Free from Mold, Toxins, and Electrosmog
Why Good Sleep Is So Important for Children
Sleep is a cornerstone of healthy development for children. It supports physical growth, strengthens the immune system, and helps the brain process and store new information. Kids who sleep well are better able to concentrate, learn, and manage emotions. In contrast, poor or insufficient sleep can lead to irritability, mood swings, and stress-factors that can impact behavior and performance in school.
What Should Parents Pay Attention to When Setting Up a Child’s Room?
One of the biggest concerns is electromagnetic fields and indoor air quality. Avoid placing electronic devices or power cables near the bed. Common issues include ungrounded bedside lamps, alarm clocks, or CD players that stay plugged in. Ideally, remove these devices altogether—or at least make sure they’re more than a meter (about three feet) away from the bed. If the home has outdated wiring, it may emit electric fields. In this case, installing a demand switch in the fuse box can help reduce exposure. Building biologists recommend getting the electrical fields professionally measured before making changes.
Hidden Magnetic Fields from Speakers and Metal Bed Frames
Speakers contain magnets that create strong static magnetic fields. These, too, should be kept at least one meter away from where your child sleeps. Other potential sources include metal bed frames and spring mattresses, although not all spring mattresses are magnetized. A compass can give you a rough idea, but a professional magnetic field meter is more accurate. Also, make sure the bed is not placed too close to radiators—at least a one-meter gap is best.
Tip from Building Biologists: Turn Off Wi-Fi Routers at Night
Wi-Fi routers continuously emit high-frequency radiation, even when not actively in use. The closer they are to your child’s bed, the higher the potential risk. Experts recommend turning them off at night and placing them outside the child’s room—ideally in a hallway. The best option: use wired internet connections wherever possible.
Are There Harmful Chemicals in the Air?
Yes — especially from furniture and flooring. Cheap furniture often contains formaldehyde, a chemical that can leak into the air even if it meets so-called “safe” standards (like E1 classification). To reduce exposure, seal furniture edges properly and keep cabinet doors closed at night.
Wool Carpets and Pyrethroids – A Hidden Risk
Wool carpets are often treated with chemicals to prevent moth damage. While this treatment protects the carpet, it may harm indoor air quality. The chemicals—often pyrethroids—can cause symptoms like itching, tingling, dizziness, fatigue, or even nerve issues in some people. Always ask before you buy: What chemicals were used? If you’re unsure, it may be safer to skip the wool carpet altogether.
Can Mold Be a Problem in Kids’ Rooms?
Absolutely. In older homes, condensation can form on cold exterior walls in fall and winter, especially in corners. To avoid mold, don’t place wardrobes or large furniture against outside walls. Make sure rooms are properly heated and ventilated. If only windows are upgraded during energy renovations but walls are left uninsulated, “thermal bridges” can form—cold spots where mold easily develops.If you spot visible mold, treat it immediately with 70% alcohol. For more serious infestations, it’s best to hire a professional mold remediation team.