpets may also contain VOC’s. Many VOC’s may cause ill health and some are recognised cancer-causing agents at certain exposure levels.

What is dowsing?

Dowsing is the practice of using a tool, such as a pendulum or metal rod, to detect energies in a space. While there is no convincing scientific explanation for how dowsing works, it is thought that the dowser is detecting small variations in the earth’s magnetic field. These variations cause minor muscle movements, particularly in the wrists, and these movements are then made visible by being translated into movement of the dowsing rod.

Why can geopathic stress make us sick?

Geopathic stress does not directly cause ill health. Instead, nutrient absorption from food may be reduced and immune function lowered so that a person is less able to fight illness. It also places a small burden on the DNA in our cells and DNA subjected to this stress for several years can be slightly damaged, leading to abnormal cell metabolism which can render any type of therapy ineffective. It is therefore thought that the main effect of geopathic stress is that it prevents people maintaining good health by continually disrupting the body’s control systems. Health impacts generally occur gradually following long-term exposure to geopathic stress. Short-term exposure usually results in only temporary effects.

Each summer, mosquitoes make their presence felt as their biting behaviour disrupts our outdoor activities. Australians spend thousands of dollars annually on lamps, traps, candles, sprays, coils and personal insect repellents in an attempt to keep mosquitoes at bay. Unfortunately, they are unaware of the potential adverse health effects of many of these products.

With the current emphasis on energy efficiency, buildings are generally constructed to be air-tight, leading to insufficient air exchange. Hence, chemicals that enter the indoor environment either from the outside or from internal sources stay trapped within our living space, where they may make us sick. In addition, the increasing use of wirless techologies and electrical devices is increasing our exposure to electromagnetic radiation to levels which may also result in ill health.

This section is provided to help you access interesting information on building biology-related issues, including environmental and natural health and the creation and maintenance of healthy indoor environments. Please note that Building Wellness is not responsible for the content of websites linked from it's site.

Chemicals, Health and Environment

The Environmental Working Group aims to expose threats to both human and environmental health and find solutions to them. Visit their website for the latest news and research on environmental health-related issues. http://www.ewg.org  

Environmental Health Sciences is a non-profit organisation which aims to increase public understanding of emerging scientific links between environmental exposures and human health. This group publishes two websites :

http://www.environmentalhealthnews.com provides links to new news, new scientific research and new reports relating to environmental effects on health. 

http://www.ourstolenfuture.org tracks the most recent developments regarding endocrine disruption i.e. how some synthetic chemicals interfere with normal hormone function in both humans and wildlife. 

The Collaborative on Health and the Environment is an international network of 2900 individuals and organisations who work together to advance knowledge and effective action to address growing concerns about the links between human health and environmental factors. Visit  http://www.healthandenvironment.org

The Institute for Children's Environmental Health works for a healthy, just and sustainable future for all children. Visit http://www.iceh.org  

Healthytoys.org is a consumer action guide to toxic chemicals in toys. It provides parents with the information they need tomake better choices when purchasing toys and other children's products. Visit http://www.healthytoys.org

Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

The Environmental Working Group has produced an extensive database detailing the safety of personal care products and their ingredients. Visit http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com 

Eco Real Estate 

For environmental real estate and property consulting all around Australia visit http://www.eco.com.au  

Electromagnetic radiation

 
Another useful site, from the U.K. is http://www.powerwatch.org.uk  

Environmentally Friendly Products

The Eco Directory provides information on eco-friendly products, services and information resources. Visit http://www.ecodirectory.com.au

Livos Australia offers safe, non-toxic alternatives to conventional paints and polyurethane floor finishes. By using LOvos eco-friendly products, you are making a healthy choice for your home, your family and teh environment. Visit http://www.livos.com.au

Environmental Health Solutions

IIEHS is the leading internet portal for your health and environment. You will find here innovative health services, products and information that will support you to take your health to a new level. Visit http://www.environmental-health-solutions.com 

Feng Shui

Easy to read and useful information regarding all aspects of Feng Shui can be found on Elizabeth Wiggins' website at http://www.fengshuiliving.com.au 

General Health

Health Clinic offers up to date health news, as well as a health services directory. Visit http://www.health-clinic.com.au 

Indoor Air Quality

The Aerias Air Quality Sciences Indoor Quality Resource Centre website offers comprehensive, easy to read information on many aspects of indoor air quality in commercial, residential and other built environments. Visit http://www.aerias.org

Natural Health

The Art of Healing magazine provides information on alternative and complimentary medicine. Visit the website at http://theartofhealing.com.au

For a comprehensive directory of practitioners in the natural health and lifestyle areas, visit http://www.usenature.com

To find alternative therapy, guidance and healing practitioners within Australia, visit the Pygmy POssum website at http://www.pygmypossum.com.au

To find a natural therapist near you, visit eNatural Therapies Directory at http://www.enatural.com.au 

Other Building Biologists

Joachim Herrmann is a building biologist who works in the Sydney area. Visit his website at http://www.livspace.com.au 

Schools and Colleges

The Australian College of Environmental Studies offers both short and comprehensive courses of study in all aspects of Building Biology. Course and subject details are available at : http://www.aces.edu.au