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Check what could be affecting your health at home
Review the indoor environmental factors across the rooms you use, including air quality, moisture and mould, lighting, materials and finishes, acoustics and sensory factors.
The Healthy Home Toolkit
Could your home be affecting your health?
Learn what to look for in every room, understand common indoor environmental risks, and follow practical steps to create a healthier home.
AUD $49 · Self-paced digital Toolkit
Healthy Home ToolkitExample preview
YOUR PROGRESS50%
6 of 10 sections complete
How a Home Can Affect Health and Wellbeing
Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation
Moisture, Condensation & Mould Prevention
NOTICE THE CLUES IN YOUR HOME
Stuffy rooms. Recurring condensation. Strong product smells.
Perhaps the bathroom stays damp, a new finish smells strong, or bedroom lighting feels harsh in the evening. You may not know what to investigate or what to ask a trade.
- Where does your kitchen or bathroom extraction discharge?
- What is causing moisture to return?
- Which products or finishes need a closer review?
- What can you adjust before planning a bigger upgrade?
The guidance helps you record these observations and organise follow-up. It does not diagnose their cause or promise a health outcome.
HOW IT WORKS
Three steps to your personalised home checklist
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Identify what needs attention
See which issues may be contributing to poor indoor conditions, what to check next, and what questions to ask before buying products, replacing materials or calling a trade.
03
Get your personalised home checklist
Receive practical recommendations for your home, including what to change, what to consider replacing it with where relevant, and when to speak with a qualified trade or professional.
WHY YOUR HOME ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
Why indoor environmental factors matter.
Some indoor sources carry genuine health risks. These facts explain why ventilation, moisture and product choices deserve attention, without predicting risk in your home.
Look beyond the surface of new furniture.
Some pressed-wood products, glues and furnishings release formaldehyde, classified as a human carcinogen.
Evidence and sources
A known human carcinogen can be released from common pressed-wood products.
Formaldehyde is used in products such as particleboard, MDF, plywood, glues and some furnishings. The US National Cancer Institute states that formaldehyde is classified as a human carcinogen. New pressed-wood products can be an important indoor source.
National Cancer Institute: Formaldehyde and Cancer RiskUS EPA: Formaldehyde and indoor airConsider what products release into the air.
Paints, adhesives, cleaning products and furnishings can release VOCs. Effects vary with the chemical and exposure.
Evidence and sources
Some VOCs can affect more than your nose and throat.
VOCs can come from paints, adhesives, cleaning products, air fresheners, furnishings and building materials. The US EPA lists possible effects including headaches, nausea, loss of coordination and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system. Some organic chemicals are known or suspected human carcinogens.
The health effect depends on the chemical, concentration and duration of exposure.
US EPA: Volatile organic compounds and indoor airAddress dampness, not just visible mould.
WHO links damp and mouldy buildings with respiratory symptoms, allergies and asthma. Persistent moisture needs investigation.
Evidence and sources
WHO reports up to a 75% greater risk of respiratory symptoms and asthma in damp or mouldy buildings.
The World Health Organization recommends preventing or fixing persistent dampness and mould because of the associated respiratory, allergy and asthma risks.
This is a population-level finding from WHO’s evidence review, not a prediction for one individual home.
WHO: Dampness and mould evidence summaryWHO: Indoor air quality guidelinesCheck fuel-burning appliances and ventilation.
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. Faulty or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances can create a serious risk.
Evidence and sources
Carbon monoxide has no colour or smell, and at high levels it can be fatal.
Possible indoor sources include faulty or poorly vented fuel-burning appliances, gas heaters, gas stoves, fireplaces and vehicle exhaust from attached garages. Exposure can cause headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness and death.
US EPA: Carbon monoxide poisoningRisk depends on the source, concentration, exposure time, ventilation and individual. The Toolkit helps you recognise possible issues, not diagnose illness or measure exposure.
FREE HEALTHY HOME CHECK
Review six indoor environmental areas
Answer twelve short questions for an educational overview and recommendations based on your answers.
Start the free Healthy Home CheckMAKE INFORMED DECISIONS
What this helps you work out in your own home
Use your observations to decide what needs a closer look, what to ask and what to change.
Moisture and airflow
Record recurring dampness, leaks and extraction concerns so you can arrange the right follow-up.
Products and materials
Review materials, finishes and furnishings, check emissions and product information, and know what to ask before choosing replacements.
Comfort in each room
Check glare, evening light, sound and ventilation in the spaces you use most.
A sensible order of changes
Separate immediate source checks from changes to plan later. Avoid replacing everything at once.
EXPLORE THE DIGITAL EXPERIENCE
Your home review, with a visible record of progress.
Move between lessons, room checks and saved notes. See completed sections and return to the remaining ones.
YOUR HOME REVIEW
A clearer picture of your home.
6 of 10 sections complete
Your guided sections
Your starting assessment
How a Home Can Affect Health and Wellbeing
Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation
Moisture, Condensation & Mould Prevention
Materials, Finishes & Furnishings
Lighting for Comfort, Function & Circadian Health
BedroomKitchenBathroomYour section progressExample preview
KEEP YOUR PLACE
See what you have completed.
50%complete
Your starting assessmentComplete
How a Home Can Affect Health and WellbeingComplete
Indoor Air Quality & VentilationComplete
Moisture, Condensation & Mould PreventionComplete
Materials, Finishes & FurnishingsComplete
Lighting for Comfort, Function & Circadian HealthComplete
Acoustics, Sensory Comfort & Neuro-Inclusive DesignRemaining
Household Products & Chemical ExposureRemaining
Biophilic Design & Connection to NatureRemaining
Home Maintenance & Early Warning SignsRemaining
Room by roomRemaining
Your action planRemaining
Progress and notes save in this browser on this device.
Room by roomExample preview
Bathroom
Manage moisture at its source, not just on the mirror.
Extraction discharges outdoors and is used.Sometimes
Leaks, damaged seals and recurring mould are investigated.No
Cleaning products are appropriate and used as directed.Yes
Check where the fan discharges and allow wet surfaces to dry. Arrange help for recurring leaks or damaged seals.
BedroomKitchenLiving room
INSIDE THE TOOLKIT
Nine learning topics, room checks and personalised recommendations.
Start with your assessment, work through these real Toolkit sections, then bring your observations together.
01
Your starting assessment
Record your baseline practices and choose the rooms you use.
63 guided checks02
How a Home Can Affect Health and Wellbeing
Explore air, moisture, materials, light, sound and nature.
6 guided checks03
Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation
Review fresh air, extraction and indoor pollutant sources.
6 guided checks04
Moisture, Condensation & Mould Prevention
Follow moisture sources, condensation and recurring dampness.
6 guided checks
05
Materials, Finishes & Furnishings
Compare product evidence and prepare supplier questions.
6 guided checks06
Lighting for Comfort, Function & Circadian Health
Understand glare, light quality and control through the day.
6 guided checks07
Acoustics, Sensory Comfort & Neuro-Inclusive Design
Consider adjustable surroundings and lower-stimulation options.
6 guided checks08
Household Products & Chemical Exposure
Read labels and review unnecessary scent in everyday products.
6 guided checks09
Biophilic Design & Connection to Nature
Review daylight, views and accessible connection to nature.
4 guided checks10
Home Maintenance & Early Warning Signs
Check leaks, filters, fans and early signs of deterioration.
4 guided checks11
Room by room
Apply room-specific guidance across ten room and area types.
10 room types · choose the spaces you use12
Your action plan
Review generated recommendations, add notes and track completed changes.
Your recommendations, notes and progressRoom coverage: Bedroom · Children’s room / nursery · Bathroom · Kitchen · Living room · Dining area · Home office / study · Laundry · Garage · Outdoor / pool area.
Also included: Print & download and Your completion summary. Progress and notes save in this browser on this device.
WHAT YOU HAVE AT THE END
A home review you can act on, not another reading list.
Your answers become section results, personalised recommendations and a practical checklist of changes to review in your home. Keep questions for trades and suppliers beside the changes you want to track.
Your section resultsExample preview
YOUR STARTING ASSESSMENT
61/100Educational self-assessment
See which answers need attention.
Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation50/100
Moisture & Mould0/100
Materials, Finishes & Furnishings50/100
Lighting100/100
Example answers only. Scores reflect reported practices, not measured exposure, an inspection or proof of safety.
Your action planExample preview
Turn your observations into next steps.
Record the location and arrange qualified assessment of leaks, water staining or dampness. Resolve the source before repainting or enclosing affected materials.
Review products used most often and remove unnecessary fragrance sources by agreement. Verify ingredients rather than relying on fragrance-free or natural marketing.
Map how fresh air enters each occupied room and stale air leaves. Check vents and mechanical systems; ask a qualified ventilation professional about rooms with inadequate airflow.
Request material disclosure, technical data and relevant emissions tests for the exact product; compare installation and care instructions.
Identify a comfortable nature view or an accessible outdoor routine suited to mobility, weather and the available setting.
My follow-up note
Ask the trade where the bathroom fan discharges.
BONUS COMPANION RESOURCES
Take your checks and plans off-screen.
A4 companion resources and four bonus guides are included. Here are three you can use for home checks, practical follow-up and supplier conversations.
Print & downloadExample preview
Keep a copy for your next conversation.
Print with saved answers or use a blank companion.
Healthy Home Maintenance Record
Whole Home Assessment Summary
One Room Quick Check
Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation Checklist
11 A4 companions · Browser Print / Save as PDF
Questions you can take to a supplier.
Keep your home checks and checklist of changes on paper. Choose saved answers or a blank resource in the print view.
THE HEALTHY BUILDING DESIGNER
COMPANION 01Whole Home Assessment Summary
A whole-home baseline you can take with you as you check your space.
Fresh air and extraction
Moisture and materials
Lighting and everyday comfort
INCLUDED RESOURCE 1
Whole Home Assessment Summary
A whole-home baseline you can take with you as you check your space.
THE HEALTHY BUILDING DESIGNER
COMPANION 02Personalised Healthy Home Recommendations
Turn your observations into a practical sequence of changes.
Source checks to investigate
Products and materials to review
Questions for trades and suppliers
INCLUDED RESOURCE 2
Personalised Healthy Home Recommendations
Turn your observations into a practical sequence of changes.
THE HEALTHY BUILDING DESIGNER
COMPANION 03Materials, Finishes & Furnishings and Supplier Questions
Ask better questions before choosing finishes, furniture or suppliers.
Complete installed material system
Exact-product emissions evidence
Installation and maintenance
INCLUDED RESOURCE 3
Materials, Finishes & Furnishings and Supplier Questions
Ask better questions before choosing finishes, furniture or suppliers.
YOUR GUIDE · MARIA FAALAFI
Why I created the Healthy Home Toolkit
I created this Toolkit from more than 20 years in building and interior design, specialist study in Building Biology, Sustainable House Design, Biophilic Design and Neuro-Inclusive Design, and my own lived experience.
After renovating a home that affected my nervous system and living with a neurological condition, I know firsthand how strongly our environment can affect the way we feel and function.
I wanted to turn what I learned professionally and personally into practical guidance people can use in their own homes.
Read Maria’s storyYOUR COMPLETION OUTCOME
Leave with a record and a plan you can use.
Review your section results, keep your notes and continue working through your personal actions.
Complete all twelve required sections to unlock your Healthy Home Toolkit Certificate of Completion, ready to print or save as a PDF.
Educational completion only. Not HILA building certification, a home safety rating or a medical assessment.
THE HEALTHY BUILDING DESIGNERHealthy Home Toolkit
Healthy Home Toolkit
Certificate of Completion
Completion of the required educational Toolkit sections
Unlocks after all 10 required sections
BEFORE YOU DECIDE
Your questions, answered.
Who is the Toolkit for?
Homeowners and renters who want to understand everyday indoor environmental factors and organise practical changes. It also has a Workplace option. Obtain permission before changing a rented building or its systems.
What does AUD $49 include?
The starting assessment, nine educational modules, selected room reviews, section results, personalised recommendations, A4 companion resources and four bonus guides and an educational completion certificate.
How long does it take?
It is self-paced. Work through one room or topic at a time and return when it suits you.
Where does my progress save?
Answers, notes and completed actions save in this browser on this device. They do not sync across devices. Clearing browser data or resetting progress removes them.
How do I access my purchase?
Use the email address from checkout to request a secure access link. An active purchase is required to open the Toolkit.
Can I print the resources and certificate?
Yes. Companion resources have browser print views with saved answers or blank checklists. The certificate unlocks after all twelve required sections are complete and can be printed or saved as a PDF.
Is the recipe guide available?
Maria’s existing DIY healthy-home and low-tox product recipes PDF is planned as an additional bonus. It is not currently included in the downloadable resources.
Is this a HILA building certification?
No. The certificate records educational Toolkit completion only. It does not certify your home or building as HILA Certified, healthy, safe, compliant or medically suitable.
Does the Toolkit diagnose health or building problems?
No. It provides educational building and interior design guidance. Scores reflect your answers, not measured exposure, an inspection or proof of safety. Seek qualified medical or building advice when needed.
What about purchase terms and refunds?
Australian Consumer Law rights are preserved. Read the purchase terms and consumer-rights information before buying.
Educational guidance and professional advice
The Healthy Home Toolkit provides educational building and interior design information only. It does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment or personalised medical advice, and it does not guarantee any health outcome. If you have symptoms, health concerns or questions about your individual circumstances, seek advice from a qualified health professional. Where building safety, mould, electrical, gas, structural or other specialist issues are identified, seek advice from an appropriately qualified professional.
HEALTHY HOME TOOLKIT
Give your home observations a clear next step.
Your room reviews, recorded results and changes to review, ready to return to as your home evolves.
AUD $49
Get the Healthy Home Toolkit now