Ruling Out the Natural First
Many reports involve feelings rather than sights or sounds: a sense of being watched, unease in a certain room, headaches, or trouble sleeping. These experiences are real to the people having them, and they deserve careful attention. Several invisible, natural factors are worth checking.
Electrical sources and EMF
As we discussed in Chapter 3, electricity creates electromagnetic fields. Some people report feeling uneasy around strong fields, though this is still debated. Common sources include:
Breaker panels and fuse boxes
Old, damaged, or poorly grounded wiring
Appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and older televisions
Electric blankets, clock radios, and devices near the bed
Power lines or transformers close to the house
If a bedroom where someone feels uneasy has high readings near the headboard, try moving the bed or the device and see if the feeling changes over time. And if wiring seems faulty, recommend a licensed electrician.
Infrasound
Infrasound is sound below the range of human hearing. Even though we can't hear it, it may still be felt as vibration. Some researchers have suggested that very low-frequency sound may contribute to feelings of unease or even odd visual sensations in some people, though this isn't fully understood.
Possible sources include:
Strong wind moving around buildings
Large fans, furnaces, and HVAC systems
Heavy traffic, trains, and industrial equipment
Wind turbines and large machinery
Note the weather and any nearby equipment in your log. If uneasy feelings line up with windy nights or when the furnace runs, that's worth noting.
Carbon monoxide: the most important check of all
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, gas water heaters, stoves, fireplaces, generators, and vehicles in attached garages. You can't see it or smell it.
CO exposure can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, nausea, tiredness, and confusion. Some people have reported unusual experiences in homes later found to have CO problems. Whatever a family is experiencing, carbon monoxide is a real danger and must be ruled out.
What we recommend:
Bring a portable CO detector to every investigation.
Encourage every family to have working CO detectors in their home, especially near bedrooms and fuel-burning appliances.
If a detector alarms, leave the building immediately, get everyone to fresh air, and call 911 or the gas company from outside.
Suggest a qualified professional inspect furnaces, water heaters, and chimneys.
If family members have ongoing symptoms like headaches or dizziness, encourage them to see a doctor.
Mold and air quality
Mold and poor air quality can also affect how people feel. If you notice musty smells, visible mold, or water damage, mention it to the family and suggest a professional inspection.
We aren't doctors, electricians, or inspectors. But noticing these possibilities and pointing families toward the right professionals may be the most valuable help we ever give.