Blog
Chemical Intolerance in Primary Care Settings
May 26, 2017
This study examines the prevalence and clinical characteristics of chemical intolerance in a sample of primary care clinic patients. A total of 400 patients were recruited from 2 family medicine clinic waiting rooms in San Antonio, Texas. Patients completed the validated Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) to assess chemical intolerance Overall, 20.3% of […]
Chemical Intolerance – Comparing Gulf War Veterans & Other Affected Groups
May 26, 2017
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.
Autism and Chemical Intolerance
May 25, 2017
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) […]
Fragranced Consumer Products: Exposures and Effects from Emissions
April 16, 2017
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.
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 […]
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.”
The Developing Brain is Vulnerable to Chemicals
July 13, 2016
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.
10 Personal Care Products Containing Toxic Chemicals
July 13, 2016
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.
Insect Repellents and the Zika Virus
July 13, 2016
The New York Times examines how mosquito repellents work, and suggests alternatives for the chemically intolerant.
Caffeine Addiction
June 7, 2016
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?