Page 28 - Tropic Magazine Issue 29

TROPIC • HEALTH

Healthy habitats Choosing a healthy site
Outside hazards don’t stop at your
WELLBEING doormat. Harmful effects of air
pollution, soil contamination, noise and
Tropic columnist Dr Alex electromagnetic field exposure are
Bernhardi explains how your well documented.
Tips to find a healthy house site:
home can have a significant • Before you commit to a block of land,
impact on your health and spend a couple of hours researching
wellbeing. the neighbourhood. Check air pollution
levels, plus proximity of phone
Building a new home is an exciting time. towers and high voltage transmission
But while lots of effort goes into design lines online.
questions, little attention is paid to the • Distance your home from
potential health effects of your choices. electromagnetic fields, while air
Indoor pollution contributes significantly pollution from airports, industrial sites
to the risk of developing chronic diseases and pesticide drift can travel further
and can compromise your wellbeing. depending on the general wind direction.
• Consider a soil test to check for
contaminants if in doubt.
• Look for “green zones” as plants filter air
pollution, as well as signs of wildlife like
birds and frogs.

The secret tenant: mould
Mould is a major problem, not only in a Tips to prevent mould build-up:
tropical climate but across the country. • Make sure rain and surface water can
Mould thrives well in a moist drain away from the house.
environment without wind and • Resist the urge to build garden beds
light exposure. Water damage (from directly alongside the walls.
flooding or plumbing leaks), trapped • Make sure concrete floors, timber and
condensation as well as high natural walls are properly dried before applying
humidity levels can attract this unwanted any sealants.
house guest. Mould exposure can trigger • Before installing air conditioning during
asthma attacks and other lung conditions, a building’s construction, use industrial
but it can also cause a range of symptoms dehumidifiers to reduce indoor
in susceptible people such as headaches, humidity levels.
sleep disturbances, aches and pains, • Plan for plenty of natural light and
and lethargy. wind circulation.
• Choose breathable building materials
like unsealed timber to avoid
condensation. Avoid extra condensation
caused by fish tanks and humidifiers –
especially in the early months while the
building is still airing out.

The average Australian
spends about 90 per cent
of their time indoors.

One in three people report health
problems such as migraine
headaches and asthma when
exposed to fragranced products.
Source: Australian Government, Steinemann A.

28 • Tropic • Issue 29