Consistently high dew points and weeks of warm temperatures result in a regional increase of indoor mold growth, worsening health conditions, and rising costs into the tens of millions. That’s why I think it’s fair to assert that Western North Carolina is in the middle of a quiet ecological disaster of devastating proportions. Right now, […]
WNC’s Older Homes Offer Charm, Craftsmanship – and Potential Healthiness Challenges
If you’re looking for charm and craftsmanship, our region’s older homes check all the boxes. From century-old log cabins sitting on a ridge to Craftsman cottages in streetcar neighborhoods, the southern Appalachian mountains have no lack of unique, one-of-a-kind homes. In fact, 40% of the United States’ 137 million homes were built before 1969, which […]
Chronic Allergies? Cockroaches Should Be On the List of Culprits
If you’re a hunter kitty, that fast moving, flying American cockroach, known as a “palmetto bug,” or its smaller, particularly invasive German cousin sure looks like fun. But what you and I know that kitty does not is that cockroaches are not only not fun, they’re also not healthy. In western North Carolina, allergens such […]
When Mice Look At Your Home, What Do They See? Get The Mouse Control Checklist
When mice look at your home, what do they see? When you fail to consider what makes your home attractive to a mouse, it’s like putting out the welcome mat. “Come on over to our house,” they hear. “Make yourselves at home.” If you build it, they will come. Bringing with them the dirty, smelly […]
Focus on Environmental Home Healthiness During October’s Critical Illness Awareness Month
After being diagnosed with a critical illness, patients may develop a compromised immune system. When that happens, their home must meet certain healthiness standards to place a priority on their well-being. Prioritizing home healthiness optimizes symptom management and ensures optimum quality of life. In western North Carolina, with a rapidly aging population, it’s not unusual […]
Brownfields Forever? Look at old buildings with fresh eyes and make a plan
In Asheville, a healthy dose of idealism is the hot sauce on the wings of invention. That’s just my colorful way of saying that folks at the heart of western North Carolina understand a thing or two about putting the art in life. Think about the River Arts District or Main Street Hendersonville. Hardly a […]
RADON is Something You Also May Not Realize You Have
You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but the gas is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America. Radon created by the naturally occurring uranium that you would find in soil or water, normally associated with mountains, particularly areas with hot or “radium” springs. Radon could be making you sick – […]
Making the Green Home a Healthier Home
I am often called by local homeowners to conduct a healthiness review of their Energy Star, Green Built, Healthy Built, or LEED Certified home. Despite living in an eco-home, many homeowners are still experiencing unhealthy symptoms: Odors, congestion, coughing, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, fogginess of thought. Some occupants have confirmed healthiness challenges like allergies, […]