We interviewed Alex Stadtner, President and Senior Consultant of Healthy Building Science, about sick buildings and chronic illness. You can listen to the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue listening to the replay.
In This Webinar
A variety of factors make our indoor environment 2-5x more toxic than our outdoor environment. Given that many Americans spend as much as 90% of our lives indoors, it’s important to know how sick buildings contribute to chronic illnesses. In this webinar, we learned how the following can negatively affect our health:
- Mold
- VOCs
- Dirty electricity
- EMFs
- Geopathic stress
- LEDs
- Cleaning products
- Smart meters
- Fluorescent lights
- Formaldehyde from plywood
- Flame-retardant furniture
- Asbestos
- Lead
- Mercury
- Microwave ovens
- PVC
- Radioactivity from granite and quartz
Key Discussions
In this webinar, we discussed the following key concepts:
Health Impact of Building Environments
Alex highlighted the essential concept of building biology and its profound impact on personal health. The principle that buildings, where we spend a majority of our time, particularly our sleeping areas, have a substantial influence on our wellbeing was reiterated.
Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)
There was an in-depth analysis of EMFs in buildings, with Alex illustrating how most internal EMF sources can be mitigated. However, magnetic fields from external sources, such as power lines, pose a greater challenge. We also discussed solar panels and their potential health impacts, particularly through the “electrical noise” they create.
Potential Red Flags in Building Quality and Health
Oolder buildings might paradoxically offer healthier environments due to material choices but be aware of potential water damage, wiring and inherent toxic materials.
Foam Insulation
The double-edged sword of foam insulation was dissected – its value as an insulator against the backdrop of its release of toxic substances. Addressing these material concerns, particularly for sensitive individuals, remains a challenge in the building industry.
Recognizing Sick Building Syndrome
The symptoms associated with sick buildings, such as respiratory issues, brain fog, and headaches, should not go unnoticed. Chronic health conditions may point to constant exposure to a sick building.
Mold and EMF Concerns
Alex recommended expert assessments for mold and EMFs over self-administration tests or in-house solutions. Professional evaluations can ensure accurate readings and effective mitigation strategies.
How to Make a Sick Building Well
FEMA’s example after Hurricane Katrina serves as a caution against quick fixes without considering off-gassing and other associated health risks. Instead, improvements such as enhanced ventilation, the use of HEPA filters, and prompt responses to symptoms can improve the healthiness of buildings.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Webinar on sick buildings with Alex Statner.
04:53 Waterproofing challenges in construction require increased oversight.
09:29 Foam: toxic but high insulation value.
11:44 Indoor symptoms may indicate building issues.
19:29 Measuring WiFi usage
20:51 Autism and sensory sensitivities linked to sick building environment.
28:17 Worshiping the dollar at all costs is short-sighted.
34:01 Different regions handle electrical currents differently; impacts vary.
36:24 Addressing home problems brings stress, but necessary.
40:46 EMF inspections reveal building’s wiring errors.
41:35 Design assistance, code adherence, and quality assurance.
47:59 Few prefab companies address EMF or toxicity.
50:36 Building issues need prompt attention to prevent escalation.
About Alex Stadtner BS MS
Alex Stadtner started on the path of environmental work in college, where he attained a degree in Environmental Science & Environmental Policy.
After college he worked for two years as a Sustainability Manager at Antioch College, before moving to New Hampshire to earn an MS in Resource Management & Administration at Antioch New England.
After graduate school, he worked with green-building consulting pioneers at the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems in Austin, and then a Portland-based company specializing in third-party building rating systems, especially LEED.
Since then Alex has completed numerous environmental testing inspection courses to broaden his knowledge of the industry and bridge the gap between environmental science and building science. You can find out more about Healthy Building Science at www.healthybuildingscience.com
Disclaimer
This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.
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Sources & References
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Dasdaq, S., et al. Effects of 2.4 GHz radiofrequency radiation emitted from Wi-Fi equipment on microRNA expression in brain tissue. Int J Radiat Biol. 2015 Jul;91(7):555-61.
Havas, M. Radiation from wireless technology affects the blood, the heart, and the autonomic nervous system. Rev Environ Health. 2013;28(2-3):75-84.
Herbert, M.R., et al. Autism and EMF? Plausibility of a pathophysiological link part II. Pathophysiology. 2013 Jun;20(3):211-34.
Johansson, O. Disturbance of the immune system by electromagnetic fields—A potentially underlying cause for cellular damage and tissue repair reduction which could lead to disease and impairment. Pathophysiology. 2009 Aug;16(2-3):157-177.
Pall, M.L. Microwave frequency electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produce widespread neuropsychiatric effects including depression. J Chem Neuroanat. 2016 Sep;75(Pt B):43-51.
Tang, J., et al. Exposure to 900 MHz electromagnetic fields activates the mkp-1/ERK pathway and causes blood-brain barrier damage and cognitive impairment in rats. Brain Res. 2015 Mar 19;1601:92-101.
