Free Fact Sheets

The joy of becoming a parent is incomparable, but comes with the worry for your baby’s well-being, especially when you are not able to directly supervise the newborn. This very…  

Light is a central part of the human experience.  Not only does light allow us to see but also our exposure to light largely determines our physiological, and in turn…  

Kitchens are an integral part of every home.  Ultimately, kitchens are where we nourish ourselves, feed our families and host guests. However, kitchen design and its effect on human health…  

Solar or Photovoltaic (PV) power generation systems as well as other alternative energy producing systems (e.g. wind generators and gas power, on-site generators) are not recommended for people who are…  

Electric lighting became available less than 150 years ago but it provides a convenience most people would find difficult to live without today.  The use of artificial light has undoubtedly…  

Cellphones are unhealthy at any speed, and the speed is increasing year in and year out with generational advances in cellular technology. Beginning in 1973, with the first-generation (1G) offering…  

Biologicals All creatures need food and water. Manage pests of any size—from large (rodents) to small (bugs) to very small (mould) by keeping your building dry and clean. Manage moisture…  

Principles 2-4 of the Building Biology Principles concern Community Planning: Place dwellings so occupants are undisturbed by sources of man-made air, soil, water, noise and electro-pollution. Place dwellings in well-planned…  

This is the second module of the prerequisite and fundamental course on electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This course discusses known biological effects caused by EMR as well as suspected ones. Additionally,…  

“Smart” meters do not satisfy Building Biology Institute’s standards for a healthy built environment.  The primary problems are the wireless communication with high frequency electromagnetic radiation and the disturbing peculiarity…  

The air we breathe today is often polluted by an extensive range of particulate and gaseous toxins generated by furnaces, power plants, factories, automobiles and myriad other sources. Although the…  

Principles 2-4 of the Building Biology Principles concern Community Planning: Place dwellings so occupants are undisturbed by sources of man-made air, soil, water, noise and electro-pollution. Place dwellings in well-planned…  

5G describes 5th generation cellular technology being introduced in the coming decade of the 2020s. It is not 5.8 GHz, a Wi-Fi and cordless telephone frequency used for years. 5G…  

Electricity is a hallmark of industrialized societies. In most of the Western world, homes not only offer the convenience of running water, but also the luxury of electricity. Electric kitchen…  

This course is an extract and elaboration on this topic from the IBE Electromagnetic Radiation course series. This course is intended for the greater public interested in having a better…  

Liquid Water Bulk or liquid water can cause the most damage to building materials and contents. Managing water entry points through the building envelope, by regular inspection and maintenance of…  

Our homes protect us from outside elements, but there are also indoor elements that can negatively impact our health. They will vary with the age of the home, as different…  

Poor indoor air quality is not the only form of pollution that affects human health. In 2005 the Environmental Working Group (EWG) analyzed more than 22 million tap-water quality tests…  

Electromagnetic radiation can’t be seen or smelled or touched so most people don’t think much about it. But an increasing number of people are becoming affected by the ever-increasing levels…  

External sources (outside your home) of non-thermal electromagnetic radiation (EMR) are ubiquitous: microwave towers, high-power lines, electrical transfer/relay stations, smart meters, cell phones and smart phones. Smart Phones are especially…  

Principles 2-4 of the Building Biology Principles concern Community Planning: Place dwellings so occupants are undisturbed by sources of man-made air, soil, water, noise and electro-pollution. Place dwellings in well-planned…  

Sufficient ventilation is crucial for creating and maintaining a healthy indoor climate. In the past, natural air infiltration was a major contributing factor to the healthy air exchanges in a…  

Have you ever enjoyed standing in front of a sunny window in winter soaking up the sun’s warmth while the temperatures outside were freezing? Radiant heating, in this case from…  

Until very recent building history, the building envelope (walls, floors, and roofs) of dwellings were made of materials harvested from nature like stone, wood, agricultural fiber and clay. They were…  

This is the third module of the prerequisite and fundamental course on electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This course discusses sources and causes, Building Biology testing methods, and mitigation—recommendations and remediation. You…  

Dr. William Rae, MD, Director of the Environmental Health Center in Dallas, suggests that our bodies are like a rain barrel. Every day we dump in pollutants in the form…  

Every aspect of a home, school or commercial building’s outer skin, including the roof, windows, and foundation (and cellar walls and floor, if a cellar exists) should be crucial components…  

Principles 2-4 of the Building Biology Principles concern Community Planning: Place dwellings so occupants are undisturbed by sources of man-made air, soil, water, noise and electro-pollution. Place dwellings in well-planned…  

“Living Climate” refers to the atmosphere of a living space. It captures and displays the essence of a home, fills the outer form with life, and creates either harmony or…  

The human body is an amazing, self-rejuvenating entity that has the ability to repair itself while it sleeps. This is accomplished with its own, internal electrical system that functions with…  

Cultivated living tells us a lot about the educational background, character, intellect, artistic sense and aesthetics of an individual person, a family, and a community. You can download this fact…  

Gas, oil, coal, wood, and other fuels burned indoors consume valuable indoor oxygen unless air for combustion is supplied from the outdoors. In tight, energy efficient buildings the byproducts of…  

Surface finishes have always been at the heart of the building biology movement.  Today, many finishing products are toxic to the environment, as well as to human health. It is…  

Every single living cell receives and transmits color rays, even those preferring to live in darkness. The body, mind and emotions of humans are no exception and are highly responsive…  

Is the water that you drink and bathe in healthy? If you are on a community water system the US government requires them to publish a CCR (Consumer Confidence Report)…  

The following information is provided courtesy of Paula Baker-Laporte FAIA, BBP, co-founder and principal architect of EcoNest®. In order for a home to support our health it must be clean…  

The acoustical properties of a home can either make it a pleasant and peaceful place to be or a disruptive and aggravating environment. Finishes that are porous tend to absorb…