By Patricia Young

Today, homes built with healthy living and healthful aging in mind—using non-toxic building materials and methods—are still the exception in modern construction. According to the 2018 EPA update, of the 86,228 chemicals in common building production, only about one percent have been tested for human safety.

Great Grandpa Rufus, a near centenarian still spryly caring for the home he built as a young man, offered simple advice for a long life: “We must take care of our houses so our houses can take care of us.”

Going Green Doesn’t Always Mean Toxin-Free

Although Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and other green building guidelines promote eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, they do not necessarily ensure a living space free of pollutants such as toxic chemicals from building products or electrosmog — increasing electromagnetic fields from wireless technology and electrical devices — classified by the World Health Organization as a possible carcinogen.

Around 20% of building materials are classified as “Confidential Business Information” (CBI), meaning their identities and safety data are not publicly disclosed. Building materials such as engineered wood, paints, adhesives, sealants, carpets, drywall, and flooring may contain toxic or undisclosed chemicals.

One example is formaldehyde, which has been linked in studies to cancers and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, and Parkinson’s.

Some chemicals may off-gas slowly over time, sometimes for decades. 

Homes Built to Benefit Health 

The positive side is that homes can be designed to combine energy efficiency with lower-toxin materials and healthier building practices, often at reasonable cost, if buyers are informed and intentional.

Ionizing radiation like X-rays is known to damage DNA, while thousands of studies, such as those from BioInitiative.org, suggest non-ionizing radiation from wireless technology may also have biological effects. Exposure may disrupt cellular electrical functions, creating concern about long-term health impacts in a modern “electronic soup.”

Key Features to Consider When Building or Buying a Healthy Home

When considering buying or building a healthy home, it’s important to evaluate all of these features and how they will impact health and longevity in order to make smart, green, health-conscious choices.

Location

Location matters first. Avoid proximity to cell towers, including 5G small cell antennas, as well as high-voltage power lines. Tools like cell tower maps can help identify lower-exposure locations.

Avoid Wireless Signals

Avoid homes with smart meters when possible, as they emit wireless signals and contribute to neighborhood-wide EMF exposure. Some utilities allow opt-outs, while only off-grid homes eliminate exposure entirely.

Indoor electrical design can reduce exposure by using wired internet instead of wireless systems and by placing wiring in shielded conduits.

Environmental Pollution

Also consider surrounding environmental pollution, including pesticides, herbicides, industrial emissions, traffic pollution, and agricultural drift.

Home Orientation

Home orientation is important for energy and comfort. Designs that follow seasonal sun patterns can reduce heating and cooling needs and improve indoor light quality.

Exterior Materials

Exterior materials also matter. Breathable systems such as Faswall® blocks are promoted for improved indoor air quality, thermal mass, and resistance to mold and fire.

Metal roofs are often preferred over asphalt shingles for durability and rainwater collection, and are sometimes cited as providing partial EMF shielding.

Water Systems

Water systems should also be considered. Atmospheric water generators offer water independence, while filtration systems help reduce contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and persistent chemicals found in many water supplies.

Interior Materials

Interior materials should be evaluated for toxins and mold risk. Older gypsum-based materials are often viewed more favorably than modern drywall with industrial additives. Low-VOC or zero-VOC finishes are preferred for healthier indoor air.

Overall, a healthy home is framed as one that reduces chemical and electromagnetic exposure while improving resilience, comfort, and longevity.

We spend 65% of our entire life inside our home. Our home is our health—it’s that simple.

This article references suggestions from Prescriptions for a Healthy House by Paula Baker-Laporte, which outlines alternative materials and methods.