OUR MISSION
Setting new health standards in housing
By reducing exposure to harmful toxins we can improve air quality, reduce allergies and asthma symptoms, and improve overall well-being.
CANARY FRIENDLY DESIGN
What are canaries?
Canaries are chemically sensitive people who experience a wide variety of symptoms in response to a wide variety of toxic agents in the environment.
The term refers to the historical practice of using canaries as an early warning system for toxic gases in coal mines.
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Some of the diseases that are associated with chemical sensitivity are ME/CFS, Long COVID, MCAS, and Lyme disease.​
What is ME/CFS?
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a serious, long-term illness that affects many body systems (Learn more 1). People with ME/CFS are often not able to do their usual activities and at times may be confined to bed (Learn more 2). Some of the common symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include malaise, extreme fatigue, body pain, poor concentration, loss of memory, sore throat, tender lymph nodes, pain in multiple joints, headache, rest or sleep does not help in refreshing and sleep problems (Learn more 3).
The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown, although there are many theories. There is no cure for ME/CFS, but treatment can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life (Learn more 4). Treatment may include improving living conditions, as well as other therapies to help manage symptoms.
What is Long-COVID?
Long COVID or long-haul COVID (also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, post-COVID-19 condition, post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), or chronic COVID syndrome (CCS)) is a condition characterized by long-term health problems persisting or appearing after the typical recovery period of COVID-19 (Learn More 1).
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Long COVID has no single, strict definition. People with Long COVID may experience many symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, brain fog, depression, and anxiety. The symptoms can last weeks, months, or even years after infection (Learn More 2).
What is MCAS?
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition that affects the immune system and causes various allergic reactions in different parts of the body. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that release chemicals called mediators when they encounter an allergen or a threat. These mediators, such as histamine, help the body fight infections and heal wounds, but they can also cause inflammation, itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Normally, mast cells only release mediators when they are needed, but in MCAS, they release too many mediators without a clear trigger or reason (Learn More 1).
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MCAS can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and can change over time. Some common symptoms include skin rashes, hives, flushing, itching, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and anaphylaxis. MCAS can also affect the nervous system and cause anxiety, depression, brain fog, memory loss, insomnia, and mood swings (Learn More 2). The symptoms of MCAS can be triggered by many factors, such as infections, medications, insect bites, foods, stress, exercise, temperature changes, and environmental exposures.
What is Chronic Lyme Disease?
Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) is a condition that affects the immune system and causes various allergic reactions in different parts of the body. Mast cells are a type of white blood cell that release chemicals called mediators when they encounter an allergen or a threat. These mediators, such as histamine, help the body fight infections and heal wounds, but they can also cause inflammation, itching, swelling, and other symptoms. Normally, mast cells only release mediators when they are needed, but in MCAS, they release too many mediators without a clear trigger or reason (Learn More 1).
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MCAS can cause a wide range of symptoms that vary from person to person and can change over time. Some common symptoms include skin rashes, hives, flushing, itching, abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and anaphylaxis. MCAS can also affect the nervous system and cause anxiety, depression, brain fog, memory loss, insomnia, and mood swings (Learn More 2). The symptoms of MCAS can be triggered by many factors, such as infections, medications, insect bites, foods, stress, exercise, temperature changes, and environmental exposures.
How Do Healthy Homes Help with ME/CFS, MCAS, Long-COVID, and Lyme Disease?
People suffering from ME/CFS, Lyme disease, and Long-COVID are highly susceptible to environmental conditions. Factors like mold, noise pollution, and VOCs, which are minor inconveniences for healthy individuals, can be completely debilitating for people suffering from these conditions. "Safe/Healthy houses" are built with intention and careful consideration of materials, airflow, water quality, lighting, and sound. Building biologists and other environmental consultants help to ensure the highest level of safety is being met to reduce the impact of the factors mentioned above in the design.
There is a rapidly growing demand for healthy homes and healing spaces, but to date, only a handful of environmentally safe communities have been built. The majority of the US developments have been privately funded; one was built with the help of federal HUD funding, and another was funded by the Arizona Department of Housing. The need for this type of housing is increasing significantly. Since development, each of these communities has been at full capacity, and most have extensive wait lists.