Environmental Illness: How toxic chemicals used in architecture & interiors affect our health…
The Hidden Health Crisis in Building Practices: Toxic Materials and Environmental Illness
The extensive use of highly processed and toxic materials in architecture and construction over the past century has led to severe consequences for indoor environments, human health, and our connection to nature. Issues such as allergies, autoimmune diseases, and other unexplained illnesses are rising exponentially (International Institute for Building-Biology® and Ecology, 2021). At LIVINGHAUS we want to highlight the issues of Environmental Illness and emphasise what designing for health and well-being truly entails.
Understanding Environmental Illness
Many people are familiar with terms like asbestos, formaldehyde, VOCs, and Sick Building Syndrome (SBS), yet there is widespread confusion about their impact on personal health. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that 50% of illnesses are caused or exacerbated by indoor air pollution. Asthma rates have doubled since 1980, particularly among children, and chemical sensitivities now affect approximately 18% of the population (International Institute for Building-Biology® and Ecology, 2021). In Australia, a country with growing awareness of sustainable living, studies indicate that indoor air quality remains a critical but underappreciated public health challenge (CSIRO, 2022).
Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) occurs when individuals experience symptoms such as respiratory irritation, headaches, and fatigue linked to time spent in a particular building. Environmental Illness (EI) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) describe more severe reactions to toxins and electromagnetic fields (EMFs), further highlighting the risks of today’s construction practices.
The Role of Building Materials
Modern buildings comprise up to 90% highly processed materials, with only 1–5% being of natural origin. This represents a stark contrast to 100 years ago when construction relied predominantly on natural materials. Toxic substances such as VOCs, mould, and EMFs, often found in paints, adhesives, insulation, and furnishings, can infiltrate indoor environments, contributing to long-term health issues. For example:
VOCs and formaldehyde: Found in paints, primers, adhesives, and rugs, these compounds can cause respiratory issues, neurological effects, and cancer.
Mould spores and mycotoxins: Common in damp areas such as walls and air ducts, mould can lead to severe respiratory and systemic health problems.
Electromagnetic fields (EMFs): Produced by urban infrastructure and smart devices, EMFs can disrupt cellular function, causing inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic health issues.
Misconceptions about "Sustainability" and Health
While sustainable design focuses on reducing environmental impacts, it does not necessarily prioritise human health. For instance, recycled materials often contain harmful chemicals that off-gas toxins into indoor environments. This highlights the need to distinguish between sustainability and health-conscious design, as both goals must align to create truly safe living spaces.
Toward Healthier Building Practices
To safeguard health, particularly in vulnerable populations, architects, builders, and consumers must prioritise non-toxic materials and question the composition of products used in construction and interiors. Building Biologists in Australia and globally play a pivotal role in guiding healthier choices, addressing issues such as chemical exposure and EMF sensitivity.
A proactive approach to healthier design includes:
Material transparency: Understanding the ingredients in paints, furnishings, and building materials.
Natural materials: Prioritising unprocessed, organic options to minimise toxic exposure.
Preventive practices: Treating homes as environments for health, akin to maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Healthy Home Expert - Final Thoughts…
At LIVINGHAUS, we see toxic exposure as a cumulative burden—like a cup slowly filling until it overflows, causing health to decline. By embracing healthier building practices today, we can prevent future health crises and create spaces that truly nurture well-being. As highlighted by the International Institute for Building-Biology® and Ecology (2021), a healthy living environment is a cornerstone of preventive medicine. Through greater awareness, the use of non-toxic materials, and intentional, health-focused design, we can build homes that support vitality and comfort, ensuring a healthier legacy for generations to come.
References
CSIRO (2022). Indoor Air Quality in Australia: The Hidden Public Health Challenge. Available at: https://www.csiro.au.
International Institute for Building-Biology® and Ecology (2021). Building Biology Standards and Guidelines. Available at: https://buildingbiology.com.
