If you’ve been feeling unwell for weeks, months, or even years—and you’ve tried every supplement, treatment, and diet available—it might be time to ask a different question: Could your home be the problem?
In cities like Boise and Salt Lake City, where a range of climates, older housing stock, and seasonal moisture affect homes differently, environmental health hazards are more common than most people realize. Invisible issues like mold, asbestos, poor indoor air quality, and even odors left behind by previous occupants can create chronic symptoms that mimic everything from allergies to autoimmune conditions.
At Farwest Environmental, we’ve seen firsthand how addressing the home environment can be life-changing. In this blog, we’ll explore the top hidden hazards that might be making you or your family sick—and what you can do about it.
When Health Issues Don’t Respond to Treatment
Many of our clients come to us after exhausting other options. They’ve seen multiple doctors, tried various treatments, and made major lifestyle changes, but their symptoms persist—especially when they’re home.
The reason? Environmental exposures often mimic or worsen common health conditions. Mold spores, mycotoxins, chemical residues, and airborne contaminants can cause chronic inflammation and immune disruption, leading to symptoms like:
- Fatigue and brain fog
- Persistent sinus congestion or respiratory issues
- Headaches or dizziness
- Skin rashes or itching
- Anxiety, irritability, or poor sleep
These symptoms are often treated as allergies, stress, or unrelated medical issues—but if your environment is contributing to the problem, no amount of medication or self-care will resolve it completely.
Mold Illness: The Hidden Cause No One Talks About
Mold is one of the most common—and overlooked—environmental hazards in homes across Salt Lake City and Boise. Because it often grows behind walls, under flooring, or in attics and crawlspaces, mold can silently thrive for years before a homeowner becomes aware of its presence.
Mold doesn’t just cause musty smells or cosmetic damage. In sensitized individuals, or with long-term exposure, it can lead to serious health issues, including inflammation, hormonal imbalance, immune dysfunction, and neurological symptoms. Many people suffer from mold illness, also known as CIRS (Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome), without realizing that their symptoms are directly tied to where they live.
Traditional mold testing is often insufficient, and many remediation companies take a surface-level approach. At Farwest Environmental, we offer thorough, science-backed inspections and customized remediation plans—ensuring the root cause is truly addressed, not just covered up.
The Ongoing Risk of Asbestos in Older Homes
In homes built before the 1980s, asbestos is still a real concern—especially during remodeling or renovation projects. Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in insulation, tile, siding, roofing, and even popcorn ceilings. When disturbed, asbestos fibers become airborne and, once inhaled, can lead to long-term respiratory damage or even mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, many homeowners in Boise and Salt Lake City don’t realize they’re at risk until demolition is already underway. That’s why pre-renovation asbestos testing is a critical step for anyone living in or working on an older home.
Farwest Environmental offers certified asbestos inspection and abatement services, keeping your family and your contractors safe during any structural changes or restorations.
Odor Isn’t Just a Nuisance—It Can Signal Health Risks
Persistent odors in a home—whether from pets, mold, cigarette smoke, chemical residue, or decaying materials—are more than unpleasant. They can indicate airborne contamination that may irritate the respiratory system or trigger headaches, especially in sensitive individuals.
In many cases, homeowners become “nose blind” to these smells, or rely on synthetic air fresheners to mask the problem. Unfortunately, artificial fragrances can introduce additional toxins into the air, making symptoms worse.
Farwest Environmental provides professional odor removal and air purification services, using non-toxic, effective treatments that eliminate the root source of indoor air problems—rather than just covering them up.
Living in a Hoarder House—Even After It’s Cleaned
Whether you’ve inherited a home or moved into a property previously occupied by someone who struggled with hoarding, the surface may appear clean—but the environmental risks often remain.
Homes affected by hoarding can harbor mold, pest residue, structural damage, and lingering biohazards. Even after visible items are removed, contaminants may remain in flooring, walls, and HVAC systems. Without professional environmental cleaning, the space may continue to pose health risks to new occupants.
Farwest specializes in hoarding cleanup and sanitization, ensuring that previously neglected spaces are made safe, clean, and habitable again. This service is especially valuable for families moving into a home with a history they may not fully understand.
How Farwest Environmental Can Help
Our team at Farwest Environmental is trained to identify, assess, and remediate a wide range of environmental health risks in homes across Utah and Idaho. Whether you’re actively experiencing symptoms or simply want peace of mind, our services are designed to support both your property and your health.
We offer:
- Comprehensive mold inspections and remediation, including clearance testing
- Certified asbestos testing and abatement for pre-renovation safety
- Professional odor removal and indoor air quality improvements
- Full-service hoarding cleanup and hazard mitigation
- Customized care plans for sensitive individuals or those recovering from mold-related illness
We work closely with homeowners, realtors, property managers, and healthcare providers to deliver trustworthy, thorough, and discreet solutions tailored to your needs.
Why Your Health Should Come First
Your home should be a place of rest—not the source of your symptoms. Too often, environmental health concerns are pushed aside or misunderstood. But when your body is constantly reacting to hidden toxins, healing becomes impossible.
Investing in your environment isn’t just a financial decision—it’s a health decision. Whether you live in Salt Lake City, Boise, or anywhere in between, Farwest Environmental is here to help you uncover and resolve the hidden hazards that may be making you sick.
If you suspect your home is affecting your health, don’t wait. Contact Farwest Environmental today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a safer, healthier space.
