Environmental health hazards that affect our health including EMF, chemicals and mold.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Dr. Rea Books about Chemical Sensitivities
http://www.ehcd.com/chemical-sensitivities/
“Environmentally oriented physicians, allergists, nutritionists, physicians in preventative and occupational medicine, and medical students will find thatChemical Sensitivity is truly a magnum opus in the field of toxicology and will prove to be a classic reference.”
“Environmentally oriented physicians, allergists, nutritionists, physicians in preventative and occupational medicine, and medical students will find thatChemical Sensitivity is truly a magnum opus in the field of toxicology and will prove to be a classic reference.”
Monday, September 29, 2014
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Thursday, May 8, 2014
Environmental Health Hazards in History
The history of man is replete with examples of illness resulting from exposure
to environmental pollution. For example, Thor Heyerdahl, in his book
described natives who became ill when they lined their slat houses,
which had excellent ventilation, with metal sidings brought to them by the British.
Instead of aiding the natives, these slabs actually curtailed good ventilation, thus
sealing the indoor air and contributing to an accumulation of pollutants, probably
bacteria, molds, and mycotoxins (mold poisons), all of which are capable of
triggering ill health. In contrast, Florence Nightingale recognized the importance
of clean indoor air to good health, and thus demanded fresh air when she
outlined her plans for British military hospitals. She even stipulated that the
cooking facilities be in separate buildings from the sleeping quarters in order to
assure clean air for optimum healing.
Through the ages, many creative people were partially stifled by pollutant
overexposure. Their adverse reactions often were misinterpreted as psychological
when, in fact, their problems might have been due to excess pollutant exposure.
Charles Darwin was ill most of his life and often complained of pollutant and food
exposures that made him ill. The artist Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear in a
psychotic rage that might well have been due to his sensitivity to excess paint
fumes. Even Hitler had a great aversion to odors of various pollutants. This
overload might explain some of his psychotic behavior. Howard Hughes, the
industrialist, clearly had aversions to many environmental odors and eventually
became a noncreative recluse with his disease affecting him until he became
incapacitated. At times, Thomas Edison could tolerate only milk and no other
foods. On a more positive note, Billy Casper, the golf champion, and Carol
Channing, the famous movie star, were affected by foods and environmental
pollutants, overcoming them to be very productive and creative people. President
Teddy Roosevelt overcame pollutant-triggered asthma induced in cities by going to
areas of fresh air. We all have benefited from his creation of famous national
parks.
- Dr. Rea of http://www.ehcd.com
to environmental pollution. For example, Thor Heyerdahl, in his book
described natives who became ill when they lined their slat houses,
which had excellent ventilation, with metal sidings brought to them by the British.
Instead of aiding the natives, these slabs actually curtailed good ventilation, thus
sealing the indoor air and contributing to an accumulation of pollutants, probably
bacteria, molds, and mycotoxins (mold poisons), all of which are capable of
triggering ill health. In contrast, Florence Nightingale recognized the importance
of clean indoor air to good health, and thus demanded fresh air when she
outlined her plans for British military hospitals. She even stipulated that the
cooking facilities be in separate buildings from the sleeping quarters in order to
assure clean air for optimum healing.
Through the ages, many creative people were partially stifled by pollutant
overexposure. Their adverse reactions often were misinterpreted as psychological
when, in fact, their problems might have been due to excess pollutant exposure.
Charles Darwin was ill most of his life and often complained of pollutant and food
exposures that made him ill. The artist Vincent van Gogh cut off his ear in a
psychotic rage that might well have been due to his sensitivity to excess paint
fumes. Even Hitler had a great aversion to odors of various pollutants. This
overload might explain some of his psychotic behavior. Howard Hughes, the
industrialist, clearly had aversions to many environmental odors and eventually
became a noncreative recluse with his disease affecting him until he became
incapacitated. At times, Thomas Edison could tolerate only milk and no other
foods. On a more positive note, Billy Casper, the golf champion, and Carol
Channing, the famous movie star, were affected by foods and environmental
pollutants, overcoming them to be very productive and creative people. President
Teddy Roosevelt overcame pollutant-triggered asthma induced in cities by going to
areas of fresh air. We all have benefited from his creation of famous national
parks.
- Dr. Rea of http://www.ehcd.com
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Contamination of Municipal Water Supply
Water pipelines near actual or potentially contaminated soil, should be based on specifications to resist permeation. The issue here is potential. We have pipelines, railways and trucks carrying chemicals and oil were spills can occur.
Unfortunately water pipelines frequently follow the same highways that have tanker trucks carrying chemicals.
Contaminated soil has the potential to let chemicals into water pipelines in the ground.
If municipal engineers would specify pipes and gaskets that are resistant to POTENTIAL FUTURE contaminants that may end up in the soil around water pipelines, we could avoid future water contamination. Pipe stays in the ground for years, so it only makes sense to go ahead and specify pipes and gaskets for unexpected potential hazards.
Unfortunately water pipelines frequently follow the same highways that have tanker trucks carrying chemicals.
Contaminated soil has the potential to let chemicals into water pipelines in the ground.
If municipal engineers would specify pipes and gaskets that are resistant to POTENTIAL FUTURE contaminants that may end up in the soil around water pipelines, we could avoid future water contamination. Pipe stays in the ground for years, so it only makes sense to go ahead and specify pipes and gaskets for unexpected potential hazards.
Top Ten Foods Most Contaminated with Pesticides
Pesticides are commonly used in food production. Many of the foods we eat contain trace amounts of pesticides. Some have a little bit, others have much more. Which foods should be avoided? There is a list, commonly called the “dirty dozen,” of the foods containing the highest amounts of pesticides.
The twelve worst foods for pesticide contamination are apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers, imported nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, and sweet bell peppers. These foods are also a very large part of the American diet. These foods are supposed to be healthy, but exposure to pesticides can be very detrimental to one’s health. There are medical care professionals who focus on environmental causes of disease, such as exposure to pesticides, who can help provide a balanced approach to total health in the face of modern health hazards.
Resources
www.goodhousekeeping.com
www.ewg.org
The twelve worst foods for pesticide contamination are apples, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, hot peppers, imported nectarines, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, and sweet bell peppers. These foods are also a very large part of the American diet. These foods are supposed to be healthy, but exposure to pesticides can be very detrimental to one’s health. There are medical care professionals who focus on environmental causes of disease, such as exposure to pesticides, who can help provide a balanced approach to total health in the face of modern health hazards.
Resources
www.goodhousekeeping.com
www.ewg.org
Pesticides as a human health hazard
Pesticides are a part of the agriculture industry. They allow farmers to grow crops with higher yield on less land than ever before in the history of the world. They kill insects and fungi that could harm crops. There are various regulations and safeguards in place from the FDA and EPA to keep our food safe. These regulations, however do allow for trace amounts of pesticides in food.
Even trace amounts of pesticides can be harmful. Consumption of pesticides in produce can contribute to a variety of health conditions and diseases. Cancer, obesity, and diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, infertility and birth defects, and autism have all been provably linked to pesticides in food. All of these conditions require the treatment of a medical care professional. Professionals trained in treatment of environmental factors such as pesticide exposure can assist in a treatment plan for more complete personal health.
Resources
www.naturalsociety.com
www.epa.gov/food
www.ehdc.com
Even trace amounts of pesticides can be harmful. Consumption of pesticides in produce can contribute to a variety of health conditions and diseases. Cancer, obesity, and diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, infertility and birth defects, and autism have all been provably linked to pesticides in food. All of these conditions require the treatment of a medical care professional. Professionals trained in treatment of environmental factors such as pesticide exposure can assist in a treatment plan for more complete personal health.
Resources
www.naturalsociety.com
www.epa.gov/food
www.ehdc.com
Mold Exposure Testing
Molds exist everywhere. They are part of our environment, and certain individuals are sensitive to exposure to these fungi and there spores. There are methods of testing mold to determine species and toxicity levels in the home. These tests, while they can determine species of mold and concentration of spores, do not really do anything to treat any of the symptoms.
As sensitivity and symptoms can vary from person to person, and there are currently no standards to determine “safe” levels of mold exposure, the most effective action when mold is discovered in a home or workplace is to remove it immediately and thoroughly. If any symptoms, such as allergies, headaches, flu or fatigue, are experienced, seek treatment from a medical care professional. There are medical care professionals who specialize in the treatment of environmental factors such as mold exposure and can help create a comprehensive plan for complete health.
Resources
www.blackmold.awardspace.com
www.cdc.gov
http://www.ehcd.com/mold-and-mycotoxins/
As sensitivity and symptoms can vary from person to person, and there are currently no standards to determine “safe” levels of mold exposure, the most effective action when mold is discovered in a home or workplace is to remove it immediately and thoroughly. If any symptoms, such as allergies, headaches, flu or fatigue, are experienced, seek treatment from a medical care professional. There are medical care professionals who specialize in the treatment of environmental factors such as mold exposure and can help create a comprehensive plan for complete health.
Resources
www.blackmold.awardspace.com
www.cdc.gov
http://www.ehcd.com/mold-and-mycotoxins/
Symptoms of Mold Sensitivity
Other illnesses such as skin infections or a flu-like illness are common. Untreated, these can lead to pneumonia. Exposure to toxic molds can manifest like flu, or in headaches, dizziness, nausea, or extreme fatigue. These symptoms are serious and require treatment from a medical care professional. Many of these symptoms are the same as other illnesses, therefore treatment by a medical care professional trained in treating environmental factors, such as mold exposure, is recommended.
Resources
www.mayclinic.org
www.cdc.gov
http://www.ehcd.com/mold-and-mycotoxins/
Brief overview of mold as a health hazard
Mold is a fungus that grows in damp conditions. People come into contact with mold every day. In the outdoors, molds of various types help to break down dead and decaying matter. Molds do not exist only outside, however. It is possible to be exposed to many types of mold inside the modern home.
The most common mold exposure is in damp areas such as showers and basements. Mold can grow on any porous organic material, however. This includes wood, paper, dust, carpet, and food. The easiest way to identify mold is a musty smell or a visible discoloration of the contaminated material. Exposure to mold is not uncommon, but it can make people sick. When exposed to mold, the most common symptoms mimic those of the common cold or hay fever. If these symptoms are experienced, it is important to seek medical care. A medical care professional will be able to determine whether respiratory symptoms are asthma or exposure to mold. Because the symptoms of mold exposure are similar to those of other diseases, it is important to seek a medical care professional who specializes in treating environmental factors such as mold exposure.
Resources
www.medicinenet.com/moldexposureindex
www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.ehcd.com/mold-and-mycotoxins/
The most common mold exposure is in damp areas such as showers and basements. Mold can grow on any porous organic material, however. This includes wood, paper, dust, carpet, and food. The easiest way to identify mold is a musty smell or a visible discoloration of the contaminated material. Exposure to mold is not uncommon, but it can make people sick. When exposed to mold, the most common symptoms mimic those of the common cold or hay fever. If these symptoms are experienced, it is important to seek medical care. A medical care professional will be able to determine whether respiratory symptoms are asthma or exposure to mold. Because the symptoms of mold exposure are similar to those of other diseases, it is important to seek a medical care professional who specializes in treating environmental factors such as mold exposure.
Resources
www.medicinenet.com/moldexposureindex
www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.ehcd.com/mold-and-mycotoxins/
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
The Health Effects of Natural Gas Exposure
People are exposed to chemicals every day. Chemicals exist everywhere, in everything from our cleaning products to the air we breathe, and even in the materials that make up our homes, like carpet and plastic. We live in a chemical world. We are exposed to more chemicals in our lifetimes than at any other time in history. Most of these chemicals are considered harmless. Some of them are. However, over time, exposure to all these chemicals can make us sick. Even the things that are considered harmless can cause problems with prolonged exposure. Sometimes, this comes from things in our homes we don’t think about.
Natural gas is responsible for 24% of energy production in the United States. It is used for everything, from powering industrial machinery to producing electricity, to fueling busses and other vehicles. Natural Gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels. It produces fewer emissions and less environmental pollution than other fossil fuels. The most common byproducts of the burning of natural gas are methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. For these reasons, natural gas is being used more and more as a fuel source, both on an industrial and commercial scale, and for residential, in-home consumption. Twenty-two percent of natural gas consumption in America is residential.
Pipes bring natural gas into our homes to cook our food, heat our water and homes, and dry our clothes. Stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and dryers can be powered by natural gas. This means more than just a monthly gas bill for some people. While natural gas is mostly considered safe and is cleaner than any other fossil fuel, there are risks.
The most obvious risk would be a gas leak. Pipes can break, seals can leak, and the air in your home can fill with natural gas. There are safety measures in place, such as adding an odorant to the gas to make it detectable within the home, that help alert residents to gas exposure. This odorant smells like rotten eggs, which can alert residents to a need to evacuate. Unfortunately, these odorants are not always detectable. Having a gas leak in your home can lead to fires and explosions, but it can also lead to health problems for you and your family.
The biggest silent risk of natural gas in your home is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is found in combustion fumes, such as those from natural gas-powered dryers, furnaces and water heaters. It can build up in poorly ventilated areas of your home. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide causes health problems.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. Carbon monoxide exposure can be difficult to diagnose because these symptoms are common to many different illnesses and diseases that are not caused by environmental factors. Sometimes exposure is sudden, and people who are sleeping or intoxicated can be overcome without experiencing symptoms.
Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. No one is immune. Clearly, this is dangerous. There are some things that can be done to prevent exposure. There are carbon monoxide detectors available that can alert residents to the presence of harmful levels of carbon monoxide. Opening windows and ventilating homes can also help. There are other steps that can be taken to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide in the first place. Make sure your gas appliances are installed properly by a certified technician. They know how to install the ventilation equipment so that carbon monoxide is not venting into your home. Also make sure that your gas appliances are inspected and maintained every year by a professional. A little bit of care can prevent a lifetime of pain and discomfort.
A person can be sensitized to natural gas without any of these things happening. It, along with pesticides, is the number one offender for chemical sensitivity in the home. Sensitization can cause chronic fatigue, vasculitis (small vessel), and many other maladies.
Resources:
www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
www.naturalgas.org
www.eia.gov/nauralgas
www.mayoclinic.org
www.ehcd.com
Natural gas is responsible for 24% of energy production in the United States. It is used for everything, from powering industrial machinery to producing electricity, to fueling busses and other vehicles. Natural Gas is the cleanest of the fossil fuels. It produces fewer emissions and less environmental pollution than other fossil fuels. The most common byproducts of the burning of natural gas are methane, carbon dioxide, and water vapor. For these reasons, natural gas is being used more and more as a fuel source, both on an industrial and commercial scale, and for residential, in-home consumption. Twenty-two percent of natural gas consumption in America is residential.
Pipes bring natural gas into our homes to cook our food, heat our water and homes, and dry our clothes. Stoves, water heaters, furnaces, and dryers can be powered by natural gas. This means more than just a monthly gas bill for some people. While natural gas is mostly considered safe and is cleaner than any other fossil fuel, there are risks.
The most obvious risk would be a gas leak. Pipes can break, seals can leak, and the air in your home can fill with natural gas. There are safety measures in place, such as adding an odorant to the gas to make it detectable within the home, that help alert residents to gas exposure. This odorant smells like rotten eggs, which can alert residents to a need to evacuate. Unfortunately, these odorants are not always detectable. Having a gas leak in your home can lead to fires and explosions, but it can also lead to health problems for you and your family.
The biggest silent risk of natural gas in your home is carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that is found in combustion fumes, such as those from natural gas-powered dryers, furnaces and water heaters. It can build up in poorly ventilated areas of your home. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide causes health problems.
The most common symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Exposure to high levels of carbon monoxide can lead to loss of consciousness and even death. Carbon monoxide exposure can be difficult to diagnose because these symptoms are common to many different illnesses and diseases that are not caused by environmental factors. Sometimes exposure is sudden, and people who are sleeping or intoxicated can be overcome without experiencing symptoms.
Everyone is at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. No one is immune. Clearly, this is dangerous. There are some things that can be done to prevent exposure. There are carbon monoxide detectors available that can alert residents to the presence of harmful levels of carbon monoxide. Opening windows and ventilating homes can also help. There are other steps that can be taken to prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide in the first place. Make sure your gas appliances are installed properly by a certified technician. They know how to install the ventilation equipment so that carbon monoxide is not venting into your home. Also make sure that your gas appliances are inspected and maintained every year by a professional. A little bit of care can prevent a lifetime of pain and discomfort.
A person can be sensitized to natural gas without any of these things happening. It, along with pesticides, is the number one offender for chemical sensitivity in the home. Sensitization can cause chronic fatigue, vasculitis (small vessel), and many other maladies.
Resources:
www.cdc.gov/co/faqs.htm
www.naturalgas.org
www.eia.gov/nauralgas
www.mayoclinic.org
www.ehcd.com
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Health Hazards pile up: allergies, mold, natural gas, GMOs, chemicals, EMF
The concept of total load is important. Maybe EMF is your problem.. but maybe the mold in your closet and eating GMOs are also contributing to your health problems.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
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