Our team at the Hoffman Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this important external video:
“Wildfire Smoke and Indoor Air Quality: How to Create a Clean Room at Home” from the EPA.
“During a wildfire or prescribed fire, local officials may advise you to stay indoors as air quality becomes unhealthy from smoke,” according to the EPA. “While sheltering, some outdoor smoke, which is a complex mixture of gases and fine particles, can enter your home and affect your indoor air quality.”
“This video will show you step-by-step how to create a clean room to reduce your family’s exposure to wildfire smoke while indoors.”
This is important for people who experience chemical intolerance, said Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the Hoffman TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio.
Miller’s recent study, “Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance for chemicals, foods, and drugs: assessing patterns of exposure behind a global phenomenon,” showed that exposure to combustion products was one of the most common initiators of chemical intolerance.
Fortunately, you can create a clean air oasis at home.
You can also find out just how chemically sensitive you might be.
Just answer these three questions from the Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI):
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any of these three questions, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!