Building Biology Guidelines
Building Biology (originally Baubiologie from Germany) is an environmental trade discipline focused on the holistic relationship between built environments and human health.
While government regulatory limits focus primarily on preventing immediate thermal heating effects, Building Biology guidelines are based on the precautionary principle. They establish benchmark values specifically for long-term sleeping exposure, aiming to match natural background levels as closely as possible to support cellular rest and recovery.
The Core Benchmark: SBM Guidelines
The international benchmark used by professional environmental assessors is the Standard of Building Biology Testing Methods (SBM). It evaluates sleeping areas across four exposure categories:
- No Anomaly: The ideal, unexposed natural state (target level).
- Slight Anomaly: Precautionary remediation recommended for sensitive individuals.
- Severe Anomaly: Action required to reduce exposure in a timely manner.
- Extreme Anomaly: Immediate remediation needed.
Key EMF Thresholds for Bed Spaces (SBM Standards)
| Field Type | Target Level (“No Anomaly”) | Slight Anomaly | Severe Anomaly | Extreme Anomaly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radio Frequency (RF) | Under 0.1 µW/m² | 0.1 to 10 µW/m² | 10 to 1,000 µW/m² | Over 1,000 µW/m² |
| AC Electric Fields (Body Voltage) | Under 10 mV | 10 to 100 mV | 100 to 1,000 mV | Over 1,000 mV |
| AC Magnetic Fields | Under 0.2 mG (20 nT) | 0.2 to 1.0 mG | 1.0 to 5.0 mG | Over 5.0 mG |
Note on units:
- µW/m² = Microwatts per square meter (measures Wireless / Radio Frequency radiation)
- mV = Millivolts (measures AC Electric Fields on the human body)
- mG / nT = Milligauss / Nanotesla (measures AC Magnetic Fields)
Authoritative Reference Institutions
- Institute of Building Biology + Sustainability (IBN)
- Originating body of Baubiologie based in Germany.
- Developer of the original SBM testing methods and evaluation guidelines.
- Website: https://buildingbiology.com/
- Building Biology Institute (BBI)
- Primary English-language educational body based in North America.
- Certification authority for Building Biology Environmental Consultants (BBEC) and Electromagnetic Radiation Specialists (EMRS).
- Website: https://buildingbiologyinstitute.org/
Practical Application in Client Reports
Referring to official Building Biology Guidelines (SBM) in assessment proposals and final reports provides several key advantages:
- Independent Authority: Establishes objective, recognised international standards rather than just giving your opinons.
- Quantifiable Goals: Gives homeowners clear targets (e.g., bringing a sleeping space from a “Severe Anomaly” rating down to “No Anomaly”).
- Measurable Verification: Provides a clear baseline to compare before-and-after meter readings, mathematically validating the installation of shielding paint, grounding systems, and demand switches.