Not Born To Formaldehyde

The design of the human body is a work in progress. The species adapts and changes very slowly, taking thousands of years to show measurable change. Perhaps in 75,000 years man will have very thin fingers to meet the demands of tiny keyboards. He may have huge flat feet that double as flippers when all the icebergs have melted. His larger nose will help to filter out the increasing air pollution that he will surely face. But for now . . . .

We cannot begin to accommodate all of the indoor chemicals to which we are exposed (even though our respiratory systems have some extraordinary built-in protection). Until recently humans lived with all natural materials. They traveled only as far as the horse could carry them so they rarely had the respiratory shock of exotic materials. They spent long hours outside hunting, gathering, planting, ploughing.

Eventually, costly global health disasters will force governments, builders and manufacturers to select non-toxic and sustainable materials. The improvement probably won’t be complete in our lifetime. Even then, older homes and older office buildings will continue to put out toxic gases. In the meantime, be a force for change in the marketplace and get outside whenever possible to break your chronic exposure.

Be well. Breathe beautifully.