I don't even know where to begin with the concerns that I have for 5G radiation however I think what is most frightening is that as 5G wave frequencies have short delivery distances it will need to be placed everywhere. Think mini phone towers on each lighting pole, making it harder and harder to escape in the built environments.

This technology has not been tested for its affects on human health.

I see more and more people whose immune systems are currently suppressed possibly as a result of elevated radiation exposure forcing the body to keep the sympathetic nervous system turned on and not allowing the body to detoxify and perform other vital function that require the body NOT to be in a state of stress.

Here is a closer look at the proposed new technology.

https://www.telcosolutions.net/blog/ethernet/will-5g-replace-ethernet/

Lyn McLean is Australia’s foremost consumer advocate on the issue of electromagnetic radiation (EMR). An author and educator, she has been monitoring and writing on the subject for more than 20 years. Lyn is the publisher of the quarterly periodical EMR and Health and the author of Watt’s the Buzz?, a guide to reducing exposure to EMR. She has served as a representative on various national committees related to this issue and is currently the director of EMR Australia, which provides services and assistance in connection with electropollution.

Her new book Wireless-Wise Families will be available fro purchase through the Building Biology WA shop site very soon.

This book is a must have for all families, a fantastic resource that gives easy and practical tips on ways that families can reduce their exposure. At $19.99 this is a solid investment in you and your families health.

Look out for the BBWA shop coming soon!

When it comes to Australia's 26 billion dollar food production, 17 billion dollars worth of that food, or 68%, has been heavily sprayed, often with numerous pesticides. In fact a non organic strawberry can yield over 40 different chemicals as opposed to an organic strawberry which consists of ...........just a strawberry and no hidden nasties.

Australia uses a whopping amount, around a third of the worlds pesticides and has the highest incidence of pesticide resistance, where weeds and insects become resistant to the chemicals sprayed in the world - an issue which is generally addressed by the application of a greater number of pesticides.

So what happens to us when we ingest all of these immune and central nervous system suppressants? Well pretty much exactly what happens to those it has been designed to kill, only just on a smaller scale. Pesticides generally work using the same mechanisms regardless of size or species - this goes for natural pesticides too, such as pyrethrums.

Pesticide exposure is linked to possible problems with human endocrine function (which effects the body at VERY low doses), ADHD, learning and behavioural problems, lower IQ and increases in lymphoblastic leukaemia in children. Long term exposure to pesticides have been linked to the development of Parkinson's disease.

So how can we reduce our pesticide exposure?

The first step is to stop eating heavily sprayed foods and opt for organic options, or grow your own. We will be talking about ways to combat unwanted creepy crawlies in another blog.

According to Friends of the Earth, Melbourne - The list of most sprayed Australian foods (highest residue levels) is as follows, from the worst down:

ApplesWheatStrawberriesPearsGrapesLettuceNectarinesPeachesBreadBranBiscuitsTea (Imported)BarleyTomatoesApricotsCanolaCarrots PlumsGreen Beans

If you can't go organic on everything I suggest start with your fruit and veg - especially if you are pregnant or feeding young children.

Going organic not only helps protect your health but protects our birds, bees, wildlife and flora diversity.

Getting an organic box delivery, starting an organic hub or grouping together to buy from the markets and divide is the perfect way to eat local, seasonal and organic foods that are more nutritious, satisfying and encourage the body to thrive.

I recommend Pams organic and biodynamic which can be found on FB for the best value.

Much Love

Deanne

From the very minute we find out we're pregnant we whisper all sorts of heart based promises to our little beans vowing to keep them healthy, safe and protected. But somehow, somewhere along the line in our quest to protect and provide the best for our little bundle of joys, we have been misled and convinced that we need to smother them in antibacterial, chemical based unnatural and synthetically fragranced products.

We have been led to believe that our gorgeous little cubs should smell like Johnson and Johnson’s baby powder, baby oil and bedtime bath bubbles and instilled with a fear of germs, believing that sickness lurks on every doorknob, shopping trolly, kitchen sink and school bag – that the only way to protect our babies is to sterilise and Detol wipe the world they live in!! But for me, what I believe to be the biggest crime here, is that not only we have been led to believe these products are necessary, but that they are safe.

Like the entirety of the personal care industry, the baby care industry is mostly self regulating, which means that the vast majority of what you are using on your child has never been tested for its safety in human health, let alone its synergistic (all the chemical ingredients) effect.

From their immature immune and detoxification systems to the fact that they intake far more chemicals and toxins per kg of body weight than adults, there are multiple reasons for why our little ones are more susceptible and vulnerable to toxins and should be better protected.

"The processes of absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination of environmental contaminants within a child’s body are considered less advanced than those of adults, making them more susceptible to disease outcomes following even small doses."

(Ferguson et, al., 2016)

When it comes to my philosophy on raising children and babies in a toxic society, I believe LESS is MORE. Less products, less chemicals, less impact, less things and if you can't eat it, it probably shouldn't go on your skin.

So in an effort to increase awareness around what we are using, and what we should avoid, and in the spirit of reducing chemical exposures, I feel it only fitting to start with our most used baby product – The baby wipe - the go to for everything from poo to vomit!

THE BABY WIPE

I think it is important to note that I am not suggesting we go back to dragging around a bag of rags every time we leave the home, although I do give extra points to those who do, but to understand that there are some nice alternatives that you can use. When we support these companies doing the right thing, we encourage others to jump on board and provide us with better and safer products. Its all about reducing exposures where we can, and if you could opt for a safer product – why wouldn’t you, right?

So here is my list of nasties to avoid.

Propylene Glycol ! – Derived from natural gas this ingredient has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. This ingredient is suspected of causing immunotoxicity, respiratory toxicity and skin or sense according to sources compiled by Scorecard (www.scorecard.org)

Look for wipes that say they are free from alcohol, chlorine, perfume, parabens, PEGs and petrochemicals, not tested on animals and 100% biodegradeable.

While I know that buying safer wipes can sometimes come at a price, there are many DIY recipes you can try. My personal favourite is a little castile soap and water – (I liked Dr Bronners unscented) and a cut up single size flannel sheet that I picked up from a second hand shop - this way you have something inexpensive and machine washable to use for number ones and save the store bought wipes for number 2s!

A great range of wipes can be found at

For more information on ingredients visit the EWG skin deep database

Much Love

Deanne

xx

Deanne is a nationally accredited building biologist who is passionate about protecting the health of our future generations.

While many of us health warriors leap for our plant based Vitamin C, Manuka honey and some immune boosting herbs at the first sign of winter, the vast majority of us forget to address environmental factors that often burden our sun starved bodies during the cooler months.

So how do these "environmental factors" factors play a role in our health during this period? Well it’s quite simple really.............when you think about how you actually get sick, you begin to understand that much of it comes from your environment.

Chemicals, toxins, moulds, bacteria’s and viruses have to live somewhere right? So, the trick to better winter health is to reduce the numbers that we are exposed to and support a healthy immune to fight off the rest. One of the best ways we can support our immune is to "un-burden" it. So as opposed to trying to heal with natural remedies, let’s try to address the reasons we are getting sick and no I am not talking about running out and getting more antibacterial wipes!

You can imagine how much stress our bodies are under just trying to keep abreast of the nasties we are putting in, through water and nutrition (not to mention medications and pesticides – yes that’s right, if it’s not organic it’s not clean eating), inhaling through indoor and outdoor air quality, absorbing through our skincare and cleaning products and then topping it all off by exposing our bodies to constant electromagnetic fields.

So here are a few things to consider this winter to keep you running around like a chicken in a strawberry field.

Tip #1 LEAVE THOSE CONTAMINATED SHOES AT THE DOOR

Just as customs don't want you bringing soiled footwear into the country (and for very good reason) we should all be leaving our outdoor shoes outdoors - or like in my house in my laundry, which is closed off from the rest of the house. As we walk we collect all sorts from pesticides to lead, the odd bit of animal feces and everything in between. Removing shoes before entering a house will dramatically reduce the dust and microbial load of the house, while increasing air quality and reducing pesticide and heavy metal exposure. So, leave those muddy winter shoes where they belong.

Tip #2 USE THOSE THINGS CALLED WINDOWS

As a building biologist, I am blown away by the number of people who do not open their windows, YES, I know it is cold, however we do live in Australia and luckily, we still have plenty sunshine. When we heat a building, we encourage the off gassing of all sorts of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and flame retardants coming from your building materials, soft furnishings, cleaning products, carpets, curtains, sofa, glues and adhesives, paints, sealants and the list goes on. When we heat a building and keep it closed as opposed to a warm building with the windows open as we do in summer, we exposure ourselves to a chemical concoction that often impacts health.

Many people suffer ill health after moving in to a new build that hasn't been properly off gassed and while many countries such as China have standards for some of these VOCs Australia does not. So when the sun comes out, open the whole house up and allow for a full air exchange, you will know when this is happening as the inside temperature will change to that of the outside.

And while I am on the ventilation bandwagon it would be criminal not to mention the need to ventilate when using the shower, washing machine, clothes dryer and even kettle. Most mould in Perth comes from occupant behaviour. Ever wondered where all that water goes? As much as 5 litres can come from drying a load of washing in front of your heater??? If you have condensation issues, you are NOT ventilating your home properly.

Tip #3 BE CAREFUL HOW YOU HEAT YOUR HOME

For those who suffer from asthma or allergies, it is wise to opt for heating that does not blow air. Radiant heaters are probably the best as they do not lower humidity or blow air around the room. These include oil filled radiators, hydronic heating, hot water heaters, hot water slab floor heating and halogen heaters. All systems have their advantages and disadvantages, one of the biggest issues that I see is the lack of servicing and cleaning that is undertaken on split, evaporative and ducted systems. In Western Australia, I have seen many clients whose mould issues were attributed to or started in poorly maintained systems. It is of concern that many people, mainly in Western Australia, are still using unflued gas heaters. While these have been banned in many places, and rightly so, they are still commonly used. Unflued gas heaters can emit nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, sulphur dioxide and carbon dioxide. Unflued gas heaters are linked to asthma, cold and flu like symptoms, fatigue and headache. Open wood fire heaters are also renowned for releasing a myriad of cancer causing chemicals along with all the soot and ash, in fact open fire cooking is a leading cause for lung and heart disease in third world countries.

Tip #4 HOW ABOUT BEING NICE TO BACTERIA

Antimicrobial chemicals are now found in many soaps, wipes, hand gels, cutting boards, detergents, cosmetics and toothpastes, as well as toys and plastics. In 2008 One of the most common antibacterial, triclosan [5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol], was detected in ~75% of urine samples in the United States.

Nicole Bijlsma from the Australian College of Environmental Studies states that "We’ve become so obsessed with our need to create a ‘sterile’ environment that generations of children are not being exposed to bacteria and viruses required to challenge their immune system (T1 helper cells); this is essential as it keeps other parts of their immune system (T2 helper cells) from over reacting. In addition, the effect of hygiene reduces the body’s production of the regulatory T cells all of which contributes to the allergic response."

With the bombardment of TV advertising - my favorites being the Mum cleaning the food surfaces with raw chicken or the one with a parent spraying every item her child takes to school with Dettol spray, we are creating very unhealthy environments that are not only affecting the strains of bacteria we are being exposed to but our own microbiome. Swapping to good quality microfiber cloths and a little oregano oil mixed in a solution of vinegar and a few drops of dish liquid will more than do the job, as well as leaving your home smelling like a home and not a hospital - yes bleach freaks I'm talking to you - bleach has no place in a home!!!

Tip #5 INVEST IN A SHOWER FILTER

I'm sure most of us have felt our skin dry as the weather cools, a KDF (Kinetic Degradation) shower filter will help remove the chlorine coming from your municipal water supply. Chlorine is associated with many skin complaints including eczema. For around $60 you can purchase a shower KDF filter and show some much needed love for the largest organ in our body , but wait there's more, not only are you helping out your skin and saving on coconut oil but you are also reducing the amount of chlorine gas you are breathing during those steamy showers.

Tip #6 GET THOSE GUTTERS CLEANED

You must be thinking umm is she just having a go now, or is this relating to my health, well, the answer is most definitely relating to your health. Having seen so many mouldy homes where water intrusion has occurred during heavy downpours (and yes peeps we are getting heavier downfalls less often, so get used to it) due to blocked, poorly maintained or inefficient roof plumbing and the devastation this can cause on health, (especially for the 24% of people who are unable to produce antibodies to mould) preventing moisture from entering the house is a must.

Tip #7 FORTY TRILLION REASONS

Just in case you are wondering what the title refers to, its house dust mites and the number of fecal pellets they drop in your mattress over a 3 month period. Around 20% of the population suffering allergies to the protein in their poo (that's after they have eaten that teaspoon of dead skin cells you drop each day). So before you blame the poor person next to you at work ask yourself how old is your pillow and mattress, do you use dust mite covers and when was the last time you HEPA vacuumed it or put it in the sun??

Our bedding is in our breathing zone for around 7-9 hrs. a day and sometimes longer during the cooler months. House dust mites love humidity and warmth (there goes your electric blanket). So it is important that we air, hot wash, (with NO SYNTHETIC WASHES OR FRAGRANCES), regularly replace and declutter our bedding.

Unburdening the body means that we can let our beautiful immune systems do their job and stop us from getting sick in the first place. Unburdening the body means that you will not need that hardcore detox you are dreading in the summer months. Unburdening the body means that you are reducing your chemical load and creating less chemical demand – something future generations will thanks us for!

So this winter enjoy your medicinal mushroom, chicory, dandelion organic activated almond milk latte in the comfort of your immune supporting healthy home and be witness to just how miraculous the human body is when it’s not environmentally challenged.

And for those with four legged fur babies, they will thank you too!

Much Love

Deanne Hislop

Building Biologist

So you have probably noticed that fluoride has been in the press a fair bit recently (especially in Western Australia thanks to the Fluoride Free political Party) and so it should be. For many years we have been fed the idea that fluoride strengthens teeth - and to a certain degree in topical application may have its merit. However water fluoridation is a whole other kettle of fish.

I recently interviewed several dentists in regards to how systemic (ingested) fluoride is able to target the teeth as opposed to other parts of the body - to which not one dentist was able to respond. Now water fluoridation comes with a myriad of issues, from an ethical perspective, its political agenda, industry involvement (namely the aluminium and fertiliser industries who require the removal of this hazardous toxic waste - thanks very much Department for Health) but what I find of most concern is the associated health effects, in particular its neurotoxic properties.

Now before everyone starts jumping up and down and screaming conspiracy theorist, there are a few facts I would like to point out. In Australia we are led to believe that water fluoridation is the norm. Unfortunately we are of the 5% of the world who fluoridates and we are not among those with the best dental health. (stay tuned for my coming articles on dental programmes showing great success across the globe) I would also like to point out that while there is some merit from studies most of which performed in the 70s and highly questionable (without even looking at bias or conflict of interest) suggesting it may help in preventing childhood dental cavities, there is zero evidence as suggested by the Cochrane review that it makes any impact on dental hygiene by the time we have reached adulthood.

What there is a concerning amount of evidence on (over 60 well performed peer reviewed studies) is the ability for fluoride to lower IQ - yes that's right, forget its ability to attack the thyroid, dental and skeletal fluorosis, its carcinogenic properties and the rather giant bag of adverse health effects, Fluoride is a neurotoxin - end of. In fact even The Lancet published a study proving so in 2011. This could possibly explain why it is used as rat poison.........just saying. But what about all the latest results from the NHMRC you may ask? Oh are you referring to the part where in the absence of any information they have concluded that it is safe? Interesting They way that they threw out all studies proving neurological effects and concluded no news is good news??

Now while my dentists of whom do a fantastic job and I thank for their time, could not give any points on how systemic fluoride intake can target only the teeth, one thing they did agree on was that you should not swallow toothpaste, an especially important warning for those under the age of 5. Hmmmmmm

So what I would like to share from one of the many, many studies that have been performed worldwide is just how little is require to challenge cognitive function - in fact the study I'm referring to (which did perform a control for lead - someone should mention this to the NHMRC) proves a dose related response between fluoride intake and drop in IQ. http://fluoridealert.org/studytracker/18664/

http://fluoridealert.org/studies/brain01/

I would also like to highlight a part of the study that is particularly alarming in the NHMRC report on fluoride of which I doubt anyone has actually read but based their opinion on its conclusion. The areas of research and collation where grouped under three categories of outcomes according to their importance for decision making; critical, important but not critical and of limited importance.

Below is a list of outcomes, such as oh, you know effect of cognitive function, mortality and cancer (which rate as important but not critical - as opposed to its ability to improve dental caries scoring a game changing critical!!!!

Outcome Rate importance of outcome Dental caries Critical for decision making Dental fluorosis Critical for decision making Neuro-cognitive disorders Important, but not critical Dementia Important, but not critical Neuro-developmental disorders Important, but not critical Cancers of the bone, and specifically osteosarcoma Important, but not critical Congenital abnormalities Important, but not critical All cancers (malignant neoplasms) other than bone cancer Important, but not critical Skeletal effects (other than bone cancers) Important, but not critical All-cause mortality Important, but not critical

But I guess one thing all us parents are all dying to know, is just how much fluoride does it take to effect brain function in our little earth monsters, well here it is for you from a recent presentation from retired Professor of Chemistry and Toxicology Paul Connett..

Please note- fluoride can not be filtered out and can only be completely removed with the use of an Reverse osmosis system of which I recommend using a remineralisation before drinking. For those without fluoride, activated carbon filters are my choice. (water should be tested by a trained building biologist or specialist prior to investment in any filtration system)