Detecting Sick Building Syndrome: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Despite the denial by real-estate agents and builders, sick building syndrome is a real phenomenon that affects many individuals. This condition can be caused by a variety of indoor pollutants, including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, radon, mold, pesticides, heavy metals, and electromagnetic radiation. While its symptoms can be similar to those of other health issues, the only common denominator is the building's interior environment. In this article, we will explore the signs, causes, and methods for detection of sick building syndrome in your home.

Understanding Sick Building Syndrome

Sick building syndrome refers to a situation where individuals experience acute health and discomfort effects while at work or in a specific building, which fade when they leave the building. However, the term was originally used to describe workplace-related health problems without a specific proven cause. It encompasses a range of symptoms, such as eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and breathing difficulties. These symptoms often occur during the time spent in the building and may not persist outside of it.

Detecting Sick Building Syndrome in Your Home

Given the multitude of indoor pollutants and environmental factors that can contribute to sick building syndrome, it's crucial to identify the root causes and mitigate them. While real estate agents and builders might dismiss the issue, homeowners should take proactive steps to ensure their health and well-being. Here are some approaches you can use to detect sick building syndrome in your home:

Canary-in-the-Mine Approach

One effective method is to use the canary-in-the-mine approach. This involves longitudinally measuring certain physiological or psychological indicators of your health and performance and observing how they change when you are inside your building compared to when you are outside. These markers can include:

Heart-Rate Variability (HRV): A correlate of vagal tone, which can indicate the state of your autonomic nervous system. Urine pH Patterns: Reflecting biorhythm and inflammation. Cognitive Testing: Such as reaction time, memory, proprioception, decision-making, or sleep architecture. Physiological Testing: Including strength and stamina.

By establishing baseline data from these measures, you can identify any significant changes that occur when you are exposed to your building. This not only helps in detecting sick building syndrome but also allows you to investigate adverse influences from other factors in your life, such as:

Foods and beverages Lifestyle influences Pharmaceuticals Lighting Diets Exercises Meditative practices

While this method requires more upfront work to establish baseline data, it provides valuable insights and educational benefits.

Common Causes and Detection Methods

Several environmental factors can contribute to sick building syndrome in your home. Here are three common causes and potential detection methods:

1. Black Mold

Black mold, often found in damp or poorly ventilated areas, can have serious long-term health effects. The tough outer covering of mold spores makes elimination difficult, but not impossible. You can use a DIY mold test kit to check for mold growth. However, the best approach is to address the underlying issues, such as moisture control and ventilation.

2. Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs)

EMFs, such as those from electrical systems and devices, can be toxic to the body by interfering with cell signaling. This can lead to cellular damage, DNA mutations, and, in extreme cases, cancer. To monitor EMF exposure, you can purchase a gauss meter for as low as $40 or a more advanced one that costs around $170. Sleeping in a room near an electrical panel can be particularly risky, so consider installing a decorative tin panel to shield the area. It's crucial to minimize exposure to EMFs in your home.

3. Geopathic Stress

Geopathic stress involves underground geological disturbances, such as fault lines or underground water streams, which can impact the Earth's natural energy. Symptoms of geopathic stress include headaches, nausea, and difficulty concentrating. While it's challenging to mitigate the effects of geopathic stress, energy workers like energy modules can help simulate healthy Earth energies. In cases where geopathic stress is the root cause, long-term solutions may be necessary to enhance the building's energy balance.

Conclusion

Detecting sick building syndrome in your home is an important step in maintaining a healthy and comfortable environment. By using a canary-in-the-mine approach, you can identify potential health risks and take targeted actions to address them. Whether it's black mold, electromagnetic frequencies, or geopathic stress, understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate measures can significantly improve your health and well-being at home.