Posted on 2021-10-272023-03-15 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

How to Keep Your Home Dust-Free

Introducing the problem of dust

The indoor air quality in your home is important if you want to avoid respiratory problems, allergies, and other issues. Dust can also pose a health risk if it is not properly cleaned out.

The problem of dust in homes is not new, but it has become more prevalent in recent years due to the rise of electronic devices, outdoor air pollution and increased vehicle traffic. The use of modern gadgets has led to higher levels of dust accumulation because air-conditioning systems often circulate air through ducts that are filled with dust particles.

The introduction explains the problem with dust and introduces that there are many solutions whether it be cleaning or just dealing with the issue.

What is dust?

Dust is a mixture of small particles or fragments of materials that are in suspension in air (the opposite, dusts, are powders). Dust falls into two categories: airborne dust and soil or ground-borne dust.

If you have ever been in a dusty room, you may have noticed that the airborne dust settles on your skin, hair and clothes.

It’s normal to have some dirt on your skin when you touch something dirty. But if your dirty hands touch a dry surface they can create a film of grime that is hard to remove.

Dust is often overlooked, but it has a huge effect on our health. Dust particles are so small that they enter the lungs and can cause serious problems with breathing.

Dust particles are known to cause many respiratory diseases, asthma, bronchitis, and any other condition related to breathing.

How You Can Reduce Dust in Your House

Every home produces dust. The amount of dust in your home is determined by how often you change your filter, how often you sweep, and the number of pets that are allowed in the house.

By keeping your windows closed, by sweeping the floor every day and by using a HEPA air purifier and HEPA vacuum cleaner, you can reduce the amount of dust in your house.

Dust particles are small enough to enter our lungs and cause serious health problems. They may also cause allergy symptoms like sneezing or itching.

If you do not want to use an air purifier then it is important that you keep shoes outside of your home for easier access when necessary.

How to Identify the Different Types of Dust in Your Home

Different types of dust particles in the home

Dust particles are everywhere. Dust is one of the most common allergens in the home. What many people don’t know is that there are different types of dust. For instance, diesel dust, mould spores, and soot are all very different from each other.

Some are too microscopic to be seen with the naked eye while others are large enough to be seen by a microscope. What’s more is that they each have different properties when it comes to allergies and lung diseases. Allergies can lead to asthma or even COPD if you inhale them on a regular basis without realizing it.

How to Care for Your Home and Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Allergens

We all have been surrounded by allergens from day one in our lives. This is not only because of the things we come in contact with on a daily basis, but also because of the pollution in the air that we breathe. This has not only led to allergies but also other health problems like asthma or COPD.

The best way to care for your home and protect yourself is by having a deep cleaning done every month with regular cleaning each week. Using a HEPA vacuum cleaner can remove dust mites, animal dander, and other allergens from your home without recirculating the dust in the air.

5 Ways to Keep Your Home Free from Dust

Dust is a form of dirt that can accumulate from everyday life. The best way to keep your house free from dust is by vacuuming and cleaning up regularly. To prevent the formation of dirt, there are five ways you can use: sealing, wiping, sweeping, washing and coating.

1) Seal your home’s gaps and cracks that allows passive air flow from the outdoors. Windows, doors, floorboards, architrave, skirting boards and wall cracks can all contribute to dust entering into the home. .

2) Wipe down surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth to remove any debris or dust before it accumulates on them. Then wipe it dry with a dry tea towel or another micro-fibre cloth.

3) Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner with a power-head upholstery brush to remove dust from furniture and a powerhead brush head for floors. Use a micro-fibre mop to sweep behind furniture.

4) Seal the man-hole roof cavity entrance, as roof cavity dust is always elevated.

5) Take your shoes off before entering the home. Keep a door mat out the front to wipe excess dust and dirt from the shoes. Japanese homes have an entrance area that is a lower level than the rest of the home. This prevents dust from easily entering the home as it is a raised floor. A shoe cabinet is also located in this entrance area to store the shoes away quickly. This entrance area in a Japanese home is usually ground level to the outdoor area. Therefore, they regularly sweep the dust from this area to avoid dust accumulation. Something Australian homes lack.

Have Your HVAC System / Aircon System Cleaned Professionally

When it comes to cleaning your aircon system, it is advised to do so yearly. If you have a large house, this means that you need a professional to clean your air conditioner system in a timely manner. Hiring a professional will not only save you money but also ensure that your system is in good shape.

So when is the best time to get your air con cleaned?

Before the start of the peak heating season – This will prevent mould spores from growing and clogging up your vents before they can enter into your interior.

SanitAir are a HVAC cleaning company that can easily service your aircon system.

Practical Solutions for Keeping your House Clean Without Compromising on Comfort – This might be the best solution for you!

With the high level of pollution and the number of chemicals used in cleaning our homes, we often find ourselves struggling to keep our home clean.

Some practical solutions for keeping your house clean without compromising on comfort are as follows:

– Using a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter can help to rid your home of dust and other particles. A HEPA filter is used to trap minute particles that could otherwise cause problems with breathing.

– Using an InovaAir Air Purifier (with a HEPA filter and Activated Carbon Filter) will help to purify the indoor air. The InovaAir Air Purifier should operate 24×7. Therefore, ideal for living and sleeping areas. The Activated Carbon Filter removes volatile organic compounds which are gases and chemicals which can be toxic. The HEPA filter removes air particles such as dust and mould spores.

– Clean air is always better than dirty air and using plants to purify the air inside your house is an easy way to ensure that you have fresh air.

Best Brands of Chem-free and Non Toxic Household Products

When you think of brands that offer non toxic, chemical free cleaners, it’s easy to think of mainstream brands like Spray’n’Wipe. But there are much more eco-friendly alternative brands to consider. Eco-friendly cleaners are usually made with all-natural ingredients and no chemical byproducts. You should also avoid cleaning products with fragrances, as they typically have several toxic chemicals.

Some popular chemical-free and non-toxic cleaners are Dr Bronners, Abode products or KOH.

Why Do We Need a Cleaning Schedule?

keywords: what are dust mites, what makes dust turn into dirt, why is housework so hard)

Dust mites are a type of microscopic arachnid that live in dust and on people’s skin. They feed on the dead skin cells left behind by human beings. Housework is a chore that can be repetitive and time consuming. It can also lead to a lot of stress, allergies, and diseases for those who have sensitive immune systems.

Due to the harmful effects of these organisms, it is important to keep your household dust-free and organized. The best way to do this is by following a cleaning schedule.

Deep Cleaning Schedule

keywords: monthly, long and slow HEPA vacuum clean, carpet vacuuming should take 1 to 2 minutes per square metre, vacuum your mattress during a bedding change

It is important to clean your furniture, carpets, and other materials on a monthly basis. The long and slow HEPA vacuum cleaner that can accommodate for 1 to 2 minutes per square meter should be used for this purpose.

Carpet vacuuming should take 1 to 2 minutes per square meter . For this purpose, you will need the right HEPA vacuum cleaner so you don’t recirculate dust.

HEPA vacuum your mattress during a bedding change, as this will remove dust mites, dust mite faeces, dead skin cells, hair and any other dust or debris found on the bed.

Use an upholstery powerhead brush on the HEPA vacuum cleaner and vacuum the furniture. Wash cushion covers.

HEPA vacuum your computer keyboard and mouse (but don’t use a powerhead brush). Use a damp microfibre cloth for wiping down computer monitors/screens. Then wipe dry with a tea towel. Use a special microfibre cloth designed for glass cleaning.

Exhaust fans, Kitchen rangehood, aircon supply vent and laundry fans should be HEPA vacuum and wiped with a damp microfibre cloth.

Weekly Light Cleaning Schedule

keywords: replace your bedding, lightly HEPA vacuum carpets and heavy traffic areas such as entrances, surface wipe regularly with damp microfibre cloths and dry with a tea towel

Weekly light cleaning schedule is to be used in conjunction with a quick HEPA vacuum clean of the surface.

It is to be used in order to remove dust, debris and other allergens from bedding, carpets, upholstery and areas around the home where people frequently walk.

Annual Cleaning Schedule

keywords: professional aircon clean, replace pillows, spring clean and remove clutter, remove storage items where dust could accumulate

In order to keep your home clean and healthy, it is important to have a yearly cleaning schedule. These schedules should include everything from spring cleaning and removing clutter, tackling storage items where dust could accumulate, and replacing pillows once a year.

The list of tasks does not end there.

Organize a professional air-conditioner cleaner, like SanitAir, to come and clean your split-system air-conditioner. Ducted AC is a bit more specialised, and the ducts are usually harder to clean and more costly. However, this may need to be done every few years, depending on how often you use your ducted aircon. The easiest way to confirm is to get a building biologist to do air testing/mould testing when the aircon is on.

How Many Times Should I Clean My Home Per Day?

keywords: how many times should you vacuum per week, how many times should you microfibre cloth wipe per week)

The frequency of cleaning your home depends on your lifestyle and the number of people in your household.

The most important factor to consider is how many people live in your household and the amount of time they spend at home each day.

You should wipe down dirty surfaces as and when you see dirt. Use a damp microfibre cloth nearby for regular clean ups and replace it regularly as it can accumulate mould and bacteria within a few days.

Just have a large pile of fresh microfibre cloths you can change on a daily basis and wash them all at the end of the week.

A Happy Life Without Dust!

In conclusion, dust can be a major annoyance. It sticks to the furniture and makes the place dirty. If you have animals, it will contribute to it as well. In order to stay healthy and happy in your home, follow these steps to eliminate dust from your house:

1) Remove as much as possible from your life so that there is less to clean up

2) Have a HEPA vacuum cleaner nearby for quick clean ups

3) Have a damp microfibre cloth nearby for regular clean ups and replace it regularly.

4) Keep high traffic areas dust free by HEPA vacuuming as this will reduce the dust transfer to other rooms by occupant activity.

Posted on 2021-10-26 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

Electricians don’t know about Electromagnetic Fields

What is an Electrician and Why Should They be Concerned about EMFs?

Electricians are the experts of electrical maintenance. However, most electricians don’t know much about electromagnetic fields (EMFs). There is an increasing concern about EMFs among the general public but not all electricians do anything about it.

Electricians should be concerned about EMFs because they can cause biological damage and lead to serious health risks such as cancer.

Electricians are aware of AC and DC current and voltage. However, most are not aware of AC Magnetic Fields which are generated from AC current drawn through electrical wires. Nearly all electricians will not have a Gauss meter to measure AC Magnetic Fields. Electricians may not know about radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic fields and it’s harmful health effects. This is mainly because they are not taught these aspects of EMF in their electrical training. So don’t fault them. This is where Building Biologists are trained in EMFs.

How Smart Meters & Smart Homes Affect the Home and Office Environment

Smart home technology is becoming increasingly popular. However, it can have negative effects on the health of homeowners as many use wireless transmitters and Internet-of-Things (IoT) wireless modules. This increases the level of electromagnetic field (EMF) within the home.

Smart meters are being implemented in the homes of people to monitor their energy consumption by electrical companies. However, smart meters can also emit electromagnetic radiation, which is harmful to humans. They create both radio frequency (RF) and AC magnetic field (MF) electromagnetic radiation.

Wireless devices emit non-ionizing radiation, which includes radio waves and microwaves. This type of radiation is harmful to humans.

What are the Most Common Sources of Electromagnetic Fields in a home?

There are a number of factors that contribute to electromagnetic fields in a home, but the most common sources include electrical cables and appliances.

Electrical cables can create AC magnetic fields, which can be canceled out by bundling them. If any appliances are plugged in, they should be unplugged or turned off when not in use.

Ideally, fridges should not be on the other side of the bedroom wall. Other common appliances may be air purifiers, fans and aircon systems. Ensure occupants do not sleep within 2-3 metres of such sources.

The 3 Best Ways to Protect Yourself from Electromagnetic Field Exposures in a Home Environment.

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are everywhere, but the amount of exposure varies. It might not be possible for people to avoid all sources of EMF. But there are things that people can do to reduce their exposure to the risk. Here are some ways for electricians to help reduce EMF in homes.

The 3 Best Ways for Electricians to Help Reduce Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Homes

1) Ask for an electrical compliance test: This is a good way for electricians to check if your home electrical system is compliant and up to Standard Codes.

2) Get electricians to bundle electrical cables together in wall and ceiling cavities. This will cancel out AC magnetic fields.

3) Get the water pipe and water meter checked for stray current or voltage as this may pose a problem.

If you do find an electrician that’s knowledgeable about electromagnetic fields, then he’s a keeper.

emf - electrical wires bundled

Electrical wires are bundled together. They should not criss-cross.

Posted on 2021-10-262021-10-26 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

The Hidden Dangers Where Children Sleep

Hidden Dangers for Children – Part 1

Introduction: New Borns, Infants, Toddlers and Children

As a parent, your new born is the most important member of your family. You will do anything to protect and nuture your child through these turbulent times. You will protect and take precautions to ensure that they are not

A new born is a baby that has just been born.

As soon as your baby is with you, you put your life on hold and invest in your child 100%. You will do anything to protect and nurture them. You might be able to see the growth in their personality and intelligence when they start making sounds around four months old. By six months, they will start responding to your voice and by one year, they will understand more than you could even imagine.

New borns are not like adults in many ways; they can’t speak or walk yet, but they still have a lot of personality traits that make them unique and interesting just the way they are.

Why is sleep important for new borns, infants, toddlers and children?

When we put our children to sleep, we want the best for them. We all know that babies need to sleep to develop well, but if you ask your pediatrician what advice they may give you as a parent, they may tell you that it’s not just about sleep.

Many parents wonder why their baby has a hard time sleeping through the night and how they can make it easier on them. If you have a hard time getting your child to sleep through the night, there are a few things you should consider.

Is it a safe room to sleep in?

Are there any environmental hazards?

Are you using certain devices in the bedroom, which you shouldn’t?

Could there be a building issue that you are not aware of?

How much sleep does a child need?

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has established developed a consensus recommendation for the amount of sleep a child needs at different ages. The amount is calculated by the sleep time minus the wake time.

A recent study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has found that :

Infants need 12 to 16 hours sleep
1 to 2 year olds need 11 to 14 hours sleep
3 to 5 year olds need 10 to 13 hours sleep.
6 or 7 year olds should be allowed 8 or 9 hours of sleep every night.
Teenagers 13-18 should sleep 8 to 10 hours a day

Sleep on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

Tips for Parents to Reduce the Risks Unsafe Sleeping Areas for Children

As a parent, you may have thought about putting your child to sleep in a safe spot. However, there are many risks that you should take into account before putting your child to bed.

Make sure the bedding is clean and has a neutral smell. Fragrances from laundry detergent are chemicals, which can off-gas and create volatile organic compounds (VOC). These chemical gases may be toxic to your child.
Change bedding weekly and use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to vacuum the mattress, bed and/or cot. Keep dust levels low. Dust mites will feed off dead skin cells. Dust mite faeces will also accumulate. Dust and dust mite faeces are known allergens.
If your child is restless or moves around on the mattress, there may be an environmental hazard. Children intuitively will move away from an unsafe area. Unfortunately as new borns or toddlers, they may be restricted in their cot or bed. These hazards may be geopathic stresses, AC magnetic fields or even radiofrequency fields.
- Geopathic stresses may be earth energies from fault lines that may cause sleep disturbances or teeth grinding for children sleeping in these zones.
- Magnetic fields are possible carcinogens and electrical appliances such as fridges, meter box and washing machines may create magnetic field radiation, which may impact the sleeping area. It also increases the risk of childhood leukemia.
- Radiofrequency fields are any wireless communication such as wireless baby monitors, wireless webcams, Wi-Fi routers, Wi-Fi extenders, Wireless security cameras, smart TVs and wireless speakers. These have been reported to cause restlessness in children, including sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood swings and in worst case scenarios, epileptic seizures.

Health effects of electromagnetic fields on children

Children are more vulnerable to health problems than adults because their neurological development is still underway and it’s hard for them to protect themselves from outside factors.

It’s interesting to see how the skull of an adult is approximately 2mm thick, but the skulls of children are thinner with about 0.5mm at 5 years old and 1 mm on 10 years older. RF radiation has a stronger affect on children compared to adults. RF wireless radiation is absorbed twice as much in children compared to adults..

Electromagnetic fields, or EMFs, are invisible and omnipresent in our everyday lives. They can be found in phones, TVs, and Wi-Fi routers. But we don’t know the long-term effects of exposure to these invisible forces on our health.

There are many studies that have found an increased risk of headaches, sleep disruption, neurotransmitter release, and synaptic plasticity alterations in children with higher levels of EMF exposure.

Using phones before bedtime is never good for health. Children with higher phone use had less favourable sleep durations, more night sleep awakenings, and more parasomnia sleep disorder symptoms.

The nervous systems of children are more vulnerable to the effects of electromagnetic waves than adults for a number of reasons. They are exposed to increased amounts in the world around them. While some sources show that EMFs are possibly carcinogenic, they should be minimized.

The screens from digital devices also produces blue light spectrum of light, which has been found to suppress melatonin release at night. This impacts the body’s natural ability to sleep, often with sleep onset delay by several hours.

A quick way to check if your children slept well (for toddlers and above) is to ask if they had good dreams and what sort of dream was it?

Best Bedtime Routine for Children

Keep your child safe from long-term exposure to strong EMFs in the home, school, or other places they spend most of their time. Kids are often left with devices like smartphones right against their head or body, which can lead to various health concerns. This means turning off or removing:

baby monitors
cordless phones
wi-fi routers / NBN routers
Wireless sound bars (Sonos)
Door bells (Ring)
Wireless security cameras (Arlo)
Garmin, FitBit, iWatch
keep electrical devices and appliances away from the sleeping area.

These are just some of the obvious sources, but there are many electrical devices that have Zigbee or other Internet-of-Things (IoT) modules that can transmit EMFs. Only a building biologist will be able to identify the EMF sources properly along with appropriate EMF solutions to mitigate the problem.

Limit screen time from digital devices or smart TV’s by turning it off 1-3 hours before they go to sleep.

Set a bedtime routine. Some of these helpful tips for making their child’s nights easier include: playing calming music at bedtime, having a regular for bedtime and waking up time, limiting and avoiding bright white lights in bedrooms and living areas. Use an amber or red coloured night light. A recommended red coloured night light is the BlockBlueLight.com.au Night Light (use 10% discount code: balanced).

Incandescent lights are generally best suited for children’s rooms. They are not as harsh as an LED light & don’t tire the eyes of your child so they can fall asleep more easily.

For Geopathic stresses, hire a Building Biologist to do a Geopathic stress assessment. The building biologist will also be able to do an EMF assessment of the home looking for RF wireless radiation and AC Magnetic Fields.

In conclusion, take the precautionary approach and limit your children’s exposure to EMFs and digital devices. Try it for a month. Monitor your child’s sleep during the month and keep a daily log. Monitor how they move around on their bed. Hiring a professional Building Biologist will give you confidence on identifying and remediating environmental hazards in the home. There are so many factors and devices that may contribute to poor sleep quality for children.

Posted on 2021-10-20 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

How Cell Phones in Your Bra Expose You to Cancer Risk

How Does Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Radiation from Cell Phones Affect Your Health?

The connection between your phone and cancer is a complex one. This article discusses how radiation from cell phones can affect your health and expose you to cancer risk.

Some recent studies have shown that the use of cell phones may increase your risk for developing brain tumors or other forms of cancer in the long run.

In 2012, 8.2 million people were diagnosed with cancer and 14.1 million new cases were reported worldwide. Globally, the most commonly diagnosed cancers are those of the lung (13%), breast (11%), and colorectum (10%). The most common causes of cancer death were lung (1,600,000 cases or 19.4% of all cancer deaths), liver (0.8 million cases or 9.1% of all cancer deaths), and stomach (0.7 million cases or 8.8%)

Cell phones emit low-intensity radiofrequency waves, which can be absorbed by tissues in our bodies and bring about many health problems if they are exposed to them for a long time. Radiofrequency waves are part of the non-ionising section of the electromagnetic spectrum. It is considered an electromagnetic field (EMF).

What Are the Risks of Having a Cell Phone in Your Bra?

Breast cancer risk is usually associated with a family history or a genetic disposition. It usually doesn’t occur in women under 40 years old. It’s important to get to the root of why this cancer is happening and keep an eye out for other possible exposures or environmental risks.

A recent study reviewed the history of cell phone use of 4 young females aged between 21 and 39 who were diagnosed with breast cancer. All of the women regularly carried their smartphones on their breasts and developed tumours in the areas where their cell phones were located next to their bra. All individuals had carried their cell phone in the same position for 10 years, subsequently developing breast cancer.

How Do Smartphones Affect Breast Cancer Risk?

With the increase in technology and availability of electronic devices, we see a rise in the number of people who suffer from breast cancer. There are several studies that have linked increased exposure to EMF radiation from these devices to an increase in cancer risk.

WHO and IARC are two important institutions that are keeping an eye on how certain electromagnetic waves can affect the human body, classifying them as a 2B carcinogen.

Smart phones and cell phones contain multiple radiofrequency antennas. These are GSM/LTE antennas using multiple frequencies, wifi and bluetooth antennas. They all continuously transmit radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation (RF EMR).

How to Reduce Radiation Exposure From Your Wireless Devices by Turning Off WiFi/Bluetooth/Cellular Network Connection

When using a wireless device while in a public place, there are steps you can take to reduce your exposure to radiation. Here are some of the most important steps you should take.

Some devices have an airplane mode that will disable the radiofrequency transmitters. This means that your device will not connect to any network unless it is physically plugged into a network outlet. It is highly recommended that you use the airplane mode if possible.

If you cannot power off your wireless device, make sure you limit your usage as much as possible and put it away unused when not in use.

For cell phones, place them in airplane mode so they’ll stop automatically trying to connect to other networks, redirecting all phone calls to VOIP apps like Skype.

Avoid sleeping with your cell phone next to your bed or under your pillow.

Conclusion: Get a separate device for safety and reduce health risks from Wi-Fi radiation

Take a precautionary approach to the use of any wireless device. Avoid carrying the cell phone in or near your bra. Avoid carrying it near your body. Keep it in airplane mode when not in use.

You can also hire a Building Biologist to complete an Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) test of your home or office. There are many other EMF sources within the home.

Posted on 2021-10-19 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

The Hidden Dangers That Mould Can Pose to Your Lungs and How To Avoid Them

visible mould — Visible mould is still a problem even if the leak is fixed. Mould spores contain mycotoxins and both have been associated with respiratory issues such as rhinitis but even worse, CIRS and chronic fatigue

Why Mould and Other Indoor Air Contaminants Are So Dangerous

In today’s world, where the average person spends a lot of their time indoors, indoor air quality is a top concern.

Mould, and other contaminants in the air, can cause serious problems for a person’s health. They can cause respiratory problems and allergies. The article gives insights on the different types of asthma caused by indoor air pollutants.

Every single person needs to be aware of what they are breathing in when they spend time indoors and take precautions to ensure their health is not put at risk.

What are the Health Hazards of Mould?

stachybotrys black toxic mould growth mould testing

One of the most common health hazards in the developing world is mould. The problem tends to occur in water damaged buildings, and in places with poor ventilation.

Mould can cause lung disease caused by Aspergillus, It has also been associated with chronic respiratory failure and decreased lung function. These diseases can be Pulmonary aspergillosis, Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis and Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis.

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABA)

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis is an allergic reaction to mould antigens from Aspergillus fumigatus.

6% to 20% of people with asthma may get Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis and it mostly affects people under 45.

The symptoms of Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis are low-grade fever, cough, wheezing, brown mucus plugs, and progressive shortness of breath.

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA)

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is a rare but deadly disease, and it’s characterized by the proliferation of fungal mycelia in the pulmonary parenchyma. It’s treated mainly in people with immune suppression, such as those with cancer.

Factors that predispose to the development of invasive aspergillosis include neutropenia, hematopoietic stem-cell and solid organ transplantation, prolonged and high-dose corticosteroid therapy, hematologic malignancy, cytotoxic therapy, advanced age.

Chronic necrotizing pulmonary aspergillosis (CNPA)

Peiople with CNPA have a chronic recurrent infection in their lungs. They experience frequent respiratory symptoms and often produce antibodies against Aspergillus sp which enters the lungs, often resulting in aggressive invasive disease. These individuals usually experience fever, cough, sputum production, and weight loss for several months. This may change based on the symptom severity though.

How to Avoid Contracting a Mould-Related Disease?

When you find water-damaged areas, make sure to clean & dry the affected area within 48 hours. You should also make sure that you put on a mask and protective clothing before entering the affected area if there is visible growth, and stay away from it if the level of mould is high.

If you want to avoid contracting a lung disease due to moulds, then it’s important to avoid homes that have visible mould growth (especially black mould) and wear personal protective equipment.

Is It Possible to Reduce Your Risk for a Lung Disease Caused by Mould?

Most people don’t know what they are breathing in every day. If you don’t realise how dangerous your environment is, your health can be at risk. One of the most common causes of lung diseases is mould.

If you are concerned see your doctor BUT also hire a Building Biologist to conduct a mould and moisture assessment of your building (home/office). They will be able to do mould testing to confirm if there is mould in your home.

How Do Doctors Diagnose a Lung Disease from Mould?

Mould is a disease-causing organism that can cause harm to humans. It is found in places where there is a lot of humidity and moisture. There are certain ways doctors diagnose a lung disease from moulds with the help of a microscope.

Lung diseases caused from mould include aspergillosis, bronchitis, histoplasmosis, and pneumonitis. A common symptom of these diseases is coughing up mucus. In order for doctors to diagnose a lung disease from moulds properly, they need to use a microscope that would allow them to see the microscopic organisms on the sputum sample under the microscope. There are other immunologic diagnostic methods that can be done.

Doctors diagnose a lung disease from moulds via sputum sample analysis using special techniques such as cytocentrifugation or fluorescence spectrophotometry. Seek medical advice from your local doctor or medical practitioner.

Posted on 2021-10-19 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

How to Reduce Indoor Air Pollution

The Importance of Taking Action on Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is one of the most important factors in human health. It can be just as harmful as outdoor air pollution, but it’s more difficult to detect. Here are some basics of indoor air pollution.

We often take for granted that our homes are clean and free from pollutants, but this is not always the case. Indoor air pollutants are invisible, which makes them more dangerous than their outdoor counterparts, especially for children and people with respiratory issues.

Indoor air quality is also more challenging to assess because of the many different types of air pollutants that can be present in a home or office building. Ozone, carbon monoxide, radon gas range from being minor toxins to being more toxic than lead (EPA).

Are you Breathing Poor Quality Air?

The air quality in urban areas has become an issue of concern. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that outdoor air pollution causes 4.2 million premature deaths annually. This is due to the release of fine particles, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide into the atmosphere.

There are a lot of factors that contribute to poor indoor air quality. For example, man-made chemicals (paint) can seep through walls and cause health conditions such as migraines, asthma, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, or even nosebleeds or high blood pressure in susceptible individuals.

The Effect of Air Pollution on You & Your Family’s Health

Indoor air pollution can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the causes include: – poor ventilation; – poor smell control; – tobacco smoke; – volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene.

The effects of indoor air pollution on your health can be serious. Poor indoor air quality can cause illnesses such as asthma and bronchitis, respiratory problems like cough and phlegm, and long-term damage to lung tissue in adults and children. Studies have shown that exposure to high concentrations of VOCs during childhood increases the risk for developing asthma later in life.

In addition to the physical effects on your health, there are also psychological effects on your mental health from being exposed to poor quality indoor air. This is not only due to the lack of ventilation but also due to other factors such as chemicals used in the air, working long hours, and health-related factors.

What Can You Do to Reduce or Remove the Polluting Factors in Your Home?

There are a few ways we can reduce the air pollutants in our homes and we can also remove the pollutants by using an air purifier.

Keep dust levels low by HEPA vacuuming and wiping surfaces with a microfibre cloth.

We should also try to reduce the levels of dust in our homes because this will help reduce other related diseases such as asthma and allergies. We should avoid using wood burning stoves because this is one of the main causes of pollution.

Air pollutants such as VOCs, CO2, and particulates can cause health problems such as headaches, nausea, respiratory issues, and more depending on their levels.

What are the Best Ways for Me To Improve My Home’s Air

There are plenty of ways on how we can improve our homes’ indoor environment and breathing space, but some of them are more effective than others at improving our health and wellbeing.

keep dust levels low
introduce fresh air from outdoors by opening windows, provided you do not live near industry and factories causing air pollution, or near busy roads and highways.
use an air purifier with a HEPA filter and activated carbon filter
monitor temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, VOC and particles such as PM2.5, PM1.0, PM0.3

Posted on 2021-10-19 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

The Complete Guide to Rhinosinusitis, Fungal Balls and Sinusitis

What is Rhinosinusitis?

Rhinosinusitis is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases with 13% of adults diagnosed with it by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Rhino sinusitis is a chronic and long-term inflammation of the sinuses. The inflammation can be both bacterial and fungal. Rhinosinusitis is the preferred term because it’s when the sinuses are inflamed that’s accompanied by inflammation of the nasal cavities.

Other than the usual cold and flu, rhinosinusitis is one of the most common respiratory conditions in adults. It affects about 30% of people at some point in their life.

Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis (ABRS) may cost upwards of $3 billion annually.

What are the Symptoms of Rhinosinusitis?

Rhinitis is the medical term for inflammation of the nasal passages. It can be caused by a fungal, viral or bacterial infection, allergic reactions, pollutants, or irritants.

The following are some of the symptoms of rhinosinusitis: Headache, fever, loss of smell, pain when swallowing, cough with thick yellow-green mucus.

Acute sinusitis symptoms (ARS) include a running nose, anosmia, pus from the nose, pain on the face and headache. This infection lasts for less than 12 weeks.

Chronic rhinosinusitis symptoms (CRS) have been present for 12 weeks or more and may vary in severity. Typical symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis include the same issues seen with acute sinusitis. Chronic rhinosinusitis is classified by the degree of involvement that is seen at endoscopy or sinus scans. Another classification factor is whether or not nasal polyps are also present. Nasal polyps can also be benign growths of fungal or bacterial clusters (i.e. fungal balls or bacterial balls).

Also, children may be more prone to abdominal discomfort and vomiting. This can happen due to prolonged coughing or gagging on mucus.

Not everyone with ARS will show these symptoms, but they are less common than the typical symptoms of fever, nausea, malaise, sore throat, fatigue, hyposmia and halitosis.

What is the Treatment and Cure for Sinus and Rhinosinusitis Conditions?

Always seek medical advice from your doctor or medical practitioner.

The treatment for sinusitis is based on the severity of the symptoms and what kind of fungal, bacteria or virus has caused it. It usually includes antibiotics to clean out any infectious material, analgesics to provide relief from pain, and rest along with hydration to prevent further complications like pneumonia and dehydration. Fungal balls may also be surgically removed in extreme cases.

If the cause is a fungal infection, then it may be prudent to have your home tested for mould and moisture to determine if there is an environmental problem. Hire a Building Biologist to do a mould inspection followed by mould testing.

How to Prevent Sinus Problems in Future

This article has explored the Rhinitis and Rhinosinusitis in detail. We have discussed the symptoms show by individuals affected by this.

It is important to understand the causes and effects of sinus problems with your doctor. This helps you take precautions against them and especially if you have a fungal or mould problem within your home.

Posted on 2021-10-19 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

Dust Mites, Allergens, Dust, Humidity and Dead Skin Cells: The Most Common Infestation in Your Home

Introduction: What are Dust Mites?

Dust mites are a variety of small arachnids that live in dust and feed on dead skin cells. They can be found in carpets, bedding, furniture and other soft furnishings.

Dust mites feed on organic matter and because they contain around 75% water, they can keep their water balance by taking in more or less water when the humidity is over 50%. They are at risk of dryness when humidity falls below 65% and their survival & reproduction rates will decrease if the RH falls below 50%.

Dust mites are not visible to the naked eye, but they can cause allergies such as sneezing and rashes.

Although most dust mites live outside of the home many will find their way inside, either by travelling through air currents or on people’s shoes. Once indoors they will continue to multiply and spread out over household surfaces where they feed.

What are Allergens?

Allergens are substances that trigger an allergic response in the immune system.

Allergens are often found in the environment, in foods, or on skin. Allergic reactions usually cause symptoms such as sneezing, itchy nose and eyes, wheezing, coughing, runny nose, skin rashes and itching.

However even though these symptoms are common among people with allergies they can happen for other reasons too. It is important to see a doctor when you have these symptoms to find out what is causing them.

What is Dust and How Can it Be Dangerous to Your Health?

Dust is a term for fine particles or ultra fine particles. Dust can build up in your home if it is not cleaned regularly. There are many reasons why you may have too much dust in your home.

Dust can be dangerous to your health because it can lead to respiratory diseases, asthma, allergies and other diseases that may be caused by the bacteria that live in dust.

The Fine Particulate Matter from Dust includes:

-The dust’s surface area and the type of material it contains

-Gas emissions from furnaces, fireplaces and gas cook stoves burning natural gas or wood

-Smoke from cigarettes and wood burning stoves

From 5% to 15% of people who are highly sensitive to dust mites are also reported to be sensitive to crustaceans.

Doctors may diagnose dust mite allergies with a skin prick test or in vitro test for specific IgE.

How Does Humidity Affect the Dust Mite Growth In Your Home?

The problem is that once dust mite allergens are released they can remain in the area for up to two years.

Dust mites like humid environments, which is why you need to make sure you take steps to lower the level of humidity in your home. You can do this by using dehumidifiers or air conditioners during hot summer months, opening windows on hot days and running fans on cooler days.

What is Dead Skin Cells And Why It Matters In Your Home Environment?

Dead skin cells are one of the many reasons why it is important to have a clean home environment. Dust mites eat dead skin cells and drink water from a wet surface.

Dust mites are about the size of a pinhead and live in the bed sheets, bed pillows, rugs, curtains, and carpets in your house.

They feed by eating dead skin cells from human hands and faces.

Dust mites can cause allergies with symptoms such as runny eyes, asthma attacks, itchy throat or ears.

It is important to have a clean home environment because dust mites can potentially cause allergies which could lead to asthma attacks or runny eyes for people with this condition.

How to Safely Remove Dust Mites from Your Home?

Dust mite allergens are serious triggers for asthma and allergic reactions.

There are many ways to get rid of dust mites. Vacuuming carpets regularly is the best way to remove dust mites from your home. You can also use a damp cloth or vacuum cleaner attachment to clean upholstered furniture, curtains, pillows, and other surfaces in the house. If you still think that house dust mite allergens are bothering you, consider getting professional carpet cleaning service to make sure that all the dust mites in your carpet are gone.

Relative humidity in the home should be kept at 35%-50% to decrease the growth of dust mites. In a dry climate, it is important to remember this point. Buy and use a hygrometer to measure humidity in their home.

Make sure to clean high-traffic areas of your house regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner and wipe down surfaces with a microfibre cloth. You should also change bedding weekly and wash clothes before storing them. It’s important to wash your bedding at a high heat, at least 60 degree celsius.

Purchase an air purifier with a hospital-grade H13 HEPA filter and activated carbon filters. This will filter out dust and fine particles in the air, including mold spores, but also filters out chemical smells and volatile organic compounds (VOC).

Make sure that people with a history of allergies or asthma don’t sleep in a bunk bed. If they do, the person who is sensitive should sleep on top and both mattresses should be encased in an allergen-impermeable cover.

One way to decrease the number of mites in your carpets is by using tannic acid. However, this is only marginally effective at best.

Consider taking a multifaceted approach for dust mite avoidance. This would include repetitive & sequential interventions shown to decrease mite exposure, as described earlier.

If you are diagnosed as allergic to dust mites and also have asthma, your doctor may decide to provide you with subcutaneous immunotherapy.

Pesticides (such as acaricides) used to control mite populations may not always be the best option. They may not be as effective at reducing allergen levels, and there are also concerns about using chemicals in your home.

Posted on 2021-10-18 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

Non-Ionizing Radiation, Brain Cancer and What You Need To Know

Introduction: The Connection Between Non-Ionizing Radiation and Brain Cancer

Non-ionizing radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation and it is a type of electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic spectrum includes different wavelengths and types of energy. Non-ionizing radiation has the smallest wavelength and can be found in the range of 100 Hz to 300 GHz.

Brain cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the brain, surrounding tissues, or in the spinal cord that usually occurs as a result of chronic inflammation or genetic mutations. It can come from exposure to drugs, infections, carcinogens, ionising radiation such as X-rays and microwave radiation such as wifi and bluetooth.

The Importance of Reducing Exposure to Non-Ionizing Radiation

The inverse-square law is a mathematical rule that applies to the intensity of radiation. Inverse means that as you move away from the source of radiation, its intensity decreases by the square of the distance from the source.

In other words, if you double your distance from a wifi router, your exposure will be one-quarter as much as it was when you were closer.

For this reason it’s important to maximize your distance from wi-fi routers or to use a wired ethernet connection whenever possible.

How To Reduce Exposure To Non-Ionizing Radiation At Home or The Workplace

This section is all about reducing exposure to wireless radiation both at home or the workplace.

The FCC website suggests that you can reduce your exposure by using your wireless devices only when the cellular signal is strong, keeping your phone away from your body, limiting cell phone use when children are in the house, and turning off devices when not in use. Their website also provides links to more information on how to reduce exposure to wireless radiation.

We have found some useful tips for reducing exposure to non-ionizing radiation at home or the workplace below:

hard-wire your digital devices with an ethernet network cable.
tablets and cell phones can also be connected to a physical ethernet cable using an adapter.
avoid the use of wireless security cameras such as the Ring Doorbell or Arlo security cameras.
avoid the use of wireless speakers such as Sonos Speaker Systems.
avoid the use of wireless keyboards and mice.
If an appliance is marketed as a “smart” device, then it is likely to have a wireless transmitting component.

With Covid-19 lockdowns in place and people working from home, they may be unknowingly exposing themselves to strong electromagnetic radiation or electromagnetic fields. Make-shift offices might be situated next to their wifi router, which could cause chronic long term exposure to electromagnetic radiation. With many forced to do Zoom meetings, they may also be using bluetooth wireless headphones or headsets to conduct their meetings. This unnecessary exposure to bluetooth microwave radiation at 2.45GHz frequency is the same frequency as a microwave oven.

As people become more aware of the health risks they are exposing themselves to, they are taking steps to reduce them. Health effects such as chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, anxiety, tinnitus, chest pains, and memory loss. The goal should be to eliminate their wireless exposure, but instead to reduce the amount they are exposed to.

Conclusion & Summary Of Key Points Mentioned – How To Reduce Exposure To Non-Ionizing Radiation At Home or The Workplace

This article has outlined many ways to reduce exposure to non-ionizing radiation, so that you can reduce the risk of developing cancer or experiencing other adverse health effects. .

These include:

– Decreasing time spent using a wireless device

– Turn off wireless transmitting devices such as wifi routers, and hard-wire

– Keeping devices away from your head and body, but maintain as much distance away from the source.

And for more profession solutions, contact Balanced Building Biology by calling +61406736802 or email info@balancedbb.net.

Posted on 2021-10-132021-10-13 by Admin_at_BalancedBB

How to Get Rid of Mould in Cars, Clean the Cabin Filter & Keep Your Car Fresh

Introduction: Mould in Cars is Harmful, Here’s How to Prevent it

Mould is an allergen that can be found in many enclosed spaces. It’s important to be aware of how it can affect your health and take steps to prevent it.

The material that mould grows on is organic, meaning that it needs moisture to survive. Mould will thrive by sitting happily on food, animal dander, leather, and other damp materials.

Mould can also grow in cars because the car’s cabin is an enclosed space with limited circulation. Floor mats and the carpet lining in a car can harbour high levels of dust.

Step 1: Clean Your Car & Get Rid of Dust

Aside from washing and waxing the exterior of the car, the interior should be vacuumed weekly with a HEPA-filter vacuum and power head brush. The powerhead vacuum brush head stirs up the dust from the floor mats and carpet lining, giving it a deep clean. It should take you 10 to 20 minutes to complete. Use appropriate vacuum brush head for the car seats.

Using a damp microfibre cloth, wipe down the non-porous surfaces to remove surface dust. Then use a dry microfibre cloth to dry the surface.

Replace the cabin air filter every 10,000km or annually. This should also be done for the engine air filter as well. Go to your local Repco retailer to do a DIY cabin air filter replacement.

Step 2: Avoid Professional Car Detailers and Steam Cleaning

Professional car detailers will wash the car with a high-pressure water cleaner. This inevitably wets the interior lining of the car. Avoid using high-pressure water cleaners, steam cleaner or a steam vacuum.

Stay Healthy and Enjoy Driving Your Car!

If you suspect mould, you can hire a Building Biologist to do a mould air testing sample for laboratory confirmation. This will provide an accurate reading on the presence or absence of it.