How To Test Your Home For Mold, Air Quality & Toxins | Ryan Blaser @TestMyHome
This video is about testing your home for mold, air quality, and other toxins with Ryan Blaser from TestMyHome. Ryan discusses the importance of a healthy home environment, common toxins found in homes, and how to identify and mitigate them. He also shares his personal experience with mold exposure and recovery. The video covers topics such as mold testing, EMF exposure, water quality, and the impact of lighting on health. Ryan provides practical tips and advice for creating a healthier living space.
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Introduction to Home Toxin Testing
This segment introduces Ryan Blaser, founder of TestMyHome, and the scope of home toxin testing. It highlights the prevalence of mold in homes and its impact on health, setting the stage for a discussion on creating healthier living environments.
The Dangers of Mold Exposure and Ryan's Journey
This chapter delves into the significant health risks associated with mold exposure, citing statistics about its prevalence. Ryan Blaser shares his personal journey into environmental toxicology, motivated by his own health struggles caused by mold, emphasizing the importance of his work.
From Nightclubs to Building Biology: Ryan's Career Path
Ryan Blaser recounts his career transition from environmental control systems for entertainment venues to becoming a building biologist. His personal experience with severe mold illness was the catalyst for founding Test My Home, driven by a desire to protect people from indoor environmental toxins.
Mold Recovery and Ongoing Detoxification
This section details the process of recovering from mold exposure, emphasizing detoxification and body support. Ryan shares his personal detox routine and the importance of regular cleansing, even while working in potentially mold-exposed environments, highlighting the need for protective measures during inspections.
Understanding Mold Load and Home Age
The discussion shifts to the factors influencing mold presence, particularly the concept of 'mold load' and its correlation with home age. Older homes are more susceptible due to a history of water damage, while newer homes generally have a lower risk. Understanding water events is crucial for mold prevention.
Geographic Risk Factors and Normalizing Health Issues
This segment addresses how geographic location, specifically high humidity, increases mold risk. The normalization of mold issues in certain regions is criticized, and the conversation transitions to the six core pillars of home health assessment that Test My Home focuses on.
The Six Pillars of a Healthy Home
Ryan outlines the six critical pillars of a healthy home environment: air quality, mold, chemicals, water, EMF, and lighting. He elaborates on the impact of artificial lighting, particularly blue light from screens, on circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, contrasting it with natural light sources.
Understanding EMF Exposure and Practical Avoidance
This section explains the potential health impacts of EMF exposure, linking it to inflammation and interference with bodily functions. Ryan emphasizes practical strategies for reducing EMF exposure, such as turning off Wi-Fi routers at night and correctly disabling Bluetooth on devices.
EMFs in Appliances and Apartment Living
The discussion covers EMF emissions from household appliances and the specific challenges of managing EMF exposure in apartment settings. The impact of proximity to devices and the effectiveness of EMF-blocking bed canopies are highlighted as solutions for apartment dwellers.
Air Quality: Ventilation and Filtration
This segment focuses on air quality, emphasizing the importance of regular ventilation by opening windows. It also stresses the use of non-toxic products and the benefits of having air purifiers in key living spaces to filter indoor air.
Water Filtration and Shower Health
The importance of water quality is discussed, highlighting the presence of various contaminants in tap water and the risks associated with showering. Recommendations include whole-home filtration systems and reverse osmosis for drinking water to ensure healthier water consumption.
Identifying Mold Issues in Homes
This section focuses on recognizing mold problems, with symptoms ranging from general malaise to specific health issues like asthma and mood disturbances. The impact of mold on relationships is illustrated through a compelling anecdote about a couple whose marriage improved after mold remediation.
Mold Hiding Spots and Types of Mold
Common hiding places for mold are identified, including appliances and plumbing fixtures. The spectrum of mold toxicity is discussed, from dangerous strains to harmless varieties. Factors influencing whether to move or remediate are also covered.
Choosing Reputable Mold Inspectors and Testing Methods
Advice is given on selecting trustworthy mold inspectors, emphasizing independence and experience. Techniques for testing mold behind walls, such as cavity sampling, are explained, along with how to interpret visible mold signs.
Building Materials and Mold Prevention
The discussion covers building materials that are more resistant to mold, emphasizing the importance of waterproofing and avoiding organic materials where moisture is present. The primary advice for mold prevention is maintaining a dry and clean environment, with moving out being the best recourse if remediation is not feasible.
Mold in Appliances and Individual Susceptibility
This segment addresses mold in washing machines and explains why individuals react differently to mold exposure. The concept of a 'toxic bucket' and varying detoxification rates are discussed, suggesting that past mold exposure can contribute to current health issues.
Countertop Radiation, Carpets, and Natural Materials
The conversation touches on potential radiation in countertops and the issues with carpets harboring toxins. Recommendations are made for natural flooring and rugs, and the term 'off-gassing' is explained in the context of VOCs released from household products.
Mold Prevention and Toxin Buildup
This section reiterates that keeping homes dry is key to mold prevention, even with antimicrobial paints. It discusses how toxins can accumulate in the body and affect weight management. The effectiveness of UV lights in HVAC systems and cleaning shower grout are also covered.
Humidifiers, Asbestos, and Older Homes
The risks associated with humidifiers are discussed, along with the potential hazards of asbestos and lead in older homes. The process of making older homes healthy through extensive renovation and cleaning is explained, highlighting Test My Home's role as a guiding consultant.
Worst Mold Infestations and Testing Costs
Ryan shares an account of a devastating mold infestation caused by extreme humidity and discusses the costs associated with Test My Home's comprehensive services, including both in-person and remote testing options. The company's commitment to guiding clients through the entire process is emphasized.
Gratitude and Seeking Professional Help
The importance of gratitude for overall health is highlighted, and viewers are encouraged to seek professional help for mold testing, even locally. Information is provided on how to connect with Ryan Blaser and Test My Home for further resources and services.
Conclusion and Further Resources
The episode concludes with a recap of resources, including the host's YouTube channel and a recommendation for a past episode on non-toxic homes. Viewers are urged to engage with the podcast through reviews and subscriptions, reinforcing the message of gratitude for cultural healing.
Key Statistics & Predictions
Important data points and future projections mentioned in the video
of homes have higher than average mold levels.
shelf life for freeze-dried food from Harvest Right.
daily ventilation recommended for optimal air quality.
Core Topics Covered
The most important concepts and themes discussed throughout the video
Mold Testing and Remediation
Identifying, testing for, and cleaning up mold infestations in homes, including common hiding spo...
Home Environmental Health
Assessing and improving the overall health of a home environment, covering air quality, water, ch...
EMF Exposure and Mitigation
Understanding the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from technology and practical strategie...
Air Quality and Ventilation
The importance of fresh air, ventilation techniques, and the role of air purifiers in maintaining...
Water Quality and Filtration
Assessing tap water contaminants and implementing filtration systems for drinking, showering, and...
Chemicals and Toxins in Products
Identifying and avoiding toxic chemicals in personal care products, cleaning supplies, and buildi...
Lighting and Circadian Rhythms
The impact of artificial light, particularly blue light, on sleep patterns and circadian rhythms.
Detoxification and Health Recovery
Strategies for detoxifying the body from environmental toxins and recovering from illness.
Building Materials and Off-Gassing
Choosing non-toxic building materials and understanding the concept of off-gassing from household...
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