How toxic are modern homes?

Well, let's look at common ingredients used in the thousands of building materials used to build modern housing:

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Found in paints, solvents, and adhesives, VOCs can off-gas into the air, leading to indoor air pollution. They are associated with respiratory problems and headaches.
• Formaldehyde: Used in the manufacturing of pressed-wood products, adhesives, and insulation, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation.
• Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): Commonly used in plumbing pipes and vinyl flooring, PVC can release harmful phthalates and lead, linked to endocrine disruption and developmental issues.
• Asbestos: Previously used in insulation, tiles, and roofing materials, asbestos is now known to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. While its use is heavily regulated, it can still be found in older buildings.
• Lead: Used in older paints and plumbing systems, lead exposure can lead to neurological damage, especially in children.
• Flame Retardants: Found in insulation and electrical equipment, certain flame retardants can accumulate in the human body and are linked to endocrine disruption and cancer.
• Phthalates: Used to make plastics more flexible, such as in vinyl flooring and wall coverings, phthalates are associated with hormonal disruptions and reproductive issues.
• Ammonia: Commonly found in cleaning agents and fertilizers, ammonia can cause respiratory irritation and distress.
• Synthetic Insulation Materials: Fiberglass insulation can release tiny fibers that irritate the skin and lungs.
• Radon: A naturally occurring radioactive gas found in soil. It can accumulate in basements and lower levels of buildings, increasing the risk of lung cancer.

Do you think the products used to build your home or apartment were purchased by the builder—or their employees—with an eye to health?

Does the average contractor even understand how toxic the building materials are? Or do they buy what's industry "standard"?

It's industry standard in Big Medical to recommend a low-fat, high-carb grain-based diet, even though we know that's what's killing people.

It's industry standard to prescribe antibiotics for every little sniffle, even though it destroys gut health and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

It's industry standard to use soy, corn, or other highly refined seed oils in food manufacturing.

It's industry standard for restaurants to deep fry in seed oils.

The list goes on.

Industry standard kills people. Daily.

Better Building Materials For A Non-Toxic Home

Here are some helpful questions to ask your builder and some ideas for choosing better building materials for the place you spend most of your time: your home:

• Bamboo is a rapidly renewable, durable resource with a low environmental impact. It's used for flooring, cabinetry, and structural elements.
• Cork: Great for flooring, cork is renewable, recyclable, and provides natural thermal and acoustic insulation.
• Reclaimed or Recycled Wood: reduces the need for new timber logging and adds unique character with a lower environmental footprint.
• Natural Stone: Durable and requiring minimal processing, natural stone like granite or slate is often used for countertops, flooring, and exterior cladding.
• Recycled Metal: Steel and aluminum can be recycled repeatedly without losing quality, making them sustainable options for structural components and roofing.
• Recycled Glass: Recycled glass is a sustainable and aesthetically pleasing material used in tiles and countertops.
• Low or No-VOC Paints and finishes: These reduce the emission of volatile organic compounds, improving indoor air quality.
• Straw Bales: Used in walls, straw bales provide excellent insulation and are a low-impact building material.
• Rammed Earth: Compressed earth can be used for walls, providing thermal mass that helps regulate indoor temperatures.
• Cellulose Insulation: Made from recycled paper, it's a non-toxic and effective insulative material.
• Sheep's Wool Insulation: A natural and renewable insulator that regulates humidity and improves indoor air quality.
• Hempcrete: A mixture of hemp fibers, lime, and water, it's a sustainable alternative to concrete with good insulation properties.
• Clay Plaster: A natural wall finish that regulates indoor humidity and avoids toxic chemicals.
• Non-Toxic Sealants and Adhesives: These are essential for maintaining indoor air quality by avoiding harmful chemicals.
• Green Roofs and Living Walls: They help with insulation, reduce the heat island effect, and improve air quality.
• Energy-Efficient Windows: Double or triple-glazed windows with inert gas fill and low-E coatings improve energy efficiency.

 Modern humans spend 90% of their lives indoors.

That includes offices, schools, stadiums, apartments, condos, and typical single-family homes.

Considering your building's walls, floors, and interiors is a must if you're looking for optimal health and longevity.