“We test people for toxicity through a screening process,” Harold Ballen says, “and we test their homes or offices through a similar process. We then can recommend ways people can reduce their exposure to toxicity.”

Living Well tests individuals for toxins such as lead, mercury, dioxins, pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in home and business environments. Through blood or urine samples, the level of toxins in the body can be determined. Environmental contaminants range from mold, lead and asbestos to radiation, pesticides, electromagnetic fields and cigarette smoke. If these contaminants exceed acceptable levels, they can cause serious illnesses.

Ballen, who is a licensed professional engineer as well as a certified Bau (German for building) biologist, explains that many building materials as well as many plastics contain a toxin categorized as phenolformaldehydes. Phenolformaldehydes are released from synthetic resins used in the production of upholstery, carpeting and wood products and can cause upper respiratory distress and allergic reactions. The release of these toxins, called “outgassing,” can cause a buildup of toxins inside the home or office, or even in a new car. “As buildings and cars have become more airtight, more toxins can be trapped inside,” he says. “We don’t get a chance to dilute the pollution.”

People can reduce toxins in their homes and, ultimately, their bodies, by knowing where and in what many toxins appear. Many cleaning products used in and around the home contain high levels of toxins, as do scented detergents and cosmetics. Dry cleaning fumes and smoking inside the house build up unhealthy levels of toxins in your home and in your body, as well. By reducing the amount of pesticides, weed killers and fertilizers used around your home, you can help reduce potential groundwater pollution.

And many homes also contain a contaminant known as radon. Radon may seep into a home’s environment from earth and rock beneath the foundation, from well water, or even from building materials. Continued exposure to radon has been shown to cause lung cancer. (To check radon levels in your home, radon detectors can be purchased at hardware stores and home improvement centers.)

According to Ballen, the bedroom is another area source of toxicity. There has been some evidence to suggest that electromagnetic fields (EMFs) can cause leukemia and other cancers. “Continued exposure to electromagnetic fields from televisions, stereos, clock radios next to the bed, and even waterbeds can expose residents to electromagnetic fields,” Ballen says.

Working with Nature
A relatively new idea in building homes and businesses is gaining attention. Green building uses environmentally conscious resources, smaller amounts of energy and other natural resources, and reduces internal contaminants. Green building considers the needs of the building’s inhabitants first.

GreenBiz.com says, “By integrating natural resource, human health and community concerns into building design and construction, architects and designers can create buildings that are cleaner, healthier for occupants and the environment, and which deplete fewer resources. Moreover, a well-designed ‘green’ building can be cheaper to build and operate over the building’s lifetime.”

Other benefits of green building include enhancing and protecting ecosystems, conserving resources, reducing waste and improving air and water quality. The economic benefits include reduced operating costs, optimized building life-cycle performance, increased occupant satisfaction and increased property value.

Taxpayers may benefit from a tax credit enacted in 2006 for energy efficient additions, new home construction, or purchases for the home. Tax credits may be available for the addition of insulation, replacement windows, and for certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment as well as for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. Homebuilders and contractors also may be eligible if a newly built home meets new energy saving standards for heating.

Whether your home is old or new, or whether you are considering building a new home, green building is a good choice. It’s good for the Earth and may even be good for your wallet.

Sources
United States Green Building Council — http://www.usgbc.org
Greener Buildings — http://www.greenerbuildings.com
Living Well, Inc. — (269) 382-9955