Navigating Healthy Home Environments with Expert Tori McGee

The journey to health and wellness doesn't stop at the kitchen door — it encompasses the very air we breathe, the spaces we inhabit, and the inclusive environment of our homes. On Episode 41 of Podcast, we had the opportunity to dive into the nuances of creating a healthy, non-toxic living space with the insight of holistic realtor and building biology advocate.

-Tori McGee

A Healthy Start: Tori McGee's Mission

Tori's journey into holistic realty began with personal motivation; striving to create a healthier environment for her daughter with ADHD, she researched and implemented ways to rid her home of chemicals and improve their diet. This mission evolved into a career geared toward helping families find non-toxic homes free from harmful chemicals that have unfortunately become more prevalent over the years.

Toxins Lurking in Our Homes

Dr. CeCe and Tori discussed the alarming progression of harmful chemicals present in everyday products. Tori assists her clients in assessing potential health hazards in homes, like mold and chemical pollutants, underscoring the vital connection between one’s health and living environment.

Moisture and Mold: The Hidden Foes

Tori emphasized the importance of maintaining indoor humidity below 50% to combat mold growth. She spoke of the necessity for proper ventilation, caulking inspection, and the use of dehumidifiers, especially in crawl spaces. The hosts and Tori also touched upon the insidiousness of mold, highlighting the need for thorough inspection and mold awareness.

Navigating the EMF Jungle

The podcast conversation took a deep dive into the increasingly hot topic of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). With the technological adoption of smart tech and 5G towers, Tori brought to light the importance of using EMF meters and filters to assess and mitigate exposure. Dr. CeCe shared her experience with EMF impact and strategies to minimize exposure, including rerouting the Internet and deploying EMF shielding techniques.

Creating Safe Havens: Non-Toxic Choices and Maintenance

Tori's passion for healthy homes extends to advising on non-toxic renovations and advocating for material choices that support a holistic wellness approach. Dr. CeCe, Annah Kate, and Tori discussed the everyday maintenance tasks homeowners can undertake to prevent a buildup of health-compromising conditions like mold and poor air quality.

Upcoming Insight: Anticipating Part Two

Listeners can look forward to part two of our discussion with Tori McGee, where we'll focus on the details of non-toxic renovations and selecting the right materials to maintain a clean and healthy living environment.

We hope this holistic look into creating healthy homes has inspired you to reassess your home's environmental health. The Discovery podcast remains your resource for all things related to health, wellness, and beyond.

Tori's Holistic Home Health Checklist:

• Enhance Home Air Quality: Start by ensuring your living space has clean, fresh air. Use air purifiers and maintain good ventilation to mitigate the off-gassing from new materials and furniture. Prioritize low-VOC products whenever possible to reduce indoor pollutants.

• Implementation Strategy: Plan a schedule for regularly opening windows to allow cross-ventilation, especially during and after any new construction or renovation. Invest in a high-quality air purifier, and place it in the most commonly used rooms to continuously cleanse the air.

• Conduct Radon Testing: Radon is an invisible threat that can have serious health consequences. Purchase a radon test kit from reliable sources like the UGA extension and place it in the lowest lived-in level of your home to measure levels accurately.

• Implementation Strategy: Order the UGA Radon Extension's $15 testing kit online and follow the instructions carefully for placement. Once you have your results, if radon is detected, contact a professional for proper remediation and establish a plan for ongoing monitoring.

• Address Water Purity: Ensure your home's water is free from contaminants by exploring filtration systems. A whole house filter or a simpler under-sink system can significantly improve drinking water quality.

• Implementation Strategy: Research your home's water source and common local contaminants to determine your specific filtration needs. Compare different filter options and installation costs, looking for models that are both effective and within your budget.

• Prevent and Remedy Mold Issues: Mold and fungus can significantly impact your health, so it's crucial to keep them at bay. Inspect areas prone to moisture, like attics, basements, and crawl spaces, to identify potential problems.

• Implementation Strategy: Regularly inspect your home for water leaks or condensation. In case of mold discovery, consider professional encapsulation services and install dehumidifiers. Read reviews to select trustworthy vendors for inspection and remediation services.

• Eliminate Toxin Exposure: Transition to non-toxic cleaning products and opt for organic solutions for lawn care and pest control. Your home environment should support your health, not compromise it.

• Implementation Strategy: Replace conventional cleaning products with natural alternatives like vinegar and water or certified non-toxic brands like Branch Basics. For lawn and bug control, consider companies that specialize in organic methods. Participate in HOA meetings to encourage community-wide adoption of these practices, and always look for products and companies with positive reviews and a commitment to health and environment.