Remodeling Archives - Hoffman Program for Chemical Intolerance

Pesticide Exposure & Building Remodeling– Comparing Chemical Sensitivities

April 16, 2017

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.”

Toxicity at EPA Headquarters: Early Evidence of TILT

April 16, 2017

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 […]

The Dangers of Laminate Flooring

May 11, 2016

The National Center for Environmental Health at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released a revised report saying everyone who has been exposed to laminate flooring could experience adverse health effects, including a lifetime cancer risk. “The revised report concludes that irritation and breathing problems could occur in everyone exposed to formaldehyde […]

How chemically sensitive are you?

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!