Kate

I was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity and chronic fatigue in 1994, while working as an administrative law judge in southern California. Because I was given a disability accommodation I was able to continue working until 2017, using a home office and conducting hearings by phone. That allowed me to keep my mortgage, my health insurance, and my pension plan, but it meant I had to live as an urban hermit, only leaving my house for a few hours each week, to avoid exposure to fragrance, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, etc. When it was time to retire I sold my house and moved to the Pacific Northwest in search of clean air, as I could not imagine spending my retirement trapped in my house. Since my move I have been able to build a house to which I don't react, in an area with good air quality, and my health has steadily improved. While other people my age are struggling with declining health, I am celebrating the return of health and vigor. I created this blog and archive of my earlier Instagram posts to share my journey and to encourage other chemically sensitive people. I was able to create a safe, healthy home, and I've met other chemically sensitive people who have done the same. You can too!

Consultants

Paula Baker-Laporte. Paula is a chemically sensitive architect and the primary author of “Prescriptions for a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders and Homeowners.” She is also the founder of EcoNest Architecture. Currently based in Ashland, OR, Paula has been consulting on healthy home construction for the chemically sensitive since 1998. I hired […]

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Books

Here are the several books I found most helpful in deciding how to build my house. Baker-Laporte, Paula, et al. (2022) “Prescriptions for a Healthy House: A Practical Guide for Architects, Builders and Homeowners (4th Edition).” BLB Publications. Be sure to purchase the most recent edition. This is an expensive book, but it is extremely

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