Why are so many mold problems found in newer homes? Some theorize the housing boom a decade ago resulted in too many homes going up too quickly. The Columbus Dispatch featured an article on this very issue a couple of years ago. The article, titled “Newer, poorly constructed homes more likely to harbor fungus,” quotes […]
The rampant use of pesticides is one of the great social tragedies of our day, in my opinion. Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR)’s Environmental Health Policy Institute, an online forum of physicians, health professionals, and environmental health experts, published the following article in response to the question, “How does our food production system drive our […]
Spring cleaning dates back to the ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in anticipation of the springtime memorial feast of Passover. In Persia, the new year falls on the first day of spring. Iranians continue the practice of khooneh tekouni, which means “shaking the house.” Everything is cleaned, from drapes to furniture. People […]
There are healthy, natural alternatives for just about anything! Including this fun option for dying Easter eggs: According to The Herb Companion, Dip the hard-boiled eggs into white vinegar before beginning, and set aside. Then bring each dye ingredient (listed below) to a boil with 4 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of white vinegar; […]
When we left our home in October 2008, we brought our cars. We didn’t have much choice. In retrospect I might have agreed to borrow a car until we could figure out a course of action, but we were consumed with finding shelter and replacing necessities. We vacuumed and wiped them with white vinegar. Within […]
Two of our older children moved to their own apartment recently—yet another sign that we are progressing, albeit ever so slowly. Transitioning to a new environment brings with it a level of stress and anxiety. How can we be sure it’s mold-free? What about the chemical aspect? The apartment was worth pursuing since it was […]
A study released this year says children who live in homes with visible mold are more likely to suffer from asthma and allergies. According to the following article posted on FoxNews.com: Researchers found that across 61 international studies since the 1990s, children living in water-damaged, moldy homes were more likely to have asthma, wheezing problems […]
I used to avoid reading about dangerous substances. I didn’t like hearing about things that might do me harm. Now I gravitate to these articles. I love reading about toxicity. Our mold exposure turned me around. Truth is not easy to hear. But it’s freeing. Avoiding chemicals is impossible. Making wise choices is not. Last […]
Chris and Andrea Fabry were living a wonderful life with 9 children in a gorgeous home, surrounded by the beauty of Colorado. Yet, the Fabrys could never have been prepared for what was about to happen. In 2007, they discovered mold in behind a shower, adjacent to their bedroom, then in 2008 they found more […]
An article published by the Environmental Health Association of Nova Scotia, The Hazards of Deet, contends DEET is not a safe choice: “DEET is a registered pesticide. DEET is short for N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (also known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). It is a member of the toluene chemical family. Toluene is an organic solvent used in rubber and plastic […]