Perfumes and Fragrances Make Me Sick at Work but Management Isn't Responding -- What Can I Do?

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Mardy Ross's picture
Mardy Ross
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Top of the Totem Pole
Joined: Feb 16 2009
Posts: 2032
User offline. Last seen 10 weeks 4 days ago.

I received this from a long-time follower of Lumigrate.com, who is someone I had the pleasure of 'being part of the turnaround' for their chronic illness; they've been making improvements with their wellness ever since.

So let's see what Team Lumigrate 2012 can do, with the input situation presented by "Buttercup" here -- read on, you'll see the reason for the pseudo-name of 'Buttercup' for our purposes here.


Help! I seriously need pointed in the right direction. Where do I start looking for laws and regulations for employers, specifically health care institutions, in regards to employee health? I have been diagnosed and treated for (a fairly common chronic illness which has a high rate of causing disability), and have made significant improvements in the past five or so years, for which I am grateful.

I am allergic to perfumes. I work for a health care facility that understands and respects latex allergy, but not perfume allergy. Can you point me in the direction of laws for the health care industry related to these types of allergies?

I have whined, complained and even begged my superiors to do something. I am trying my little heart out to be a good employee and a productive member of society.  I feel like I'm being told 'too bad, buttercup' and I feel like I'm about to explode, I am so frustrated with this situation.

Please help ASAP, I am desperate.
Thank you -- 
Signed, Buttercup -- or should I call myself 30-something and Doing Something!

 


Aah, how frustrating! I'm sorry this is happening to you, and I very much appreciate your contacting me to help you with this.  On one had, I was shocked to see you're having this type of issue working in a health CARE facility, but my experiences while working as an occupational therapist in everything from outpatient clinics to hospital inpatient departments, to skilled nursing facilities was that the overall system they relied upon, which is insurance-based, allopathic medicine, has set them up for failure on a lot of fronts.
 
There are such money problems in the industry ever since about the time I entered the field as an OT in the mid-90s, that I was shocked to see how things ran compared to when I was working for a major state University (from age 19 to 34, for an air quality research program then health education at the student health center, on top of the formative years doing secretarial work for the statistics department.)  
 
I found myself in the position to have someone who had bathed themselves in perfume coming to work at a clinic/center that I was a part of which had naturopathy and acupuncture and other providers, such as myself, who specialized in various aspects of environmental medicine/chronic illness and prevention.
 
We educated the management, they talked with the offender, who didn't know about that and agreed to stop wearing it but it didn't last long. Very disappointing, the selfishness -- insecurity -- etc. They initially purchased the chemically infused devices you plug into electrical outlets that then diffuse the chemicals and scents into the air, and that was done by people that 'knew better', they just maybe weren't thinking with everything else they had to think about at the time. At least in that case, when it was brought to their attention, it was stopped and didn't revert. 
 
If people are going to turn their illness around or maintain a level that is in the category of "chronic wellness", it's imperative, from my point of view, that these systems start recognizing and reducing and eliminating, where they can, chemical exposures.  
 
And it extends to the chemicals used in production that get into the overall environment, in my opinion. That's our responsibility to reduce those toxins too, and we vote with our money, time, and energy, it's THAT simple.
 
Just this week I got a medical treatment at a clinic that advertises itself to be wellness-oriented and they'd apparently just purchased large quantities of paper products for the sinks and restroom and they're not purchasing recycled products and things without chemicals used in the manufacturing process to whiten them and make them look the way we 'think' our products should look. So even in the 'alternative' community, it takes education and vigilance on our parts -- those of us who have standards and ethics and knowledge -- to keep educating others.  Including the providers and their purchasing agents. 
 
Inevitably it is said 'it's cheaper to get it at the big box store and we are on a budget' but isn't there a place in their budets they can shift the money from, how much do the paper towels and soap cost per day for a place that has 10-20 people there in a day, using the lavatory and washing hands between patients/clients?
 
Ultimately, we can only control what we do as a person, but we can influence what others do by how and what we present to them, and what we purchase and utilize. Keep in mind, it is often the THIRD time someone knowingly hears or sees something that they take action on it. Many times I have heard of changes that happened after I had been part of a system -- perhaps I served as someone who cracked the glass, so to speak.
 
As the popular saying goes: We are in this together. I firmly believe that and have been saying it since before I heard it as the 'mantra' of the times. I look forward to what the Lumigrate experts who have time and are inclined to contribute here have to say. 

Here's what I'm offering up to get things started here: 
 
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,  is going to be a good 'put in point' for you to start exploring further at their website and start your educational process about what you're experiencing and why it is so GRATE that you're getting on this bandwagon for your health and the health of others who follow in your footsteps or work around you right now!
 
 
 
Longer-term, you're going to want to ALSO study why it is that YOUR body is reacting to the chemicals, as that is symptomatic of 'full barrel syndrome' as we call it at Lumigrate.com. This is an increasing symptom in the United States due to the state of our gut health, believe it or not.  
 
I'm not the expert on that facet of thing at Lumigrate but I will ask the team to contribute what they wish on this thread and I hope we come through with something that really helps you and others reading it. 
 
On the page at the above link, you will see the little box that gives the highlights for what is On this Page, it is:
 
 On this Page

When you look under the chemical contaminant sources, ALL the way at the bottom you will see: 

I recommend that you also take note of the item in the middle of the list: cleaning agents 

Under the heading "Chemical Contaminant Sources", you will see that they give the overview about volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which  are common chemical contaminants found in office and home environments and are a source of odors. They explain that "VOCs are organic (containing carbon) chemicals that can easily evaporate into the air. Many products found in the office environment may have the potential to release VOCs. 

 

If these and other chemical contaminant sources are not controlled, indoor environmental quality problems can arise, even if the building’s ventilation system is properly designed and well maintained. Some examples of building-related chemicals, odors, and their sources are listed below:"  

Again, here's the link for you and others reading this to follow out and look at the full information and start the process of exploring and researching from there.  Find the words to Search on, and write them down -- Search at the CDC website and in general.   

 
You will see that they break it out to have a header that even includes COSMETIC odors -- I rather wish they would have called that 'body care products'. 

Emissions from building occupants

Potentially hazardous
  • Smoking
  • Cooking odors
  • Cosmetic odors
  • Increased levels of carbon dioxide

Unpleasant

  • Body odor

Related Health Symptoms

While some chemicals found in the workplace may have little effect on workers’ health, others may cause health problems. The presence of odor can cause people to suspect exposures to be harmful to their health. However, with few exceptions, chemical concentrations observed in the office work environment generally fall well below the occupational standards or recommended exposure limits used for industrial settings. Additionally, the presence of odors in a building does not always mean that there is an overexposure to chemicals by these existing occupational exposure standards. Some chemicals have very low odor thresholds, which means you can smell them at very low levels.

The degree to which a chemical exposure can affect health depends on:

  • how much of the chemical is present in the building / building air
  • how often a person comes into contact with the chemical
  • how harmful the chemical is to human health
  • how sensitive a person is to the chemical

Common symptoms reported by occupants in the building environment include:

  • Itchy, watery, or burning eyes
  • Skin irritations or rashes
  • Nose and throat irritation
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

While chemical concentrations are typically observed at low levels, severe symptoms are possible under extreme conditions. Severe symptoms include kidney and liver damage, and damage to the central nervous system.

What workers can do

When workers suspect their health problems are caused by chemicals in their work areas, workers should:

  • Report their concerns immediately to supervisors or those persons responsible for building safety and health or maintenance.

  • If necessary, see their doctor or health care provider.
  • Avoid the use of air fresheners and room deodorizers. These can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation.
  • Properly store all foods and dispose of trash promptly to prevent odors.

What management and building owners can do ---

(again, use the link provided, above and go to the website.  Please remember to come back to Lumigrate for what our other experts will have to say as they add their 'two cents worth'! 


"Buttercup" -- I hope you keep me updated on your progress with this and let me know what I can share here at Lumigrate.com for the experts to get the feedback about if this was helpful to you simply in terms of education and then, naturally, if/as you proceed to move forward to educate those 'around you'.  There were 300 reads of this before Robin had her component added, and another 200 reads by the time Dr Kennedy and then Allan's portions were added on the weekend before Christmas. There are MORE experts who have wanted to contribute on this one also, but many were preparing or traveling for the holiday, so I hope we got enough to you to get you going and 'underway'.  

 Thank you all for your support and remember to pass links or print and pass things out to help educate others and become a peer educator! ~~ Mardy


__________________

Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!

Robin Thomas's picture
Robin Thomas
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Top of the Totem Pole
Joined: Aug 21 2010
Posts: 94
User offline. Last seen 10 years 33 weeks ago.
Resources from the EPA, The Healthy Home, and Me!

Hi "Buttercup",

Mardy has given you some great information to get started.  Yes, it is totally true that VOCs (any chemical that is given off as a gas, such as plasticizers, construction materials,  cleansers, and many perfumes) have an impact.  

My husband has been working with these issues for over 30 years. He was part of a research team that coined the phrase: sick building syndrome (SBS).  God forbid I bring one of those 'Plugins' into the house!  VOCs actually affect everyone's health, but those who are sensitive are especially susceptable.  

Here is another website that will be helpful; from the EPA: 

Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html#faq3

Sadly, it is quite difficult to legally declare Sick Building Syndrome, but there may be some things you can do for yourself.  

The frequently asked questions part of this webpage may help, and I will copy them here: 

What is "multiple chemical sensitivity" or "total allergy"?

The diagnostic label of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) -- also referred to as "chemical hypersensitivity" or "environmental illness" -- is being applied increasingly, although definition of the phenomenon is elusive and its pathogenesis as a distinct entity is not confirmed. Multiple chemical sensitivity has become more widely known and increasingly controversial as more patients receive the label63.

Persons with the diagnostic label of multiple chemical sensitivity are said to suffer multi-system illness as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a spectrum of substances, including airborne agents. These may include both recognized pollutants discussed earlier (such as tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, et al.) and other pollutants ordinarily considered innocuous. Some who espouse the concept of MCS believe that it may explain such chronic conditions as some forms of arthritis and colitis, in addition to generally recognized types of hypersensitivity reactions.

Some practitioners believe that the condition has a purely psychological basis. One study63 reported a 65 percent incidence of current or past clinical depression, anxiety disorders, or somatoform disorders in subjects with this diagnosis compared with 28 percent in controls. Others, however, counter that the disorder itself may cause such problems64, since those affected are no longer able to lead a normal life, or that these conditions stem from effects on the nervous system65.

The current consensus is that in cases of claimed or suspected MCS, complaints should not be dismissed as psychogenic, and a thorough workup is essential. Primary care givers should determine that the individual does not have an underlying physiological problem and should consider the value of consultation with allergists and other specialists.

 

Who are "clinical ecologists"?

"Clinical ecology", while not a recognized conventional medical specialty, has drawn the attention of health care professionals as well as laypersons. The organization of clinical ecologists-physicians who treat individuals believed to be suffering from "total allergy" or "multiple chemical sensitivity" -- was founded as the Society for Clinical Ecology and is now known as the American Academy of Environmental Medicine. Its ranks have attracted allergists and physicians from other traditional medical specialties66.

What are ionizers and other ozone generating air cleaners?

Ion generators act by charging the particles in a room so that they are attracted to walls, floors, tabletops, draperies, occupants, etc. Abrasion can result in these particles being resuspended into the air. In some cases these devices contain a collector to attract the charged particles back to the unit. While ion generators may remove small particles (e.g., those in tobacco smoke) from the indoor air, they do not remove gases or odors, and may be relatively ineffective in removing large particles such as pollen and house dust allergens. Although some have suggested that these devices provide a benefit by rectifying a hypothesized ion imbalance, no controlled studies have confirmed this effect.

Ozone, a lung irritant, is produced indirectly by ion generators and some other electronic air cleaners and directly by ozone generators. While indirect ozone production is of concern, there is even greater concern with the direct, and purposeful introduction of a lung irritant into indoor air. There is no difference, despite some marketers' claims, between ozone in smog outdoors and ozone produced by these devices. Under certain use conditions ion generators and other ozone generating air cleaners (see www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html) can produce levels of this lung irritant significantly above levels thought harmful to human health. A small percentage of air cleaners that claim a health benefit may be regulated by FDA as a medical device. The Food and Drug Administration has set a limit of 0.05 parts per million of ozone for medical devices. Although ozone can be used in reducing odors and pollutants in unoccupied spaces (such as removing smoke odors from homes involved in fires) the levels needed to achieve this are above those generally thought to be safe for humans.

Can other air cleaners help?

Ion generators and ozone generators (see www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html) are types of air cleaners; others include mechanical filter air cleaners, electronic air cleaners (e.g., electrostatic precipitators), and hybrid air cleaners utilizing two or more techniques. Generally speaking, existing air cleaners are not appropriate single solutions to indoor air quality problems, but can be useful as an adjunct to effective source control and adequate ventilation. Air cleaning alone cannot adequately remove all pollutants typically found in indoor air.

The value of any air cleaner depends upon a number of factors, including its basic efficiency, proper selection for the type of pollutant to be removed, proper installation in relation to the space, and faithful maintenance. Drawbacks, varying with type, may include inadequate pollutant removal, re-dispersement of pollutants, deceptive masking rather than removal, generation of ozone, and unacceptable noise levels.

[At the time of this publication,] the EPA and CPSC had not taken a position either for or against the use of these devices in the home67. For more information on ozone generators, read the fact sheet: Ozone Generators That Are Sold As Air Cleaners (see www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/ozonegen.html). The purpose of this document (which is only available via this web site) is to provide accurate information regarding the use of ozone-generating devices in indoor occupied spaces. This information is based on the most credible scientific evidence currently available.

They address other questions such as carpets ( which make me quite sick and not only emit VOCs themselves, but aslo act as a "sink" for chemical and biological pollutants including pesticides, dust mites, and fungi.)  and plants to clean the air ( not as successful as one might like) 

There is also a listing of agencies meant to address these issues at the bottom of their page. The first, and maybe most useful, is below:

For assistance and guidance in dealing with known or suspected adverse effects of indoor air pollution, contact EPA regional offices, state and local departments of health and environmental quality, and your local American Lung Association exiting EPA (            1-800-LUNG-USA      ).

More practical aspects in a simpler format can be found in a book called The Healthy Home, by Dr. Myron Wentz and Dave Wentz.  I have written a review of this book HERE on Lumigrate.   Much of the basic research that this book is based on is from my husband's research.   This book gives simple steps for reducing the toxic exposure in our homes, and is quite easy to follow. 

I hope all this information helps.  I would love to connect with you individually, also.  If you wish, you can take a look at my personal blog site at www.robinthomas.biz. or you can email me at robin@robinthomas.biz

Best!

Robin 

__________________

Robin started contributing to  Lumigrate in August 2010.  "Meet Robin Thomas", a topic in our biographies/vitae forum is at http://www.lumigrate.com/forum/meet-robin-thomas to read all about her journey, which was greatly influenced by the need to help solve her youngest son's significant health challenges. For those who want just the overview here: After working over 22 years in medical research at the University of North Carolina on chronic inflammatory diseases she switched her focus to preventive health in 2004 when she was introduced to USANA Health Sciences.   Robin is passionate about helping others improve their health, have more energy, manage their weight, and improve their skin. 

I love meeting new friends !

LIKE me on Facebook      Connect on LinkedIn

Follow me on Twitter        Learn more at my BLOG

"I dream of a world free from pain and suffering. I dream of a world free from disease. The USANA family will be the healthiest family on earth. Share my vision. Love life and live it to its fullest in happiness and health."

-Dr. Myron Wentz, Founder and Chairman, USANA Health Sciences

 

Dr Jim Kennedy DDS's picture
Dr Jim Kennedy DDS
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Frequently
Joined: Sep 14 2011
Posts: 22
User offline. Last seen 10 years 39 weeks ago.
My Perspective from My Dental Clinic/Practice

Chemical products and body care products are an important topic to discuss, so I'm glad you raised the question

Wdefinitely try to minimize all the chemicals we can for our own safety, as well as the patients'. 

Our patients who come in with chronic pain issues often have multiple chemical sensitivities too as part of the overall symptoms they experience,  and we need to create an environment that is safe and conducive to their wellness.  In my practice, I naturally see a lot of these patients since my practice includes a focus on treating TMJ dysfunction.
 
We work to create a visit experience for patients and employment situation for workers that is safe and comfortable. Even turning off the computer monitor can help some, while doing paperwork. 
 
I'll talk to you when we get the chance about other issues, related to things along these lines that can also be in the workplace. So look for more from me on this, I'm doing a fast response before I'm off through Christmas.  Happy holidays to all reading at this time!
 
So yes, think if we choose to treat certain types of patients, we need to do what is necessary to help make that environment comfortable for all our patients. And again, that makes it much safer for us there for much more of the time, the staff and myself included. 
 
Be well -- Jim
__________________

Dr Kennedy moved to Grand Junction in 2003 with his wife, Liz, a registered nurse.  Previously, he had practices in Detroit and Denver.  He has limited his dental practice to the treatment of TMJ dysfunction, dental orthopedics and orthodontics, and the fabrication of dental appliances for snoring and sleep apnea.  Office phone: 970/242-1900; Website: www.dentocranial.net

His pieces on Lumigrate can be found in the forum related to things of the head in the section related to chronic pain, fatigue and fibromyalgia at http://www.lumigrate.com/forums/health-issuesdis-eases/head/.... Please also refer to The Cranial Academy for providers in your area who have similar treatment approaches at: http://www.cranialacademy.com/

Allan Jolly RPh's picture
Allan Jolly RPh
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Frequently
Joined: Mar 10 2011
Posts: 13
User offline. Last seen 11 years 12 weeks ago.
#1 Advise Overall: Take REALLY Good Care of Your GI Tract

The gastro-intestinal 'terrain' is critical for health as it is important for the body-wide detoxification process.  We have found that using Immuno Dophilus and Immuno FOS to re-establish the gastro-intestinal “terrain” helps our patients by reducing inflammation, boosting immunity, and allowing for body-wide detoxification.

The liver is physically attached to the GI tract. Simply put, the liver is primarily the body’s “washing machine”. Ideally, it is supposed to convert toxins into water-soluble waste that is then dumped into a healthy GI tract. Some of those toxins are removed by the kidney into the urine and exit the body that way, but we will talk about that elsewhere.

Anyone that is bothered by inhaling fragrances like perfumes or 'scents', solvents (ie. nail polish removers or the polish itself, cleaning materials, or other “chemicals”), or has deep tissue pain (usually muscular) most likely has a “backed up” or overloaded liver. This can vary from triggering a headache to feeling that you don't want to be where you are breathing something your body's telling you it is reacting to. Sometimes this is secondary to a poor GI tract that is letting toxin go straight to the liver and sometimes the liver is just overwhelmedOR both.

Again, “fixing” the GI tract is fundamentally very important, AND giving the liver the nutrients it needs to metabolically accomplish it's mission and then dump all that trash into a healthy GI tract for removal is important as well. This description is somewhat oversimplified, but fundamentally correct and this is a VERY common issue for people.

Another over-simplification is that liver primarily performs "Phase I" and "Phase II" detoxification. Phase I generally goes pretty wellPhase II, on the other hand, is often where things get “stuck” and toxins begin to back up into the tissues.

OptiCleanse immediately begins to correct these problems. A simple regimen of Immuno Dophilus (2 capsules at bedtime), Immuno FOS (1 teaspoonful daily at any time) , and OptiCleanse (1 teaspoonful daily in the morning) can be the solution for chronic headaches, body aches, and whole host of other health problems.

It is important to note that sometime when this regimen is started, bad things in the GI tract are killed off, toxins start to head for the exit door, and the person may have a “die off/detox” reaction that has been termed a “Herxheimer’s reaction"In other words, you could feel worse than better for a few days. If this happens, just stop everything, make sure that the bowels and urine are moving things out, let the body catch up, and when you feel better just start again. It’s not likely to happen again, but if it does just do the same thing again.

I hope this information has been helpful to you reading at Lumigrate, please follow the link below to our website where we have the products for viewing or purchase if you wish to do so and other educational materials we add, some of which also gets over here at Lumigrate.   

For more detail here on this topic for those who are studying this about the synergistic effect of taking FOS and probiotic, I'll ad this as well: 

People often ask me “If I could only do one thing that would make the greatest, most positive impact on my health (like modulate inflammation, boost immunity, naturally decrease body toxins, fighting cancer, and all other diseases … etc) what would it be?” The answer is simple:  Pay attention to, and take really good care of, your gastro-intestinal tract.

How? A very important first step is taking the best probiotic you can find and feed those probiotics their preferred food, which is FOS. I have used many over the years that were supposed to be the very best. The one I have found that we offer at ITC Pharmacy as we found it gets the best results is Immuno DophilusWhen you feed Immuno Dophilus with highly purified Immuno FOS, they grow huge in strength and number very quickly. This effectively helps restore your “natural inner body guard”, which helps modulate inflammation, helps boost immunity, supports detoxification, and continually pushes your whole body onward and upward toward wellness.

~Allan Jolly, R. Ph

Disclaimer: Any health related information we provide is for educational purposes only. None of the information provided by our pharmacists is to be construed as medical advice. Before applying any therapy or use of herbs, you may want to seek advice from your personal health care professional.
 

Mardy's note: For another piece at Lumigrate on another thing high on the list that applies to MANY people utilizing Lumigrate, as many have have acid indigestion, there is another topic from Allan about why apple cider vinegar actually makes the system more alkaline and gets to solving the reason for getting heartburn. We suggest you look into side effects of taking 'acid blocking' medications. The link:  www.lumigrate.com/forum/acid-indigestion-apple-cider-vinegar-and-water-mixture-aids-digestion-how-versus-acid-blockers  

 

__________________

Allan Jolly R.Ph, ND
Please visit our website at http://www.itcpharmacy.com or you may email me at AJ@ITCPHARMACY.COM
facebook business page: www.facebook.com/profile.php

ITC Compounding and Natural Wellness Pharmacy
651 Topeka Way, Suite 600
Castle Rock, CO 80104

 

Mardy Ross's picture
Mardy Ross
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Top of the Totem Pole
Joined: Feb 16 2009
Posts: 2032
User offline. Last seen 10 weeks 4 days ago.
I liked what is at Wikipedia about "endocrine disruptors"

You'll see in detail what my consultation time with people since working with Buttercup again has lead me to focus upon if you follow to this topic I created today in order to have something 'from me' about endocrine disruptors, and why I am tackling this so heavily in the last month.  

Important note, Buttercup contacted me just hours before the trigger was pulled at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut and I'd felt that her concern was SO significant that I was working on our response at Lumigrate while seeing in my Facebook feed that 5, 20, more people were dead from something. So that day seems to have just had a confluence on this topic of the health of the brain and gut, which leads into behavioral and mental wellness/illness discussions and information.  

And simply put, the added stress of that big incident just before the Holidays when people in the US are generally ultra stressed anyway, has lead to more people examining 'what is going on' and realizing the importance of putting TIME and ENERGY (as well as $/insurance resources) to figuring out what is causing their level of wellness/illness and what they want to do about it (or not).  Here is the link to what I wrote today (January 12, 2013) as a new topic thread to build upon as endocrine dysruptors/hormone system is related but a whole separate topic for study.  I find, as you'll read at the link, that it comes attached to talking about foods and drinks and what we put in our mouths versus what we breathe in, and takes us to looking at what the mother had in or going into her body. (Not to indict, so to speak, but to find the causes in order to antidote and correct where possible potentially; as Dr Spurlock's motto/signoff says "there is no one to 'blame', here is only 'take action'.)

www.lumigrate.com/forum/hormone-systems-being-disrupted-chemicals-birth-after-affects-brainbody-profoundly

 

__________________

Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!

Dr Marc Spurlock MD's picture
Dr Marc Spurlock MD
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Top of the Totem Pole
Joined: Feb 1 2010
Posts: 72
User offline. Last seen 9 years 51 weeks ago.
Answer to Question about FUMES from paint, varnish, etc.

 Question from Mardy: I've been using this link over and over again with great success and today I encountered someone who was in a similar situation to "Buttercup" in some regards (in terms of it's environmental illness involved), but the exact symptom of Buttercup with the perfume was not something this person 'related to'. In this person's case, the question is about being around a coating as you'd apply to a floor or walls, etc. when remodeling a home or office. Any suggestions, Dr Spurlock? Thank you in advance! 

A person with these types of conditions should not be present at all while the coating is applied. They should "bake" the space for 3 days, turning the heat up to 90 degrees, naturally taking into account anything in the space being "baked" with that temperature.

Then someone else, not the person with the medical condition who needs to be avoiding the toxic burden/load, needs to go in and open all the windows to let it air out for 1 day. Then on the  next or 5th day, the compromised person can go in, keeping in mind to be aware and respectful of what they sense and feel like. If there is any problem, the person will need to avoid the space until it "cures".

Naturally, this has many variables related to the products used, the space's type of heat and circulation to clear out the air (with the chemical fumes in it). 

__________________

"There is no one to blame. There is simply taking action!"........Wm. Marcus Spurlock, MD Dr. Spurlock presently works in Dallas, TX treating people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Bio-Identical Hormone Deficiences and Environmental Illnesses. He has been doing this work exclusively for the last 9 years. In the fall of 2011 he opened a new health center; please visit his website, which is where he posts education beyond what is sprinkled at Lumigrate. http://www.renewedvitalitymd.com/ Through a total body approach, the treatments he and his team provide are 85-90% successful in returning patients to their previous health potential. You can see his complete vitae in Lumigrate's forum "About Our Writers" (link: http://www.lumigrate.com/forum/my-vitae-wm-marcus-spurlock-m...), and the majority of his contributions on Lumigrate are in the FMS/CFS/CPain section, where you'll see a forum which includes his name: http://www.lumigrate.com/forums/health-issuesdis-eases/fibro....

Mardy Ross's picture
Mardy Ross
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Top of the Totem Pole
Joined: Feb 16 2009
Posts: 2032
User offline. Last seen 10 weeks 4 days ago.
31 Cleaning tips for a Sparkling Home from HomEdit dot com

 

Lots of household cleaning tips at this link, so I thought it was time I find this topic and add to it and 'freshen it up' or 'dust it off' . Many I'd seen before and a few I've tried, and others were new to me... ... www.homedit.com/31-cleaning-tips-sparkling-home/

__________________

Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!

Mardy Ross's picture
Mardy Ross
Title: LumiGRATE Poster - Top of the Totem Pole
Joined: Feb 16 2009
Posts: 2032
User offline. Last seen 10 weeks 4 days ago.
Progressing This Area of Info in 2017 at Lumigrate

At the link, below, taking you to another place on Lumigrate, you'll see this, for starters on a very in-depth thread which is my attempt to take YOU through the process as it unfolded when I 'learned to test', avoid and remediate any exposures I (or O'Rio the mercury-sensitive dog with canine symptoms life-long similar to mine): (A photo I got of him mid-yawn)....


Meditation: Evidence Based Psychiatric Treatment, on Mercola.com
By Kelly Brogan, MD

Do you want to powerfully influence your gene expression for the best? Do you want to train your nervous system to maintain a default state of relaxation? Do you want an evidence-based treatment for insomnia, depression, anxiety, and even fibromyalgia? Look no further than meditation.

The featured article on Mercola.com today, February 20th, 2014, entitled Taming the Monkey Mind—How Meditation Affects Your Health and Wellbeing was written by yours truly. A video is included, so please read and watch my exploration of this powerful personal health tool.



Doctor Kessler's comment when sharing it was this (a very good overview): 
 

To be strong/well, and not be anxious or depressed, you have to avoid the negative, disturbing vibration of any disturbing focus, like a mercury molecule, if you are mercury-sensitive (or aluminum if that's your sensitivity, and so on....), or a dental focus or a scar irritating "the order of your system" .  

If you have a 'bad day', you have to find out where this weakening of your system comes from, and how to take it away or to clean yourself and to be undisturbed again.

Everyone around here (Facebook) thinks: "What information (medications, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, food supplements) can or do I have to add to help?" The problem is that your order is sometimes so disturbed that your body doesn’t know what to do with the information, and you add so much different information that your body doesn’t know how and where to start organizing it.

Your innermost "material energy" layer, arising from the electrons being passed in metabolism, is disturbed and so weak and the chakras are not connected, and even spin the wrong way! It is not giving you a protective shield nor supplying you with the energy needed for your psychological status.

In other words, "your glass is always half empty instead half full" .... 'your skin is thin' ...... you have to power through to get something accomplished, and this burns you out even more, and then you get anxious maybe, or depressed, or perhaps overly aggressive or afraid, for example."

To which I'd commented about it being a good overview, and the next comment was: 

Super Aufklärung!! danke dir!

 

Now, onto other things he's provided, on Facebook and which I've selected to weave together here in a way I hope is good for most learners wishing to understand this 'tool' for figuring out 'what the heck is going on'!

MCS: Not Multiple Chemical Sensitivies - In My Model it is Multiple Chemical elementS !!

 

www.lumigrate.com/forum/claus-peter-kessler-md-facebook-learn-test-order-system-disrupted-his-mantra

__________________

Live and Learn. Learn and Live Better! is my motto. I'm Mardy Ross, and I founded Lumigrate in 2008 after a career as an occupational therapist with a background in health education and environmental research program administration. Today I function as the desk clerk for short questions people have, as well as 'concierge' services offered for those who want a thorough exploration of their health history and direction to resources likely to progress their health according to their goals. Contact Us comes to me, so please do if you have questions or comments. Lumigrate is "Lighting the Path to Health and Well-Being" for increasing numbers of people. Follow us on social networking sites such as: Twitter: http://twitter.com/lumigrate and Facebook. (There is my personal page and several Lumigrate pages. For those interested in "groovy" local education and networking for those uniquely talented LumiGRATE experts located in my own back yard, "LumiGRATE Groove of the Grand Valley" is a Facebook page to join. (Many who have joined are beyond our area but like to see the Groovy information! We not only have FUN, we are learning about other providers we can be referring patients to and 'wearing a groove' to each other's doors -- or websites/home offices!) By covering some of the things we do, including case examples, it reinforces the concepts at Lumigrate.com as well as making YOU feel that you're part of a community. Which you ARE at Lumigrate!

This forum is provided to allow members of Lumigrate to share information and ideas. Any recommendations made by forum members regarding medical treatments, medications, or procedures are not endorsed by Lumigrate or practitioners who serve as Lumigrate's medical experts.

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