Headaches, asthma and allergies

Many people suffer from sensitivities to modern products, this is because we, as a species, have not evolved with these substances around us. They are new to us as organisms. We are also surrounded by them within the built environment. Many common materials seem to be inert, but they are infact giving off gases throughout their lives. MDF and many foam products give off a range of chemicals that are odourless and invisible, but nevertheless they can adversely affect us.

Headaches, asthma and allergies are becoming increasingly common as we are exposed to more and more of these types of chemicals within our homes. Using conventional paints is one of the most obvious causes of this type of adverse reaction. We all feel a little bit light-headed but some of us can have very strong adverse reactions to it.

Children are especially prone to these chemicals as they are growing and hence absorbing them into their bodies quicker. No-one yet knows what will be the final effect of the toxic soup that we breathe in everyday, but we imagine that it will be different for everyone and that it will not be positive.

Remedy

Use natural materials wherever possible. These are generally less processed than man-made ones and hence have fewer chemicals associated with them. The type of materials available in the building trade include:

• Wood
• Natural insulation materials
• Natural paints
• Slate
• Stone
• Natural flooring