How much do you know about your home’s impact on your health? Dr. Nicole Bijlsma, an environmental health expert and building biologist, uncovers the often-overlooked hazards lurking in our everyday environments. From the risks of mold and dust to the surprising health effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs), she offers actionable advice to create safer, healthier living spaces. Learn why a simple change like removing shoes indoors or using fragrance-free cleaning products can make a profound difference for your family’s well-being.
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Key Moments
“If you don’t use a filter, your body becomes the filter.”
“Healthy homes are about biodiversity, not sterility.”
“Modern toxins are a complex problem, but the solution starts with small, intentional changes.”
Connect With Dr. Nicole Bijlsma
Book: Healthy Home, Healthy Family
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Dr. Nicole Bijlsma on How the Health of Our Home Impacts Our Well-being
When we think about health, diet and exercise often take center stage. However, as Dr. Nicole Bijlsma highlights in her conversation on SuperAge, the environment inside our homes plays a critical role in our well-being. From mold to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), the hazards within our four walls are often invisible yet impactful.
Understanding Mold and Dust Risks
According to Dr. Bijlsma, mold and household dust are common culprits of poor indoor air quality. Mold thrives in water-damaged buildings, leading to respiratory issues and chronic illness. Dust, far from harmless, contains a mix of allergens, skin cells, and harmful chemicals like flame retardants. These accumulate in soft surfaces such as carpets, making them a potential health hazard, especially for children.
Electromagnetic Fields: The Invisible Threat
EMFs from devices like Wi-Fi routers and cell phones are another concern. Dr. Bijlsma’s research suggests prolonged exposure can suppress melatonin, disrupt sleep, and even contribute to long-term health issues. Her advice? Keep electronics out of the bedroom and use the inverse square law—distancing yourself from sources to reduce exposure.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Dr. Bijlsma stresses that creating a healthier home doesn’t require perfection but awareness and simple steps. Switching to fragrance-free cleaning products, removing shoes indoors, and investing in high-quality air filters are straightforward ways to begin. These adjustments can significantly reduce the toxin load in your environment, contributing to better health outcomes for you and your family.
Overall, Dr. Nicole Bijlsma’s insights are a wake-up call to reconsider what it means to live healthily. By taking these practical steps, we can reclaim our homes as spaces of safety and vitality.
Check out the full interview transcript.
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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