Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

[Guest guest]

On Thu, Apr 10, 2008 at 2:57 PM, Clayton Spivey <moxamama

wrote:

 

> Dear Colleagues,

> A new client has arrived claiming " multiple chemical sensitivities "

> which were set off by the discovery of a pernicious kind of black

> mold in her basement. She has been to another acupuncturist/herbalist

> who had given her a formula which created hives, problematic

> breathing, and other symptoms of her Mult. Chem. Sensitivity. She is

> reluctant to give herbs another try, and I am unschooled in the

> drying/preparation and other preserving aspects of the herbal

> formulas I use. Is there any advice out there for me?

>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here's what I do for these kinds of situations. Firstly, I use extract

powders.

 

What I do is write a formula, and then break the formula down into dui yaos.

You know, the bai shao + chai hu, the mu dan pi + zhi zi. So, I send the

patient a little baggie of perhaps 10-15 grams of the two herbs mixed

together. Then, I let the patient take the formula and describe their

reaction or response to the herbs one dui yao baggy at a time of which there

are perhaps eight separate herb combos each in their own anonymously labeled

baggy.

 

Usually, they'll feel any reactions within a few hours, and they may be

quite articulate in every single response in their body. I sometimes wonder

if their problem isn't the mold, but their hypersensitivity (more on that at

some other date). In fact, I did this with one of my patients, kind of

expecting the findings to be all over the place to the point where I could

remove some herbs from his formula, and get his shen more calm over it. Deep

down inside, I felt that this was a shen disturbance and giving the patient

the opportunity (dare I say the *power*) to remove some of the herbs from

the formula, they'd be okay with the rest...

 

Much to my surprise, this one particular patient had a negative response to

two of the baggies, and none of the rest. The reason that it surprised me is

that he had correctly identified the herbs that cool and sedate the Liver as

opposed to the rest that address systemic damp-heat. I was really amazed by

this. now, he's really improving nicely with the damp-heat herbs minus the

Liver herbs.

 

Keep in mind the down-side of this from a legal standpoint. I labeled the

baggies with a letter, and kept track of what the letters meant in his

patient record. So, this violates a law regarding clear labeling of the

ingredients. I did this to prevent the patient from going online and having

anything they find there effect their response to the herbs. he was okay

with this, I was okay with this, but you should know that it's a little

funky to withhold that information outside of a research study with

appropriate informed consents and institutional review, etc.

 

So think about that, it worked well for me.

 

-al.

 

--

, DAOM

Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.

 

 

 

[Guest guest]

Pretty clever Al.

 

-Tim Sharpe

 

 

Al Stone

Friday, April 11, 2008 5:31 PM

 

Re: Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

 

 

 

Here's what I do for these kinds of situations. Firstly, I use extract

powders. What I do is write a formula, and then break the formula down into

dui yaos...

[Guest guest]

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Researched and Written by Ronald J. Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O.

_http://www.drgrisanti.com/mcs.htm_ (http://www.drgrisanti.com/mcs.htm)

 

We have reached the age of modern living through chemistry or, as the TV ads

said in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s (with their lab coats and test

tubes), " Better living through Chemistry. " What has happened in modern

industrial society, however, is the misuse, overuse, and inappropriate disposal

of

chemicals. We now know that many of these chemicals can be toxic. Some harmful

exposures are from ignorance, some from oversight, some from complacency, and

some are from criminal negligence. The result on individuals, certain groups,

(like the Gulf War veterans), and entire communities is toxic injury. Toxic

exposure, whether acute or long-term, creates an overload on the individual

that can result in serious health problems, including multiple chemical

sensitivity, other illness referable to many organ systems, and in some cases,

cancer. Insidious breakdown in resistance mechanisms takes place; individuals

are

often unaware of their developing sensitivity.

 

What is multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)?

When the body is exposed to certain foreign chemicals, it may respond by

producing antibodies to defend it against the foreign invaders. Virtually any

substance can provide a reaction in some individuals.

 

When food we eat is grown in nutrient poor soil, watered with acid rain,

sprayed with pesticides and treated with dyes, is it any wonder that chemical

contaminants have been found in us? The following are statistics obtained in

1981. Environment Canada reports that 1,000 new chemicals are produced

annually. There are 34,000 chemicals on the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency's Toxic Effects list. There are 1,500 suspected carcinogens in the

work

place. In metro Toronto, there are 25,000 industrial workplaces to be

inspected

by 25 occupational health and safety inspectors! There are 1,500 flavours

permitted to be added to food in Canada and more than 1,000 flavours permitted

to be added to cigarettes in Canada. There are 1,400 pesticides used in

North America. There are 400 organic compounds found in the Great Lakes

ecosystem, 200 of which have been identified in Lake Ontario water.

 

People do not realize it but you can very easily come in contact with

fungicides through the handling of tobacco, packing boxes, grocery store items,

wall paper paste, rubber, wool products and of course, sprayed crops. One out

of five people are sensitive to formaldehyde that is a common factor in the

onset of chemical hypersensitivity. Major sources of it can be found in urea

formaldehyde resins in insulation, particleboard and plywood. They

evaporate slowly and remain active for months or even years.

 

You can also be affected through polishes and waxes, adhesives, rodent and

insect poison, detergent soaps, hair sprays and settings, nail polish,

photographic products, cosmetics, hospital mouthwashes and antiperspirants,

embalming fluids, contraceptive creams, air deodorizers, U.S. maple syrup and

milk.

Another major source are methods of treating fabrics that we wear such as

stripping agents, dyes, additives to feminine hygiene items with increase their

absorbency, facial tissue, dry cleaning.

 

Watch out for synthetic phenols that are chemicals that are derived from

coal, tar, petroleum. Major sources of phenols are household cleaners like

Pinesol, Lysol, mildew products, wash, shoe polish, synthetic dish and clothes

detergents. Phenols are used as antiseptics. They are also preservatives

found in some allergy serums, nasal sprays, bronchial mists, cough syrups, eye

drops, cold capsules, decongestants, first aid ointments, aspirin and acne

medicine. Phenols are used in hemp fiber products like carpet backing, area

rugs, rope and twine. They are in cosmetics such as mascara, cream rouges and

shadows as well as most hair care products. Aphenolic resin can be found in

the lining of some canned goods, in children's toys, refrigerator storage

trays and thermal insulation. Phenols are also found in matches, printers

and

fountain pen inks, in most paints, photographic solutions, food additives,

perfumes and shaving creams. Not surprisingly, they are found in tobacco

smoke. Tobacco smoke has more than 200 chemicals in it. Natural occurring

phenols are found in foods we eat and in natural objects in the world around

us.

For example, it is the toxic element in poison ivy and poison oak and it is

present in thyme oil (used in the production of menthol)

 

Chemical allergies often manifest themselves as skin reactions. Other

symptoms include watery eyes, ringing in the ears, stuffy nose, diarrhea,

nausea,

upset stomach, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, fatigue, eczema, intestinal

disorders, depression and headaches. Some people have a reaction immediately

after encountering a chemical allergen whereas others may develop a rash 24

hours after coming in contact with the irritant.

 

It is a disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms referable to multiple

organ systems, occurring in response to demonstrable exposure to many

chemically unrelated compounds at doses far below those established in the

general

population to cause harmful effects.

 

Sensitivity to chemicals. By sensitivity we mean symptoms or signs as

related to chemical exposures at levels tolerated by the population at large.

 

Sensitivity may be expressed as symptoms and signs in one or more organ

systems.

 

Symptoms and signs wax and wane with exposure. It is not necessary to

identify a chemical exposure associated with the onset of the condition.

Pre-existing or concurrent conditions, e.g. asthma, arthritis, or depression,

should

not exclude patients from consideration.

 

We have come a long way with modern chemistry. Our wood floors are being

replaced, most often with carpets; old solid wood furniture is replaced with

modern laminates, usually thin wood veneer, laminated over pressed wood. Among

other things, this furniture exudes formaldehyde. Plain fir or pine boards for

building (sheathing) were replaced with laminated plywood containing, at the

very least, high levels of formaldehyde and often toxic wood preservatives.

Plaster walls were replaced with drywall, which has its own contaminants --

and as dry wall mud became better, they added more chemicals. Wood shingles

were replaced with tar and gravel. Clothing was no longer simply cotton, wool,

nylon or rayon, as new chemistry brought forth polyesters, non-wrinkle

fabrics; and mattresses and drapes that were treated with fire retardants,

introducing even more chemicals. These new fabrics are loaded with chemicals,

including formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a known toxin and this adds to the

total

individual toxic load.

 

At the same time, modern buildings were using large expanses of glass and

closed air systems. The oil embargo/energy crunch in the 70’s brought about

more efficiently sealed buildings; windows which would not open or were secured

shut. Outside fresh air was cut-off or reduced in the fresh air intakes to

save energy; air was recirculated with all its contents and contaminates. The

systems would often be shut off at 5:00 and workers remaining in the building

would be subjected to inhaling stale air. New carpeting, and laminated

furniture was everywhere in these closed environments.

 

Foods and water contain more chemicals than in the past, including

pesticides; multiple toxins are leaching into our water supply. Even products

such as

toothpaste contain more chemicals each year. Agricultural soils are being

depleted of their nutrients and replaced with chemical fertilizers, herbicides

and pesticides (nutrient depletion is one of the things that put people at

risk for MCS). There are approximately 2,000 new chemicals introduced each year

that are unregulated; their long-term side effects are unknown. One such

chemical brought forth in 1941 has only now, in the 1990’s, been given health

and

safety guidelines. Lag time is enormous.

 

In the name of progress we saw the growth of herbicides, pesticides and

termiticides. You no longer had to put up with bugs in your yard, spiders in

the

attic, ants in your pantries or termites and beetles in your house, or even

grasshoppers in your crops. Unfortunately, we overdid it. We finally

discovered that the organochlorines such as DDT and Chlordane, were dangerous,

cancerous and deadly, so along came the organophosphates. We are now using

these

products to spray for most anything from fleas to ants to termites. The

so-called safe alternative has now been documented to cause a multitude of

problems

including very serious central nervous system problems. The long-term effects

from these organophosphates, in the cognitive realm include impaired

vigilance and reduced concentration, reduced information processing, and

psychomotor

speed, memory deficits, visual memory problems, speech problems, sequencing

problems and problem solving difficulties are also seen. Problems with motor

steadiness, reaction time and dexterity have also been documented.

 

After organophosphate exposure, electrocephalograms (EEG) are found to be

abnormal and have persisted for one year in studies of primates. Psychological

symptoms such as anxiety, psychomotor depression, intellectual impairment,

and unusual dreams, were observed in human exposure. The organophosphate class,

which is the most commonly used pesticide and termiticide, can induce slow

onset (pesticide induced) neuropathies, including Guillian-Barre syndrome, so

this is no small matter. A high proportion of these patients exposed to these

chemicals develop multiple chemical sensitivity.

 

So what are we talking about? We are talking about the process of

environmentally triggered disease. Dr. William Rea, in his first volume on

chemical

sensitivity [William J. Rea, M.D., Chemical Sensitivities, Vol. I, (1992),

wrote

that " rapidly accelerated rate of growth of modern technology has been

accompanied by a proliferation of a wide variety of new chemicals… 50% of

global

pollutants which enter the atmosphere (isolated from natural products or

synthesized) are generated by man " . He pointed out that in 1987 the American

industry poured 22 billion pounds of toxic chemicals into the air, food and

water.

 

 

In 1988 Dr. Rea was named the first professional Chairman of Environmental

Medicine at the Robens Institute of Industrial Environmental Health and Safety

at the University of Surrey in Guilford, England. In the introduction to his

first volume on chemical sensitivity, he wrote " modern technology has given

many conveniences and ability to explore the outer limits of knowledge…

allowed us to travel to the moon,… this technology has led us to uncover

secrets of

the Universe and has brought into focus the severity of environmental

pollution on earth; the Apollo astronauts emphasized the extent of this

pollution

when viewing the earth from space, although they initially called it the " blue

planet " , these astronauts saw at closer range pollution on all areas of the

earth, which led them to state that " man has fouled his nest and this must be

corrected. "

 

The point, according to Dr. Rea, is that man’s well-being is a function of

his environment; living in polluted surroundings adversely affects health. He

also pointed out that as the number of dangerous environmental pollutants

continues to multiply so do reports of numbers of people sensitive to these

contaminants.

 

Cindy Duehring [in Environmental Access Research Network in an article

called " Screening for Nervous System Damage From Chemical Exposure " ] wrote that

it

was a most dangerous illusion that our society has brought forth, in the

false belief, that the chemical ingredients in our everyday home and office

consumer products, from cosmetics and perfumes to cleaners and carpets, have

been

tested for health effects to protect the public. Most of the chemicals have

never tested and are not under any regulation. There are three new chemical

compounds introduced in the United States every day.

 

Pre-marketing testing of compounds as potential neurotoxicants have serious

deficiencies. Many of these neurotoxic compounds came into use before the

passage of the Toxic Substance Control Act in 1976 and remain untested and are

still not required to be tested.

 

The problem is compounded by disposal of chemicals. Everyday, several

millions of gallons of chemicals are introduced into Lake Erie that is the

source

of drinking and bathing water for most cities from Cleveland, Ohio to Buffalo,

NY (Rea).

 

Both organic and inorganic pollutants are a problem. Dr. Rea adds that

" inorganic pollutants include ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrous oxide, sulfur

dioxides, heavy metals and other metals. Organic pollutants include pesticides,

formaldehydes, solvents such as toluene and xylene, drugs, terpenes, cleaning

chemicals, cigarette smoke, combustible products, consumer products (e.g.

clothing, building materials, hygiene products, etcetera) and biological

compounds (mold toxins). The most toxic organic pollutants are those classified

as

halogenated aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons " . He also adds that according

to the EPA more than 4 million chemical compounds are currently recognized.

 

So what causes chemical sensitivity? According to Dr. William Rea, it can

arise in several ways. Individuals who survive exposures may have lowered

resistance to disease as a result of the condition of their nutrient pool

brought

on by exposure, and this can develop into symptoms of ill health. Upon later

exposure, they may experience enhanced symptoms. Spreading can occur, which

means that they either react to more chemicals or more organ systems are

involved.

 

He discusses three major instances that have occurred in the 20th century,

that have graphically illustrated that chemical sensitivity may be caused by a

significant, acute exposure to toxic substances: in World War I when the

troops were exposed to Mustard Gas with an aftermath and development of chemical

sensitivity; Agent Orange syndrome where veterans had problems which

persisted for years after their initial contact; and the incident of cyanate in

Bhopal, India, which left an estimated 86,000 people injured, and " Several

months

later, many remained afflicted with recurrent symptoms that are today

believed to be manifestations of chemical sensitivity. " He also added that

chemical

sensitivity can occur subsequent to bacterial, viral or parasitic infection;

however, he said that only 1% of his Dallas patient population have traced

the origin of their illnesses to such an event. He has evaluated 20,000 people

through the Environment Health Center in Dallas that he founded.

 

The manifestations of chemical sensitivity are multiple in nature. They can

effect many organ systems, and which systems are affected most may well

depend on the biological weakness of a particular system, or previous trauma.

Enzyme pathways are affected. Liver detoxification pathways become overloaded.

Mucosa of the body change. Blood brain barriers are affected. (Rea)

 

Dr. Rea wrote that " at their onset, symptoms of chemical sensitivity are

almost always reversible. " This is a very positive statement; however, he added

that when organ involvement increases, responses are more difficult to

decipher and reverse. He adds that although these various illnesses involve

multiple systems and organs, only one end-organ may ultimately be damaged as a

result of repeated insults, and this can result in end-organ failure and

extreme

fixed named illnesses. He cites the example of a mechanic constantly exposed

to car exhaust who could develop general symptoms such as aches and pains,

malaise, headaches and fatigue. These symptoms might then continue for several

months until finally renal failure or some other specific end-organ disease

develops. He wrote that the factors that are influencing the onset of chemical

sensitivity are total body load, the nutritional state, and bioaccumulation

of toxic substances, as well as other factors.

 

Claudia Miller points out that many of the patients often attribute the

onset of their illness to specific exposures (Vol. 10) such as repeated

exposures

to solvents, chemical, pesticides in sick buildings, or combustion products.

Patients report more problems and greater difficulties indoors where air

fresheners, perfumes, and cleaners are used and where there are such things as

particleboard and carpets that outgas. The outgassing releases VOC compounds.

These patients are often funnelled off to psychiatrists and psychologists by

physicians who are not familiar with MCS. " From the patient’s perspective,

they have lost their health, their livelihood, their friends and sometimes even

family. Individuals with professional careers are likely to view their

cognitive difficulties as most disabling, " Dr. Miller added. They are often

mislabelled as malingerers or given a psychiatric diagnosis.

 

Dr. Miller notes that chemical sensitivity has been reported among distinct

demographic groups: industrial workers, sick building occupants, contaminated

communities and individuals. A fifth group, Persian Gulf War veterans, is

also mentioned. She says. " It is especially easy to overlook environmental

causes if complaints are subjective and non-specific, such as headache,

fatigue,

depression or difficulty concentrating.

MCS patients have poor balance and/or clumsiness, a rare presenting

complaint of depression. Studies of MCS patients point to the central nervous

system

as a major site of involvement.

 

In general patients with MCS suffer from a variety of problems that include

concentration and memory problems, irritability, anxiety and depression,

spatial confusion, insomnia, headaches, nausea, palpitations, chest pain,

muscle

spasms and aches, joint aches, difficulty calculating, fatigue, and

confusion. Many have breathing problems, asthma, and carry inhalers or oxygen.

 

So what is multiple chemical sensitivity?

It is a multi-system disorder usually brought on by toxic exposures that are

acute, or low-level long-term exposure such as in sick building, which

increases a person’s total toxic load, depletes nutrient stores, and causes

problems in many systems and organs in the body. Upon re-exposure, the

individual

becomes increasingly sensitized, and often there is a spreading effect where

they are bothered by many more chemicals (It often spread to food,

medications, and molds), and many more systems in the body are involved. It

almost

always seems to affect the central nervous system, and the results that I am

primarily interested in are the effects that it has on memory, concentration

and

learning. These are all dramatically impaired when a person is exposed. This

is very important in terms of accommodation in a classroom or work situation.

If exposed, a person may not be able to process what is said, or store the

information processed in a lecture, for example. A child may not be able to

learn.

 

It may be possible for them to sit in the corner of a classroom, wearing a

charcoal filter mask, near an open door. It may be useful to have whole room

filters. It may be possible to move the class. Certain classes are very

difficult, such as chemistry classes, because a charcoal filter cannot get rid

of

all the chemicals. These persons/patients seem to take more time to do things

than other people do; and giving them more time on examinations would be one

kind of accommodation. Letting them sit as far away from other people as

possible, near open windows, is also helpful. Videotaping a class may be an

option.

 

Two young men (twins), now residing in Arizona, were having problems in high

school, were very chemically sensitive, and were having trouble in their

high school classes and could not pass. They were allowed to take the GED

examination outdoors and were in the 99th percentile when tested in a clean

environment.

 

So that is what MCS is. What it is not, is a psychiatric disorder, although

a chronic illness of any kind causes anxiety and depression. Its

manifestations are complex and multiple. We are really talking about toxic

injury; MCS is

just the tip of the iceberg.

 

© 2003 Ronald J. Grisanti D.C., D.A.B.C.O

NOTICE: This information is provided for educational purposes. Any medical

procedures, dietary changes, or nutritional supplements discussed herein

should only be undertaken on the advice of a qualified physician.

 

Ronald J. Grisanti, D.C., D.A.B.C.O

The Grisanti Center for Integrative Medicine

4200 East North Street, Suite 14 • Greenville, SC 29615

(864) 292-0226 • FAX: (864) 268-7022

 

Thanks to Peggy Troiano & her hard work

“World~Wide†Toxic Injury Awareness & Education!

_www.mcsbeaconofhope.com_ (http://www.mcsbeaconofhope.com/)