|
Environmental pollutants enter into our bodies through the air we breathe, the
things we touch, the water we drink and wash in, and the foods we eat. They come
in the form of exhaust, fire retardants, insecticides, pesticides, herbicides
and preservatives, etc.
Acute toxicological effects of aromatic compounds include nausea, vomiting,
abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, tremor, loss of
consciousness etc. Chronic exposure may affect multiple organ systems, and the
liver in particular.
The most polluted space is the average home, which contains pollutants due to
poor air circulation. Homes are full of high outgassing synthetics such as
polyester, foam and rubber in beds and chairs. Gas heat further makes "home" a
toxic environment. The summation of these factors plus polluted work and outdoor
environments leads to a heavy "body load" - a term used to describe the sum of
all incidents that the body has to handle in order to function.
American Environmental Health Foundation
(AEHF) sources state that "when our immune system is overburdened, our body
reacts with many different kinds of symptoms in order to communicate to us that
we need to change" our environment and our lifestyle. Common symptoms are head,
neck, shoulder, back, stomach and joint aches. In addition, tearing, sneezing,
coughing, more serious respiratory problems and weakness in the legs can be
experienced. Disorientation, inability to concentrate, hyper and aggressive
behaviour and/or depression can be exhibited.
For some people, going to work in a building with poor indoor air quality may
cause headaches, coughs, dizziness, fatigue, and nausea. The building may be
improperly ventilated, causing exposure to fumes from cleaning solvents or
cigarette smoke. New buildings or new carpets emit formaldehyde, which is known
to cause symptoms such as nausea, respiratory problems, dry or inflamed skin,
and eye irritation. Buildings may have bacteria, mold, or viruses that have
built up in heating and cooling ducts, carpets, ceiling tiles, or insulation and
can cause fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, and other respiratory symptoms.
Symptoms of environmental illness can be difficult to diagnose and may be mistaken
for other medical problems. If you or the doctors at CCNM suspect that environmental
factors are responsible for your symptoms, an
Environmental Pollutants Biomonitor Analysis can be conducted through
one of our certified medical laboratories, followed by a thorough detoxification
protocol at our clinic should this prove necessary. (See:
Heavy Metal Detoxification)
1 Environmental Pollution and Impacts on
Public Health - United Nations Environment Programmme
|