The Startling Truth: Most New Builds Aren’t Healthy

Australia is in a building boom but as Annie explains, this comes at a major cost to health and quality. It turns out:

• 1 in 10 new builds in Australia will develop mould and condensation issues within 10 years (Tasmanian University).

• 1 in 4 people lack the gene needed to detox from mould exposure putting them at risk of chronic illness.

• Dead mould spores are still toxic and are often present even after visible mould is removed.

• New homes are built to last just 20–30 years, but issues are appearing much earlier.

From Sick Pet to Expert: Annie’s Story

Annie’s journey started when her cat Smokey developed hyperthyroidism which her holistic vet linked to flame retardants in the home.

A stopgap renovation using PVC flooring introduced phthalates and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) into her home. These odourless toxins embedded in dust and likely triggered her pet’s illness.

“I can’t prove it with medical science, but I’m convinced our home made our cat sick.”

This led Annie to retrain in building biology, gaining certifications in mould, EMFs, air quality, water safety, and healthy materials.

What We’re Still Getting Wrong in Construction

Annie’s key concern? We’re not building for climate or for humans.

• Homes aren’t oriented properly, leading to overheating or cold spots.

• Dark roofs absorb too much heat yet are still widely used.

• Cross-ventilation and thermal mass are ignored in favour of fast builds.

• Developers are rushing through cheap waterproofing, which fails quickly and encourages mould growth.

Thermal Comfort = Healthier Homes

Simple design improvements can reduce energy use and improve health:

• Low-E glass to filter UV rays and heat

• Lime-based paints and plasters to regulate humidity

• White or light-coloured roofs to reflect heat

• Correct building orientation to maximise sunlight and breezes

• Proper insulation and airtightness (with ventilation!) to avoid thermal bridging

Mould + EMFs = A Toxic Combo?

Did you know mould grows faster in the presence of Wi-Fi radiation?

Research by Dr Magda Havas and others suggests EMFs may increase mould toxicity and growth rate. Annie warns:

• Smart meters and inverters should never be placed on bedroom walls

• Induction hobs and fridges emit magnetic fields which is especially concerning for pregnant women

• Bedrooms should be low-EMF zones: no chargers, phones, or metal spring beds

If you’re considering Wi-Fi shielding paint or canopies, get a professional EMF assessment first or you could risk making things worse.

What’s Really in Your Tap Water?

Forever chemicals like PFAS are now headline news. Annie recommends:

• Reverse osmosis systems (not Brita) at point-of-use

• Shower filters to reduce chlorine exposure through skin

• Avoiding plastic water bottles, which may leach microplastics and hormone-disrupting chemicals

“If clean water costs £300–£400… the real question is: what is your health worth?”

Why Geopathic Stress & Nature Still Matter

Annie also explored Geopathic stress: energy disturbances caused by underground water, fault lines or ley lines. Ancient builders used dowsing rods to avoid building homes in energetically compromised areas. Modern homeowners can still benefit from checking what’s beneath their bed.

She also champions Biophilic design:

• Incorporate natural light and access to nature

• Use lime plaster and natural textures

• Choose organic, breathable textiles especially for babies and children ( we also heard about the dangers of formaldehyde in bedding in the last podacvst epiode with carly Harryman

You can listen to that episode here

Annie’s 8 Pillars of a Healthy Home

1. Clean air
2. Clean water
3. Low-tox materials
4. Low EMF exposure
5. Thermal comfort
6. Natural light
7. Biophilic connection
8. Geopathic & energetic balance
   

   What Can You Do Today?

• Use HEPA vacuums and clean dust regularly

• Avoid carpets; use washable rugs instead

• Don’t make your bed immediately — let it air!

• Change your mattress every 10 years

• Choose IKEA over cheaper MDF brands….apparenlty it has some of the lowest formaldehyde levels on the market

Where We Need Government Change

Annie’s advocacy doesn’t stop at the home. She’s:

• Launching The Transparency Movement, a non-profit to fund women in trades and demand clear labelling on materials

• Developing a CPD-accredited course for architects and builders in Australia

• Pushing for the adoption of international frameworks like Living Building Challenge and WELL for healthier materials

“Green building doesn’t always mean healthy building. We need both.”

Final Thoughts

Annie’s overarching concerns…

“We’ve spent so long building for speed and profit, we forgot to build for people. It’s time we change that brick by brick.”