Bedroom

Bedroom

Kitchen

Moisture & Mould

Bathroom

Moisture & Mould

Basement

Moisture & Mould

House Construction and Exterior

Moisture & Mould

Is tapwater safe to consume?

• Unfiltered tapwater should not be consumed because of chemicals that are added to the water during treatment and distribution
• Included in this list are chlorine and aluminum
• Fluoride is added to some water supplies, not to treat the water, but to treat the individuals who consume it, and should be avoided

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Lead crystal glassware

• Contains lead oxide as one of its components
• Gives the glass a more brilliant appearance and increases its weight
• Consumption of foods/liquids from this type of glassware may expose one to lead and should be avoided
• Lead has many detrimental health effects, especially for children

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Exterior doors

As with other openings in the exterior of the home, doors can pose a number of issues that impact health:

• Water leaks and moisture intrusion
• Drafts and heat loss
• Noise transmission

• These issues are better avoided by having high-quality doors professionally installed, and inspected periodically

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Gutter issues

Gutters (eavestroughs) are essential for carrying water away from the building and the foundation:

• Need to be properly installed and maintained
• Can develop leaks as they age or if they are damaged
• Can become blocked with debris, causing them to overflow
• Leaking gutters can cause water intrusion both from the exterior and the foundation of the home

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Off-gassing

A real thing

• Off-gassing of volatile organic compounds and other compounds is a problem indoors when it comes to health
• Many building materials and furniture are made with adhesives that emit these compounds into the indoor air
• Many paints and finishes emit these compounds into the air

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Windows

Windows can have a number of issues that impact the healthiness of the home. Included:

• Water leaks and condensation
• Drafts and heat loss
• Noise transmission

• These issues are better avoided by adequate product selection, professional installation, and proper maintenance

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Is tapwater safe to consume?

• Unfiltered tapwater should not be consumed because of chemicals that are added to the water during treatment and distribution.
• Included in this list are chlorine and aluminum
• Fluoride is added to some water supplies, not to treat the water, but to treat the individuals who consume it, and should be avoided

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Kitchen water leaks

A frequent source of mould growth

Leaks are common in the following areas:

• Seal around the sink
• Plumbing under the sink
• Dishwasher/dishwasher plumbing

In addition, kitchen cabinets are frequently made of engineered wood products (e.g. particleboard, laminate) that can support mould growth when saturated with water

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Moisture and Mould

It's more than just about resale value.

• Water damage, moisture and mould can become more than just a financial burden
• These environmental factors can lead to long-term chronic illness with wide-ranging symptoms
• It is best to be proactive and prevent potential moisture problems before they occur

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Attic ventilation issues

Inadequate ventilation can cause a number of issues:

• Roof deterioration
• Ice dams
• Moisture issues including rot and mould
• Poor indoor air quality

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Light pollution

Negative impact on sleep

• We are naturally exposed to blue light during the day
• Modern lighting and electronics expose us to this type of light at night
• This exposure disrupts our bodies' natural systems
• Can have a pronounced effect on women's hormones and fertility

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Blue light before bed disrupts the sleep cycle

• Most modern lighting emits blue light
• Proper sleep is essential in rebuilding and recovering
• The glymphatic system, the "detox" system of the brain, relies on quality sleep
• Light flicker rate is also a factor in disrupted sleep patterns

The sleep cycle is crucial to optimal health.

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Wall construction

Its impacts on health

Wall construction in conventional wood frame buildings can have a dramatic impact on the healthiness of the building. Some factors include:

• Vapour barrier that traps moisture within the wall
• Paper-backed drywall, fiberglass insulation and plywood that facilitiate mould growth
• Gaps, which allow air and water leaks, affecting indoor air quality

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Cleaning with toxins

• Many bathrooms contain cleaning products that are toxic

• Included are: toilet bowl cleaner, surface cleaner, glass cleaner
• Most of these products may be replaced by cheap, non-toxic, natural substances e.g. vinegar, alcohol
• Lowering the toxic burden is a key factor in maintaing health and vitality

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Mould growth in basements

Mould growth in basements is a common occurence.

• Because basements are at least partially below the grade of the surrounding earth, they have inherently high humidity
• High humidity can be caused by groundwater seepage and/or condensation on floors/walls
• Moisture can then accumulate within the floors/walls and cause mould

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Radon

• A colourless odourless gas
• Naturally occurring, produced by the decay of uranium, thorium and radium in soil, rock and groundwater

• Enters home through cracks in the foundation
• Levels are increased because modern homes are so well sealed

• Is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, and results in thousands of deaths each year

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Foundation cracks

Cracks in the foundation can cause a number of health-related issues within the home:

• Water seepage/leaks into basement
• Radon gas intrusion
• Pest intrusion

Inspection of the foundation and repair of cracks should be performed. Proper waterproofing, drainage, radon mitigation and pest control should be ensured.

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Finished basements

Possible concerns

Finished basements frequently have moisture problems/mould, as moisture is trapped in the walls/floors. To compound the problem, the materials used to finish the basement often promote mould growth. These include:

• Fiberglass insulation
• Paper-backed drywall
• Engineered wood products e.g. Plywood
• Impermeable vapour barrier

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Personal care products

Many of the personal care products and cosmetics that are sold today contain toxic ingredients. Some of these toxins have unknown efffects, while many are related to serious health conditions, including:

• Allergic reactions
• Respiratory effects
• Cancer risk
• Hormone risk
• Other long-term health risks

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Moisture and Mould

It's more than just about resale value.

• Water damage, moisture and mould can become more than just a financial burden
• These environmental factors can lead to long-term chronic illness with wide-ranging symptoms
• It is best to be proactive and prevent potential moisture problems before they occur

Contact Us

Roof penetrations

• Installations that penetrate the roofing material include: chimneys, flues, skylights, vents and plumbing stacks
• These areas are prone to water leaks, in addition to a host of other issues
• Proper installation and maintenance are essential

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Bathroom water leaks

A frequent source of mould growth

Leaks are common in the following areas:

• Seal around the sink
• Plumbing for toilet/under sink
• Caulking around shower/tub

Because of the high humidity and frequent use of a bathroom, the associated risks of mould growth are much higher

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Ditch the microwave

Microwaves:

• Alter taste and texture of food
• Denature food

• May expose one to high electromagnetic radiation
• Aren't neccessary and should be avoided

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Toxic Cookware

• Some types of cookware should be avoided, as they leach toxins into food
• The most common type of cookware to avoid are those with a non-stick coating especially those with PFOA or PFOS
• Even "safe" PFOA/S-free cookware, or ceramic coated cookware can contain other types of toxins
• Cooking in aluminum should be avoided, when possible

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Convective heat "cooks" the air

Results in dryer air with fewer negative ions

• Forms of convective heat: heat pumps, electric baseboard heaters and forced air (ducted) heating systems
• Keeping the home dry can be beneficial, but homes are frequently much dryer than they need to be
• Dry air impacts the quality of life and sleep
• Fewer negative ions mean more toxins suspended in the air

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A major indoor polluter

• Cooking produces particulate matter, VOCs and carbon monoxide (gas stoves)
• The majority of kitchens have insufficient ventilation (vent hoods) above the stove
• The recommended size and power are often not adequate
• "Overkill" is a good thing here, as long as pressure balance is maintained within the home

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Materials and Methods

Building materials and methods play a huge role in the healthiness of the home. A few factors:

• Air/moisture leaks in exterior walls
• Impermeable materials that trap mositure in the walls
• Materials that act as "mould food"
• Lack of an exterior rain screen
• Improper sealing around doors, windows and other openings

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Grading

• Proper grading is essential to drain water away from the foundation
• Water that doesn't drain away from the foundation can cause leaks and/or flooding in the basement of the home
• Water leaks and flooding can cause significant damage and mould growth

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Electromagnetic radiation

What are the risks?

• Relatively new field of study
• Many of the effects of these fields are largely unknown
• Most exposures within the home can be greatly reduced or eliminated with minor low/no cost adjustments
• Taking precautionary measures has very few, if any, downsides

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Noise pollution

Result: lower quality sleep

Sources of noise pollution:

• Traffic
• Construction
• Neighbours and/or other inhabitants
• Sirens
• Air traffic
• All of these and more effect our sleep, and therefore our health, negatively

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Plastic food and drink containers

• Plastic containers can leach chemicals into food and drink, and should be avoided as much as possible
• You should never cook in plastic
• Plastics containing BPA can be especially harmful and should be avoided
• Even "BPA" free plastics can expose one to pthalates and other chemicals

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Blue light before bed disrupts the sleep cycle

The sleep cycle is crucial to optimal health.

• Most modern lighting emits blue light
• Proper sleep is essential in rebuilding and recovering
• The glymphatic system, the "detox" system of the brain, relies on quality sleep
• Light flicker rate is also a factor in disrupted sleep patterns

Contact Us

Mould growth in bathrooms

Mould growth in bathrooms is a common occurence. Causes:

• Humidity from bathing and showering
• Improper ventilation
• Compromised/improperly applied caulking around shower/tub
• Water leaks around shower/tub/toilet/sink

• Improper building materials

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Blue light before bed disrupts the sleep cycle

• Most modern lighting emits blue light
• Proper sleep is essential in rebuilding and recovering
• The glymphatic system, the "detox" system of the brain, relies on quality sleep
• Light flicker rate is also a factor in disrupted sleep patterns

The sleep cycle is crucial to optimal health.

Contact Us

Cleaning with toxins

• Many kitchens contain cleaning products that are toxic
• In the kitchen, these toxins can come in to contact with the food that we eat
• These products include: soaps, detergents, oven/stove cleaner, glass cleaner and more
• Lowering the toxic burden on the body is a key factor in long-term health and vitality

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Chloramine vapour

An issue while showering

• Chloramine vapour is produced while showering when the water supply contains chlorine and ammonia (or organic nitrogen compounds)
• These vapours are toxic and can be absorbed through the skin and/or the lungs
• Filtration prior to entering the water heater is the most effective way to remove these compounds

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Blue light at night disrupts the sleep cycle

The sleep cycle is crucial to optimal health.

• TVs, phones, tablets and montiors all emit blue light
• Proper sleep is essential in rebuilding and recovering the body
• The glymphatic system, the "detox" system of the brain, relies on quality sleep

Contact Us

Humidity Issues

A major problem in many basements

• Basements are inherently high humidity zones because of condensation on cold concrete floors/walls (and water seepage)
• Many basements have improper ventilation/dehumidification systems, making matters worse
• Having adequate ventilation/dehumidifcation systems are even more essential in finished basements

Contact Us

Moisture and Mould

It's more than just about resale value.

• Water damage, moisture and mould can become more than just a financial burden
• These environmental factors can lead to long-term chronic illness with wide-ranging symptoms
• It is best to be proactive and prevent potential moisture problems before they occur

Contact Us

Poor air quality

A frequent reality in most sleep areas

• C02 increases and oxygen decreases as the occupants breathe, which can affect the quality of sleep
• Exposing the body to toxins while sleeping can have a negative impact
• Air humidity and temperature can affect the quality of sleep
• Sealing the room to reduce sound and light intrusion can worsen the problem

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Vinyl shower curtains

• Vinyl shower curtains/curtain liners offgass VOCs into the bathroom
• Heat and humidity contribute to this
• This material should be avoided
• Glass shower doors are the best option

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Humidity Issues

A major problem in many bathrooms

• Bathrooms are inherently high humidity zones with showering/bathing being the main source
• Many bathrooms have inadequate ventilation systems, some none at all!
• The bathroom fan should have a capacity greater than what is recommended to clear steam quickly and avoid mould issues

Contact Us

Moisture and Mould

It's more than just about resale value.

• Water damage, moisture and mould can become more than just a financial burden
• These environmental factors can lead to long-term chronic illness with wide-ranging symptoms
• It is best to be proactive and prevent potential moisture problems before they occur

Contact Us

Roof leaks

A frequent source of water damage

• Roof leaks can be caused by a variety of factors

• Water intrusion can lead to the rot of structural components and cause mould within the home
• Proper upkeep of the roof is essential, along with periodic inspections of the roof for sources of leaks, excessive wear and damage

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Roof Pitch & Overhang

• Directs water away from the building
• A flat roof or a roof without much slope is at much more risk of developing leaks

• Inadequte overhang can lead to water intrusion from the exterior and/or foundation

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