07 Jul Get Your House Tested / Do It Yourself

Get Your House Tested / Do It Yourself

Allergens / Electromagnetic fields / Lead Test Kits / Mould testing / Water Testing /  Allergy Checklist

ALLERGENS

Most of the sources of allergens such as dust, dust mites and pollen can be found through general observation. For an allergy checklist, click here. The sources and solutions of allergens is provided in the book, Healthy Home, Healthy Family. If you wish to get your house tested for dust or ultrafine particles, you will need to Get a Professional.

ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

Unlike most hazards encountered in the home, you cannot see electromagnetic fields. It is therefore impossible to determine if they are a problem without the relevant equipment and training. When using equipment you need to know which field you are measuring, and where they are likely to be found in your home. You should then compare your readings with the building biology limit (below). The sources of and solutions for these fields are provided in the book Healthy Home, Healthy Family.

TYPES OF FIELDS

Electric fields are measured in volts per metre (V/m) and can be detected by a volt stick or multimeter. These meters are relatively cheap and will indicate how far the electric field emanates from the source. Building biologists prefer to measure ‘body voltage’ as this indicates how much of the electric field has been absorbed by the body.

Magnetic fields are measured in milligauss (mG) or microteslas (µT) and are detected by a gauss meter. A 3-axis digital gauss meter is best, as it will measure the field in the X, Y and Z axis. In contrast, a single axis digital gauss meter (which is significantly cheaper) will only measure the field in one axis and therefore will not indicate the total level you may actually be exposed to.

Radio wave/microwaves (unlike electric or magnetic fields) are reflected by materials like metal and concrete, absorbed by grass, and can pass entirely through windows. As such it is not unusual for these frequencies to ‘bounce’ all over the place especially if the house has been insulated with metal foil or has a steel frame. Furthermore, the signals from mobile phone towers can vary considerably during the day depending upon demand, so the time of the audit may not always reflect worse case scenario.

WHAT TO MEASURE

WHEN TO MEASURE

The timing of the audit is critical so that it reflects worse case scenario (electricity demand generally peaks at dinner time). For example, magnetic field readings are dependant on current; therefore it can only be assessed when an appliance is in use. Similarly microwave emissions from mobile phone towers will vary depending on the number of users at the time of the audit. Whilst spot checks of areas where the family spends time are vital, a data logger will identify peaks and troughs over a period of time. An electromagnetic field checklist is available in the book, Healthy Home, Healthy Family. The ability to identify the source, measure and remediate these fields may require the expertise of a building biologist (see Get a Professional). Training in this field is available at: Australian College of Environmental Studies.

LEAD TEST KITS

Lead test kits are cheap and simple to use and provide instant results. They are available through most hardware stores.

Where could lead be in my home?

MOULD TESTING

In light of the fact that mould spores are ubiquitous throughout our homes and external environment and, that most building materials are the ideal food for mould, the key factor to determine if mould is a problem is the presence of dampness. This may arise from condensation (due to poor ventilation in the wet areas), air humidity in excess of 70% (tropical climates), rising damp or a history of flooding or water leakage. A mould checklist is available in the book, Healthy Home, Healthy Family.

SIGNS OF DAMPNESS

• Peeling paint, floor coverings and/or wallpaper
• Staining on the walls, ceiling, carpet or timber
• Visible signs of mould in the bathroom, laundry, or in cupboards, behind pictures and furniture, as well as in corners and enclosed spaces
• Cracks with rust stains on concrete structures

TYPES OF METERS

Apart from a hygrometer, most meters that are used to assess mould problems are expensive and incredibly complicated, requiring a building biologist. In order to determine the type and prevalence of the mould species, you will need to Get a Professional. Training in this field is available atat: Australian College of Environmental Studies.

WATER TEST KIT

The simple, do-it-yourself Water Safe test kit will assess ten contaminants including lead, copper, iron (rust), bacteria, pesticides, nitrates / nitrites, chlorine, hardness and pH of your drinking water. To order, click here. A drinking water checklist is available in the book, Healthy Home, Healthy Family.

More checklists are available in the book, Healthy Home Healthy Family.