Decades ago I had the honor of meeting one of the pioneers of BAUBIOLOGIE, German architect Helmut Ziehe, who came to the United States to help companies find out why they had so many sick employees. He discovered that the companies were high-rises in most cases with sealed windows and very poor air circulation. This was causing what he called SICK BUILDING SYNDROME, which was an entirely new term to Corporate America unlike Germany.

BAUBIOLOGIE is a field where architects and interior designers learn like I did as his Marketing Director for his newly formed Institute of Baubiologie that there is not only the human skin but a building’s skin. Like a human’s skin a building’s skin has to be able to breathe! Sick Building Syndrome was occurring because of the sealed environment and poorly designed HVAC systems. Helmut was the one that introduced the HEPA air filters that are commonly used today.

Sick Building Syndrome is not exclusive to office buildings. Homes are subject to it too. It is not only the poor air circulation but numerous other factors including PAINTS, varnishes, and particle board furnishings.

Of course these VOC free paints are standard for companies today like Sherman Williams and Benjamin Moore.

Here is what Sally Coulthard says in her very comprehensive book entitled Biophilia:

“…natural paints are undoubtedly the lower-carbon, less polluting option. They also tend to be stuffed full with pigments, which gives them a richer, more complex colour finish – one that often changes subtly throughout the day depending on natural light – and won’t fade as easily over time. Natural oil-based paint for woodwork also tends to have excellent staying power as it impregnates the surface of the timber, helping create a long-lasting bond.”

Hugh Simpson