Natural L.A.W.S.: Light, Air, Water, Sound

We are becoming more aware of the effect that our environment has on our physical and psychological health, but we have only scratched the surface. The discussion that follows does not claim to be based on reproducible research, but rather on personal observation. The reader can take it as a suggestion for how to improve his/her environment or, more usefully, as a suggestion for areas for future research.

Most of us spend a large portion of our waking lives in the presence of electrically-produced light. There are some obvious differences between electrical and natural (sun-produced) light, such as:

• natural light does not exhibit AC power modulation (flicker due to 50 or 60Hz AC power)
• natural light has a different spectrum - one which our eyes (and some scientists believe skin) evolved in
• natural light has random fluctuations in intensity and spectrum due to atmospheric conditions (clouds, humidity), time of day, reflection and blocking by foliage, etc.

The first of these, AC flicker, is probably the most obvious and obtrusive. Almost everyone has noticed the annoying sensation caused by the highly visible flicker of fluorescent lights, but most are not aware that even incandescent bulbs have visible flicker. At the same time, most people have noticed the calming sensation of steady (or gently wavering) flame-produced light, whether from candle or oil lamp. Incandescent lamps do flicker visibly, but the effect is less pronounced, because their filaments remain hot during the electrical cycle, so they continue to produce some light during all parts of the cycle. The flicker is still present, but has a more subtle effect, though still somewhat disturbing.

Tetragon thinks that it may be worthwhile to eliminate the flicker of incandescent lamps, and has tested this idea by constructing DC power supplies to power normal incandescent room lighting. The effect is easily noticeable, and similar to the steady light produced by an oil lamp in its sensation. We believe that at some time in the future, the value of DC-powered incandescent light will be generally accepted, and will be the standard, common form of indoor lighting.

The next factor, spectrum, is just as visible as flicker, though its psychological effect may not be as evident as that of flicker. Natural light has a more even spectral balance than conventional tungsten filament incandescent light, which is strongly yellow to slightly green. Halogen incandescent light is "hotter" (has a higher color "temperature") and appears whiter and more balanced than normal incandescent light, and is preferred by many people for reading, work, and other activities where the quality of the light is important. Fluorescent lamps are available in many different color balances, some of which approximate natural light fairly well, but, as previously discussed, fluorescent light may flicker unpleasantly.

Another alternative has recently become more available: a conventional incandescent lamp with a slightly blue/pink glass bulb, made by General Electric and marketed under the "Reveal" brand. The light from these lamps is not as harshly yellow as untreated bulbs, and while it is not strictly speaking a more natural white balance, many find the color less harsh, "warmer", and more pleasing than that of untreated bulbs. Tetragon has installed these everywhere there was a conventional incandescent bulb, and halogens elsewhere, and found that, overall, there is a more pleasant quality to the light. Reveal bulbs should not be considered to have a suitable white balance for photographic work when compared to photographic light sources with known color temperature, but for normal indoor lighting, they are a worthwhile improvement.

Finally, we can consider natural light's random variation in intensity and spectrum. Tetragon is not aware of any evidence that this is beneficial when compared with the unvarying nature of artificial light, but there is a pleasantness analogous to the "real" sound of natural musical instruments when compared with their electronic counterparts. Tetragon has not had an opportunity to experiment with modulating artificial light in a way that would match natural variations, but believes it would be interesting to do some tests in this area.

Several factors contribute to the quality of the air we breathe indoors:

• pollutants
• humidity
• temperature

We have seen a growing awareness in recent years, with the availability of very effective insulation and weather treatments, that indoor air quality can be adversely affected. Numerous pollutants can be present in unnaturally high quantities. These may be dust (pollen, soil, etc.) imported on our clothing and bodies, or through normal circulation. They may also be combustion products, cooking products, household cleaners, deodorant, perfume, powders, and numerous other substances. In a well-sealed environment with no air filtration mechanism, it is easily possible (and often the case) for pollutants to reach unsafe levels.

Two different approaches can be used to improve indoor air quality (and they can be used simultaneously). One is to install electrostatic air filtration. These are widely available and relatively inexpensive for forced-air installations. They are quite effective at trapping particles far smaller than what is possible with conventional glass fiber filters. The other approach is an air exchanger. This is a device that exchanges "stale" indoor air with fresh outdoor air, while transfering the heat from the exiting indoor air to the entering outdoor air so that energy loss is kept to a minimum. When both electrostatic filtration and air exchange is installed, the quality of indoor air can be maintained at a very high level that is easily detectable.

In most climates, there are seasonal (and daily) variations in humidity. When humidity reaches extreme values, its effect on people, furniture and housing can be uncomfortable or even unhealthy. In particular, indoor relative humidity in cold climates can reach levels of 5% or less, and contribute to respiratory problems and discomfort in humans, and damage to housing, furniture, and other objects. Artificially maintaining relative humidity at more moderate levels is well known to alleviate discomfort and health problems, yet is often neglected, because of the difficulty of maintaining humidification devices in proper working condition. This is an area worth paying attention to, and perhaps in the future, humidification will be more reliable, simpler, and easier to maintain.

The temperature of indoor air is easily and effectively controlled by existing techniques, and Tetragon offers no specific observations on this topic.

For the most part, potable water is widely available in western nations. Complaints concern taste, particularly chlorine, but often minerals or small quantities of sulfur. Many people prefer to drink bottled water available in markets. These waters taste better than tap water, but it's not known if they are safer, or even as safe. Many are sold in plastic containers, and it's conceivable that over long periods, small amounts of compounds that may leach from the container into the water may have a cumulative effect on health. This would suggest that water in glass containers may be safer, but this is not known.

Alternatively, many people use activated charcoal filters to improve the taste and appearance of water. It's not known if long use of these filters has any negative effect. One problem with them is that if they are not properly used and changed, they can accumulate potentially harmful amounts of bacteria.

Tetragon has not reached any conclusion about water quality, but considers that if any of the approaches discussed above have harmful long term effects, it may be safest to vary practise, and not adopt a single approach for indefinite use. Tetragon considers that the best solution is probably to live in an area with high quality tap water, such as can be found in some mountainous regions. But it may not be worth going to this extent: water quality may not be a significant health problem (except where contaminants are known to be present).

Our environment is considerably more "polluted" with artificial noise than it was in past centuries. Noise of traffic, construction, maintenance (lawn mowers) and other outdoor sources is further aggravated by noise from indoor sources, most often appliances such as washing machines and refrigerators, but also television and radio.

Tetragon has taken steps to reduce indoor noise pollution by adding acoustic insulation to appliances with motors (beginning with models that are already rated for relatively low noise). Another tactic is to locate refrigeration compressors out of living areas. For example, it is possible to locate the compressor of a refrigerator in a basement or other location outside the appliance itself. This is somewhat wasteful of energy, but the reduction in noise is dramatic. Outdoor noise sources can be managed through effective sound insulation, though at some expense.

Tetragon believes that with increased knowledge and awareness of detrimental effects of noise, construction practise will commonly incorporate acoustic insulation. It will also be valuable to reduce noise production at its source. A large gain can be obtained from quieter appliances, vehicle engines and road surfaces. Electric vehicles are particularly quiet, as well has affording some control of air pollution.

A less obvious source of noise is the AC power that we use. Low-level noise in the form of AC hum has become a constant presence in the indoor environment. For this reason, some of the ideas discussed in other sections that use DC power or have devices that are truly off will help to reduce AC hum. Surely everyone has noticed the wonderful calm when the noise of electrical devices ceases during a power failure. Tetragon believes that it will be a good idea if we can permanently reduce the noise in our environment to that level, and hopes that in the future, we will all live in such a peaceful environment.