Chemical sensitivities and related disorders* include many medical conditions that share a common characteristic. Sufferers become ill from eating, breathing, or absorbing small amounts of widely used “safe” chemicals. Reactions may be:

immediate or delayed

severe or mild

Many chronic illness, including autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, can be aggravated by chemicals. People can become so sensitized from a major exposure that small amounts of chemicals in daily life can be subsequently provoke symptoms. Even repeated low-dose exposures can cause gradual, subtle, but long-term damage

*Also called multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), chemical susceptibilities, environmental or ecological illness (EI), total allergy syndrome, and twentieth century.

Some Possible Symptoms

Central Nervous System

Fatigue; confusion; hyperactivity; tension; memory loss; sleep disturbances;

headaches; depression, dizziness

Gastrointestinal

bloating; nausea; constipation;cramps

Skin

Eczema; flushing; rashes; hives

Musculoskeletal

muscle spasms; join pain; backache; swollen limbs

Respiratory

Frequent colds; bronchitis; asthma; shortness of breath

Cardiovascular

rapid heartbeat; irregular heartbeat; hypertension; migraines

Ear, Eye, Nose and Throat

nasal stuffiness; earaches; watery eyes; sinus infections

A Medical Puzzle

Physicians are sometimes perplexed when they see symptoms of chemical sensitivities because most doctors are not trained to recognize illnesses caused by environmental exposures. There is convincing evidence, however, that chemicals can induce reactions in vulnerable people. This evidence is receiving increasing recognition from scientists, public and occupational health professionals, and the federal government.

Varying Vulnerability

People vary greatly in their response to chemical exposures. Some will hardly react; others may become very ill. Among the most vulnerable are:

Women

the poor

unborn children

the young; the elderly

the chronically ill

allergy sufferers

workers in high risk occupations

HEAL can HELP!!

If chemicals are making you ill, HEAL can help. The Human Ecology Action League, Inc. (HEAL), founded in 1977, is a nonprofit volunteer organization of people affected by or concerned about environmental conditions that are hazardous to human health. HEAL has chapters and affiliated support groups throughout the United States and is part of an international network of like- minded organizations.

THE CHALLENGES OF COPING

Living a happy and fulfilling life with chemical sensitivities can be a great challenge. But it can

be done, HEAL can provide valuable information and put you in touch with others who understand the problems. The following steps can help you meet challenges of coping successfully and get you started on the path to better health.

TAKE RESPONSIBILITY.

Identify symptoms. Remove suspected triggering agents one at a time and

observe the results. Consult a medical specialist if necessary.

CLEAN UP SURROUNDINGS.

Investigate and reduce sources of indoor air pollution, including those that may come from …

scented products

household cleaners

tobacco smoke

gas stoves

heat and ventilation systems

office machines

construction materials

REDUCE STRESS.

Minimize all stresses, emotional and environmental, so that you can cope better with those that are inevitable.

PROMOTE HEALTH.

Exercise regularly and choose foods wisely. Minimize or eliminate foods containing pesticides and chemical additives.

HEAL'S Purpose

HEAL’s purpose is to serve those whose health has been adversely affected by environmental exposures; to provide information to those who are concerned about the health effects of chemicals; and to alert the general public about the potential dangers of chemicals.

HEAL'S Goals

Encourage healthy lifestyles that minimize potentially hazardous environmental exposures.

Establish chapters that implement HEAL’s purpose at the local level.

HEAL'S Quarterly Magazine

The Human Ecologist, the quarterly publication of the

Human Ecology Action League, Inc. (HEAL), contains:

suggestions for coping with environmental stresses

sources for food
clothing, and household supplies
news of developments in medicine
science, and government policies
ideas for working effectively with agencies
health care professionals

Other Services

local support … chapters in most states
chapter development kits
information/resource/ reading lists
Regional volunteer program
back issues of The Human Ecologist

Human Ecology Action League, Inc.(HEAL)

P.O. Box 509, Stockbridge, GA 30281

(770) 389-4519 - Fax (770) 389-4520

Email: HEALNatnl@aol.com or

HEAL3@aol.com for Membership Information

Website: www.healnatl.org

Additional Information and more see:
Join HEAL click here
HEAL’s Service List click here
The Human Ecologist Back Issues Article Index click here
The Human Ecologist Back Issues Column Topics click here

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"Since 1977, education and information about environment and health."

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