Chemical Intolerance – Comparing Gulf War Veterans & Other Affected Groups
Up to one-third of the U.S. population reported being either “especially” or “unusually” intolerant to certain chemicals, with about 5% reporting physician-diagnosed chemical intolerance (CI). Dr. Claudia Miller and colleagues developed the Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (EESI), a validated tool designed to assist researchers and clinicians in evaluating patients and populations for CI. In this study, Drs. Miller and Prihoda applied the EESI to five different population groups for comparison. Groups were CI patients (1) who did or (2) did not attribute onset of their illness to a specific exposure event, (3) patients with surgically implanted devices, (4) Gulf War veterans (GWV), and (5) controls. All of the exposure groups reported similar multi-system symptoms and new onset chemical, food and drug intolerances despite having different initiating exposures.
Read moreAutism and Chemical Intolerance
This blog summarizes key findings from a study conducted by Lynne P. Heilbrun et al. (2015) titled “Maternal Chemical and Drug Intolerances: Potential Risk Factors for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” To access the full article, please click HERE. Developmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders (ADHD) […]
Read moreFragranced Consumer Products: Exposures and Effects from Emissions
Fragranced consumer products, such as cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, are a leading source of indoor air pollution. In this study, a random sample of the U.S. population was surveyed to investigate health effects related to emissions from fragranced products.
Read moreToxicity at EPA Headquarters: Early Evidence of TILT
This blog post summarizes key findings from a case report conducted by William Hirzy and Rufus Morison (1989) titled “Carpet/4-Phenylcyclohexene Toxicity: The EPA Headquarters Case.” Access the full article here. The development of toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) is by no means a new phenomenon. Evidence in fact dates back decades. Perhaps the earliest large-scale […]
Read morePesticide Exposure & Building Remodeling– Comparing Chemical Sensitivities
This blog post summarizes key findings from a study conducted by Claudia S. Miller and Howard C. Mitzel (1995) titled “Chemical Sensitivity Attributed to Pesticide Exposure Versus Remodeling.”
Read moreThe Developing Brain is Vulnerable to Chemicals
A new study published by Environmental Health Perspectives takes a look at the risks of chemical exposures to neuro-development. Many of the toxicants listed are the same ones linked to chemical intolerance and Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance.
Read more10 Personal Care Products Containing Toxic Chemicals
The U.S. PIRG Education Fund has released their report, “Getting Personal with Chemicals: A Consumer Guide to 10 Popular Personal Care Products Containing Toxic Chemicals.” An independent non-profit organization, U.S. PIRG, works on behalf of the public interest to protect consumers and promote good government.
Read moreInsect Repellents and the Zika Virus
The New York Times examines how mosquito repellents work, and suggests alternatives for the chemically intolerant.
Read moreCaffeine Addiction
Caffeine could be considered the national addiction. Read about how consumables such as toothpaste and gummy bears are giving people another jolt throughout the day. Could they replace coffee?
Read moreA Ban on Powdered Medical Gloves
The FDA this year announced a ban on most powdered medical gloves. Gloves made of natural rubber latex often contain powder that can get in the air and cause allergic reactions. Some of these gloves have been found to contribute to serious adverse events such as “airway inflammation, wound inflammation, and post-surgical adhesions, which are […]
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