MANY PEOPLE I’ve met have two extreme views on green architecture. On one hand, some people think it’s all about landscaping and plants. On the other, some people think green architecture is all about strange-looking structures with high-technology gadgets like photovoltaic panels, wind turbines and energy-efficient equipment. In reality both sides paint a good but incomplete picture.
What is usually missing is the health aspect. Green architecture is all about the health, comfort, safety and well-being of building occupants.
You may live in the most energy-efficient, water-conserving home but if you don’t feel well inside, then it’s not a green home.
MANY building and furnishing materials have the potential to outgas chemicals, especially when warm. Do not add to the toxicity by bringing in air fresheners, synthetic polishes and other cleaning sprays which can pollute the indoor environment.
In tropical countries like the Philippines, studies suggest that due to the worsening global warming phenomenon, more insects are increasing in population, thus, having a widespread effect on public health, agriculture and conservation.
Drawback of using pesticides
This has led to many people using what they consider as the fastest way to eradicate pests in and out of their homes. There are now pesticides for insects, fungi, plants, birds, rats and mice. However, there is one big drawback. They can harm people, wildlife and the environment.
The use of pesticides must adhere to strict controls so that they are used safely and effectively. The general rule for pesticides is to use as little of it as possible and only as a last resort. Some health advocates are completely against it and suggest natural alternatives.
You may not use pesticides personally but if you live in a ready-made house that you bought or in a rented house, make sure that it has not gone through an extensive spraying of pesticide.
There is a case where an entire family got sick for mysterious reasons while staying in a house that they bought. After a thorough cleaning process of the entire house, the health problems persisted.
Upon investigation, they discovered that the previous owners hired a chemical company to spray the attic and the walls with hundreds of gallons of a neurotoxic chemical. They found ¼ inch diameter unsealed holes on the floor slab where toxic vapors were being released inside the house.
Tests showed that the chemicals had damaged their immune system. They moved out of the house and shortly after, it was declared a disaster area. By then it was too late, their investment was gone and more importantly, their health was compromised.
Another case is that of my friend Debbie from Canada who was exposed to the toxic chemical found in treated wood known as copper chromate arsenic (CCA). This chemical is so effective that it prevents pests and the elements from destroying it. It is also equally toxic that even after many years of application, it can still pose a serious threat to health.
Debbie’s advocacy now is to make people aware of the many dangers of the use of toxic chemicals in the home and workplace. She still suffers many serious illnesses that give her sleepless nights.
CCA is the same chemical used to preserve wooden electric utility poles. These are now being replaced by modern steel poles. These treated wood poles are popularly used for children’s playhouses, picnic tables and benches, boardwalks in beaches, etc.
Dangerous poles
If anyone offers you these poles for free, don’t accept them. Many playgrounds and parks with these treated poles have been closed in the United States and Canada.
What makes these poles dangerous is that they look so harmless and appropriate for renovation jobs like putting a front porch or terrace or a gazebo.
Just remember, the stilts that support the terrace, the posts, floor joists, floor planks, roof beams, trusses and purlins can all be made using treated wood but with dire consequences.
In many cases the best way to prevent the pests from getting into the house is to keep the house clean with all possible entry points for pests closed off.
Another effective way is to get rid of your garbage through composting or by burying it in the ground to starve the pests and prevent them from building colonies.
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