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About


Is Your House Killing You? is an entertaining scientific makeover show about toxics in the home. It once and for all separates the facts from the filth and provides valuable tips and tricks for the viewer.

In this era of cocooning, creating a retreat from the world has become an intense focus of our lives. We spend most of our time indoors. But in creating this haven, little do we know that there is a parallel universe within that is more toxic than the one we're trying to escape.

Government and media focus has shifted to indoor air pollution. And the main culprits are right under your nose – mould, pesticides, solvents, deodorizers, cleansers, dusty carpets, paint, particleboards, adhesives, fumes from gas heating...

A focus of the show is to bring the invisible dangers to light, and provide guidance for the viewers.

We found recent studies confirm that the wider community is concerned about toxins but most people don't understand the issues and desperately want information about the hidden health and environmental risks indoors. Research is indicating that 21st Century disease, Sick Building Syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities and other chronic diseases such as asthma and eczema are on the rise.

We believe the ongoing value of this show is that it is not only fun to watch our experts track down the culprits and find solutions, but it also interprets science for household use.

During the development and production stages we interviewed dozens of potential participants - from over 500 applications– and it has been a journey of discovery for everyone; our experts, production team and families.

Our expert team worked through a diverse range of homes in a CSI-style investigation - some houses had to be evacuated before we even were able to shoot!

This was one of the early signs that this show has a very important role to fulfil - and it might even save lives. No matter what house you live in, we discovered they all harbour a parallel microscopic world of hidden dangers.

The challenge for our creative team was to package the vast amount of scientific research, test results, insightful documentary moments and at times heart-wrenching family revelations to deliver exciting TV with DIY appeal.

Whether you live in an old home, are about to buy a new house, or are renovating. Whether you are preparing your nest, growing a veggie patch or working in your shed, Is Your House Killing You? is essential viewing.

Life won't be the same once you ask: ‘Is Your House Killing You?'

Fascinating Fact

  • 'We can now estimate from sampling dust on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces, that each day, the average urban infant will ingest 110 nanograms of benzopyrene (compounds which can cause cancer in animals and is thought to induce cancer in humans)... this is the equivalent to a child smoking three cigarettes a day.'
    SOURCE: Scientific American

  • 'When unflued gas heaters are operating, indoor air generally exhibits substantially higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide than the highest concentrations measured in ambient air in Australia.'
    SOURCE: Department for the Environment and Water Resources

  • It was [Lead Paint] used mainly on exterior surfaces and to a lesser extent on interior doors and architraves, especially in undercoats and primers here concentrations of up to 20% lead were commonly used.
    SOURCE: Master Painters Australia

  • 'Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects.'
    SOURCE: US Environment Protection Agency

  • 'If paint is known to be pre-1970, is in poor condition and is accessible to children, it may present a health hazard, and the paint should be tested for the presence of lead.'
    SOURCE: Lead Paint Information (Master Painters Australia)

  • Lead makes things taste sweet. The Romans used lead to sweeten their wines. So children and pets are attracted to the taste of lead paint chips and especially to lead dust.
    SOURCE: Frequently Asked Questions About Lead (US Environment Protection Agency)

  • Paint with more than 1% lead, or paint containing white lead, was prohibited for domestic use after 1970.
    SOURCE: Master Painters Australia

  • 'We can now estimate from sampling dust on carpets, upholstery and other surfaces, that each day, the average urban infant will ingest 110 nanograms of benzopyrene (compounds which can cause cancer in animals and is thought to induce cancer in humans)... this is the equivalent to a child smoking three cigarettes a day.'
    SOURCE: Scientific American