THE DISTURBED (The microscopic ghosts around us)

When I first heard the Renovation Theory I was intrigued. My intrigue funneled into research. 

It’s really easy to explain this theory. All you have to do is think of the movie Beetlejuice. Dormant spirits become active when changes are made to the dwelling. The ghosts in a location being renovated are disturbed and they’re making their disapproval of the changes known to you and anyone swinging a hammer.

I’ve never heard reports of people singing Calypso music while dining on shrimp cocktails, but I have read many reports from people who’ve experienced intense paranormal activity soon after they started to renovate their home or business. 

Tools are moved, strange noises and voices are heard, lights flicker, and in many cases those doing the renovating feel unseen hands touching them and even find unexplainable scratches on their skin. 

When I starting renovating my home, a 1910 craftsman in a historic neighborhood of Northeast Portland I experienced similar activity. As I sledge hammered lath and plaster walls, tore out knob and tube wiring, and ripped up stained floor boards I was reminded of what I’d read during my research. I started to hear unfamiliar noises, smell fragrant odors, and experience the exact same symptoms reported by people who had experienced frightening hauntings and possessions during a building renovation. 

I became dizzy and fatigued in my basement. I even discovered fingernail-like scratches on my arms and body that I could not explain. But I didn’t rush to a conclusion and contact my local ghost hunting group. What I did was ask this question: 

What else could I possibly be disturbing? 

Dust, which more than likely contains mold spores. Exposure to Microbial Volatile Organic Compounds (mVOC) and Mycotoxins can cause:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Skin Rash
• Flu-like Symptoms
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Respiratory Dysfunction, including coughing up blood

All symptoms said to be linked to paranormal claims. These spores also give off an unpleasant odor, which could explain phantom smells. 

Molds are commonly found in older buildings and those open to the elements. When we investigate in these locations, with each step, placement of equipment, and opening of a door we’re launching spores (mVOC & Mycotoxins) into the air and ingesting them. Some people can go all night and not be affected. Others may feel these symptoms after a few minutes of exposure. It will be different at every location and with every person in your group. Strapping on a mask eliminated my problem and is now a permanent addition to my gear. 

So, if you’re feeling haunted, think about the other things in the space you can’t see. They may be the cause of the activity and for residential cases, a lot easier for the homeowners to exorcise than a ghost or demon.

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