What is chemical sensitivity?

Chemical Sensitivity is an abnormal response to chemical stimuli; such as immune responses to perfume, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, newsprint, cleaning chemicals, etc.
 

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of chemical sensitivity are individual in nature and include sneezing, shortness of breath, irritated eyes, runny nose, muscle weakness, numbness, joint pain, headache, fatigue, depression, disorientation, heart irregularities, skin rashes, etc.
 

What can cause it?

Chemical sensitivity can be caused by several different factors which can include:
 

• •Past chemical exposures
• •Untreated food and/or inhalant sensitivities
• •Immune system dysfunction
• •Nutritional deficiency due to malabsorption or malnutrition
• •Enzyme depletion

 

There are several indications and ways of determining chemically sensitivity including:
 

• •History of symptoms when exposed to chemicals
• •Allergy skin testing (scratch or intradermal) for specific chemical allergies
• •Booth testing - controlled chemical exposure
• •Blood testing to determine: levels of chemical contaminates or their metabolites, level of antibodies to specific chemicals, levels of depolution enzymes and/or liver/kidney functioning.

 

When chemicals enter the body some are quickly eliminated by body functioning, others circulate in the blood until metabolized or until stored in fatty tissue, liver and/or brain.
 

How do we treat chemical sensitivity?

PERSONALLY:

Reduce Total Load: Since those who are chemically sensitive are in an "over-load" it is important that they reduce their total load wherever possible by:
 

• •Reduce stress
• •Treat and control food and inhalant allergies
• •Control environment as much as possible

 

 
 
 
 
 

Chemically sensitive individuals usually suffer from specific nutritional deficiencies which can be improved by a rotary diversified balanced diet and by taking the proper vitamins and minerals.
 

EAT & DRINK SAFE FOOD & WATER:

Reduce exposure to pesticides and other chemicals in foods by eating only organically grown meat and produce. Use only bottled or filtered water for drinking, cooking and bathing.
 

PERSONAL CARE:

Carefully choose the personal products you use to avoid chemicals which can be present in:
 

• •Cosmetics
• •Soaps and shampoos
• •Deodorants and toothpaste
• •Sun screens and body lotions
• •Clothes
• •Bedding

 

Filtration & Purification Controls

Create a healthy inside environment for yourself by using:
 

• •HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting) filtration
• •Electrostatic air filters
• •Portable air purifiers

 

In Your Home

Many products used in the home can contain harmful chemicals. Use the less-toxic alternatives in:
 

• •Pest management
• •Energy source for heating
• •Building and remodeling materials
• •Furnishings, draperies
• •Laundry and cleaning products
• •Air fresheners and odor absorbers
• •Dishwashing compounds

 

There are many additional opportunities for chemical exposure in the workplace. In addition to the above items, a chemically sensitive individual should be aware of possible problems created by:
 

• •Particle board, plastics and stain resistant materials in office furnishings
• •Chemical generated by the use of office equipment
• •Excessive exposure to glare and electromagnetic radiation from computers
• •Chemicals in papers, correction fluids, glues and lubricants used in offices
• •Chemicals used in industry
• •High voltage lines
• •Vehicle pollution on highways
• •Insecticide spraying in offices and herbicide spraying on roadways

 

1. Be aware of your limits

2. Take a brief retreat from the chemical world for healing

3. Substitute less-toxic products
 

Some Common Chemical Exposures & Their Dangers
 

Pine Oil GI irritant

Chlorine Respiratory irritant

Chloroform Carcinogen

Chlorinated hydrocarbons CNS, Liver,

Kidneys, & Mucous membrane irritant

Ammonia Mucous membrane irritant

Lead Affects Brain & Blood

Organophosphates Nerve toxins

Organochlorides CNS, Liver, Kidneys,

& Mucous membrane irritant

Alcohols CNS & Mucous membrane irritant

Aromatic hydrocarbons CNS, Liver,

Kidneys, Immune & Vascular Systems

Aldehydes Carcinogen & Mucous

membrane irritant

Fungicides CNS

Aliphatic hydrocarbons CNS, &

Respiratory System
 
 
 
 
 

CNS=Central Nervous System