Brian Johnson, a triple-certified expert from the Building Biology Institute, joins the discussion on creating healthy home environments. He explores the dangers of mold, toxic materials, and electromagnetic radiation. Johnson shares his innovative building techniques, like using recycled materials and breathable insulation, to promote better indoor air quality. He also delves into the health benefits of LED lighting, the importance of effective air filtration, and strategies for managing electromagnetic fields, all aimed at making your home a sanctuary for wellness.
Creating a healthy home involves selecting non-toxic materials while minimizing exposure to mold and other pollutants.
Optimal lighting choices, particularly using LED bulbs, significantly enhance energy efficiency and improve overall health in living spaces.
Managing electromagnetic fields in the home, through strategic placement of devices and use of shielding techniques, reduces potential health risks.
Efficient ventilation systems, such as energy recovery ventilators, are crucial for maintaining good indoor air quality and minimizing toxins.
Choosing advanced water filtration systems is essential for ensuring clean drinking water and positively impacting overall health and hydration.
Deep dives
Rogue Status in Natural Health
The episode features an interview with Brian Johnson from Synergy360, who specializes in creating healthy living environments. He discusses his journey in the construction industry, including the challenges he faced while building an underground bunker and a prefab log cabin. The speaker emphasizes the importance of controlling various factors when constructing homes, such as insulation materials, pollution mitigation, and planning. By focusing on these aspects, individuals can create homes that promote health and wellness.
Building Materials and Mold Prevention
Brian shares insights on the construction of homes, explaining that many are built from materials that are less than ideal for health, such as those that facilitate mold growth. He expresses a preference for insulated concrete composite forms (ICCF) over standard insulated concrete forms (ICF), stating that ICCFs are less toxic and provide better insulation. The speaker discusses the significance of selecting materials carefully to minimize indoor pollution and avoid common issues like mold. This approach ensures that homes are not only durable but also promote a healthier living environment.
Lighting Choices and Their Impact
A discussion about lighting reveals that while incandescent bulbs have been popular for their warmth, LED lighting offers significant energy savings and efficiency. Brian favors LED lights for their lower environmental impact and better energy usage, which surprised the host. The conversation highlights the importance of color temperature and flicker rate, which can affect sleep quality and overall health. The better the lighting choice, the more conducive it is to maintaining well-being in the home.
EMF Mitigation Strategies
The interview addresses electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and their potential health effects, especially from household devices such as Wi-Fi routers and smart meters. Brian offers practical tips for reducing EMF exposure, including using specific paints and shielding techniques in homes. The discussion emphasizes the importance of creating a safe space within the home by considering the placement of appliances and technological devices. Learning to manage EMF exposure can lead to improved health and reduced stress levels in daily living.
Air Quality and Ventilation
Brian emphasizes the critical role of ventilation in ensuring good indoor air quality within homes. He advocates for the use of energy recovery ventilators (ERVs) to maintain fresh air circulation and reduce toxins. The conversation highlights the challenges of balancing indoor air quality with energy efficiency, especially in modern, tightly sealed buildings. By utilizing effective ventilation systems, homeowners can create healthier environments that minimize harmful pollutants.
Water Filtration Insights
The speaker discusses the importance of choosing the right water filtration system, noting that many people underestimate the impact of clean water on health. Systems that include multiple filtration stages, like reverse osmosis and UV treatment, can significantly improve water quality. Brian mentions the importance of hydration and how quality drinking water contributes to overall well-being. Proper filtration methods ensure that harmful substances are removed, providing peace of mind for homeowners.
Solar Panel Considerations
The podcast touches on the installation of solar panels and the associated EMF concerns. Brian suggests mounting solar panels at a distance from living areas to limit exposure, as well as employing shielding techniques if necessary. He discusses the importance of solar panel positioning to maximize efficiency while minimizing negative effects. This preventive approach allows homeowners to enjoy the benefits of solar energy while safeguarding their health.
Thoughts on Alternative Insulation
In discussing insulation materials, Brian highlights the use of mineral wool as a superior option for its mold resistance and low toxicity. He points out that many common insulation products can contribute to indoor air problems and advises on selecting healthier alternatives. The episode stresses that effective insulation should not only keep the home warm but also contribute to a healthy indoor environment. Ensuring that insulation is breathable and non-toxic is key to a sustainable home.
The Role of Home Shape
The conversation includes a discussion about the architectural design of homes, questioning whether certain shapes could enhance health. Brian briefly touches on Vastu and feng shui principles, noting that while they may have their place, practicality often dictates the final design. He suggests that personal preference and practical needs should take precedence over aesthetic considerations when it comes to building homes. Emphasizing effective design ensures that homes are functional as well as visually appealing.
Creating Healthier Homes
The overarching theme of the episode focuses on making homes healthier through informed building practices. By selecting non-toxic materials, ensuring good air quality, and managing energy efficiently, homeowners can enhance their well-being. Brian expresses a passion for reshaping the construction industry to prioritize health, which can have profound implications for future generations. Listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps in their own building projects to create living spaces that support health and longevity.
You are only as healthy as the environment you live in. From mold exposure to volatile organic compounds to electromagnetic radiation, the list of exposures that our body has to process is extensive. Holding a triple certification from the Building Biology Institute, Brian Johnson is cahgnign the way that we think about home construction. He educates builders and renovators about how to built a home free of harmful chemicals down to using recycled wood blocks instead of polystyrene foam blocks and wool insulation instead of fiberglass and formaldehyde insulation.
In this episode he talks about his mold prevention strategy, how to optimize lighting, why he prefers LED bulbs to incandescent, why you should remove dimmer switches from your home, which lighting companies to purchase from that don’t create dirty electricity, why you want to have multiple breaker panels, his thoughts on EMF shielding paint, why he doesn’t like the Starlink router and his solution, what to do about smart meters, his thoughts on grounding indoors, shielded clothing, air filtration, and more.
