Our team at the Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share this important external article:
“From brain fog to nosebleeds: There’s a name for what’s happening to people affected by derailment” by Steve Mellon at the Pittsburgh Union Progress.
The article unpacks the health impacts of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023.
Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio, is quoted in the article as an expert on the effects of toxic exposure.
“Miller says toxic agents unleashed by the derailment and subsequent fires altered certain immune cells in the bodies of many who were exposed. Those cells, called ‘mast cells,’ are dispersed throughout the body, which is why residents report such a wide range of symptoms, from skin sores to bloody noses to reproductive and gastrointestinal issues,” according to the article.
How can you find out if you have chemical intolerance?
Answer these three questions from the TILT Program on Chemical Intolerance:
- 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 question, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!