Where you live can influence your health, here's what to look for before you move.

''There is a very strong body of research that shows that certain things in housing are detrimental to people's physical and mental health,'' says Susan Thompson, one of the authors of The Health Impacts of Housing and who leads the Healthy Built Environments Program at the University of NSW.

Read more here.

http://smh.domain.com.au/real-estate-news/dont-let-your-home-make-you-sick-20110909-1k0ew.html

An interesting small portion from the above article:

Toxins

Tyrrell cautions that when considering what to buy, older houses have more unknowns in them than newer ones, which are subject to strict regulations. For example, those built before 1995 are likely to have, in the earth underneath suspended timber floors, highly toxic chemicals that he says were used to kill termites and spiders. ''The subfloors of most Australian houses have this chemical cocktail that I would never let a child or a dog near, or an adult without personal protection equipment,'' he says. There is also a good chance houses built before 1980 have at least some lead in them, whether it is in the paint, flashings, old laundry pipes or dust in the roof cavity. If enough lead particles are swallowed they can have very serious health side effects, especially in children and pets. But if you don't disturb the lead the risks is low.

Asbestos is another hazard in pre-1980s houses, Tyrrell says, most commonly in roof sheeting. It is also generally safe if not disturbed but if fibres or dust are produced they can be deadly.

Thompson says all buyers should ask themselves questions about the house they want to buy.

These may include what materials have been used and are they natural fibres or have they been heavily treated?

Old or new we should always be cautious. It’s better to be careful rather than regret our decisions later.

Bob Miller wrote on Nov 19^th, 2011 at 7:45pm:

Old or new we should always be cautious. It’s better to be careful rather than regret our decisions later.

This is very true.

I've been about town today looking at some new and old homes.

Hmmm there are some problematic structures out there on the market atm.

Do some investigation first, and don't just rely on the information the sellers are giving you.

In making aspects to manage it more detailed in all the things to help it more wonderful.

Home is one way that you can relaxed and by cleaning you can avoid other toxins or germs in your place.

I'm more worried about dust clogging up my computer. If there were dangerous chemical substances in my home, like asbestos, I would have gotten cancer ages ago.

Mnemonic wrote on Aug 6^th, 2012 at 7:43pm:

I'm more worried about dust clogging up my computer. If there were dangerous chemical substances in my home, like asbestos, I would have gotten cancer ages ago.

Apparently mesophelioma takes 20 years to manifest.

SOB

Home should be home sweet home, relaxing and very convenient to everyone as it's wear we find peace and comfortable.

Big house, soulless uncharitable beings...not worth a pinch of crap.

..and don't let the size of your house be obsessive and analogous to your own self-worth, or you will prove your sickness to others.

Mnemonic wrote on Aug 6^th, 2012 at 7:43pm:

I'm more worried about dust clogging up my computer. If there were dangerous chemical substances in my home, like asbestos, I would have gotten cancer ages ago.

Well I am agree with you and will suggest that their is only one way to remain save from all kind of diaseases.So,you should be clean up your house completely at least two times in a week.

Stanleys wrote on Aug 6^th, 2012 at 4:58pm:

Home is one way that you can relaxed and by cleaning you can avoid other toxins or germs in your place.

You didn't read the article, did you?