Evidence for the causes of environmental diseases have been around for a long time

The doctor and scientist Doris Rapp is one of those who not only practice environmental medicine, but has also made environmental medicine the most important thing in her life. The American spent two weeks in Germany. The reunion with Prof. Rapp was very productive and we were lucky enough to spend a beautiful day on the Moselle. Here is a small summary.

Researcher documented environmental disease

I met Prof. Rapp for the first time at a congress in Bad Emstal about 18 years ago. It was a crucial experience. In her presentation, she showed a video about a teacher who became ill from contaminated carpeting in the school. The teacher was filmed during a reaction to contaminated dust from the carpet. This video vividly conveys to the viewer what MCS is and what a reaction can look like. At that time I was at the very beginning of my own illness and had had similar reactions to certain pesticides. The teacher experienced convulsions and fell unconscious. I thought “my goodness, that’s me, that’s exactly like me, that’s what you have…“ After the lecture I spoke with Prof. Rapp and that was the beginning of an ongoing exchange of information and an interesting friendship. We met again at conferences in Germany, Holland and in the U.S., visited each other in Germany and the United States and exchanged e-mails. When I visited her in Scottsdale, she showed me one of her video archives. She had stored thousands of videos of children whom she had treated. They showed the patients during and after therapy and during testing of foods, mold, pollen, dust mites or chemicals. They displayed impressive evidence that can remove any last doubts as to the existence of environmental illnesses and allergies.

We can no longer ignore environmental illnesses

Dr. Binz and his wife invited the environmental doctor for this most recent visit to Germany. We had actually arranged to meet for a trip along the Moselle, which would start before lunch. We had a warm reunion and before we knew it we had already exchanged information and ideas and were in the midst of planning for future projects.

“I’m over 80 years old now and have no children, I don’t really need to be doing all this and I could be enjoying my peace at this age, but I see what’s going on, and I simply cannot remain silent. We have so many chemicals in our environment, in the food we eat, in the water we drink and the air that we are constantly breathing. They affect each of our body systems and we can no longer ignore this. Almost every second person in my country has cancer and that is just not acceptable”, says Doris Rapp.

“The politicians and the public must realize the impact the flood of chemicals has on us and no one should keep insisting that we do not know where all the increasing diseases that occur are coming from. The evidence is there. We have animal testing to prove it. That’s why, as a doctor, I ask: How much more has to happen before we admit to the real causes? I won’t accept hearing when one says, “Yes, but there’s nothing we can do about it.” Yes, there is, because you can educate yourself and there’s a hell of a lot you can do,” says Prof Rapp, who is enraged about the current situation.

Solutions are often very simple

Prof. Rapp is no one who can be at odds with the world and ignore the solutions. She is in the process of writing another book. “It will be a small book, only 30 pages. Every reader can easily understand how he/she can shape his environment in order to stay healthy. The tips in this book will not cost anyone a fortune, they can easily be implemented without major expense. It will help anyone who wants to change something and wants to improve his health. The doctor cites two examples:

“Many people react to foods, but are not sure towards which foods. Expensive tests are not necessary. I advise people to think about what they eat most, foods that they downright crave. Experience has shown that these are the foods that are eaten every day and most likely those which cause reactions. The solution: omit the suspected food for a week. You can test one food after another. This costs nothing! ”

“Some people live in a house that is contaminated with pollutants or contaminated by mold. My experience is that five out of seven people can improve their health by 70% if they obtain a high quality air purifier that is capable of filtering hundreds of chemicals from the air in your home. Such an air purifier may cost a bit, but I have often seen patients who got better over night. So it’s worth it if you are unable to directly move out of the apartment or house.”

The new book will be published this year, and Professor Rapp has authorized me to translate it into German. She also gave me permission to translate videos and other books into our language, contributing knowledge to allergy sufferers and chemically sensitive people in the German-speaking countries, helping them to find a way back into life.

A trip along the Moselle

During the drive to the historic Moselle wine village, Bernkastel, to Traben-Trabach and the drive back to Trier, Prof. Rapp was bursting with innovative ideas that we will begin to put into action in the next few months and they will benefit the environmentally ill in many ways.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 12 September 2011

Since July 8th, 2011, we are pleased to welcome an online PureNature shop in Spain. Spanish customers will find over 2,000 products that will help them to live more comfortably with their allergies and to assist them with more environmentally conscious living.

A customer on-site service director has been operating since last year. Our representative, Mr. David Palma has replied to the Spanish customer inquiries with great expertise and is in constant contact with his German colleagues in order to satisfy all customer requests and inquiries with the greatest customer satisfaction.

The translation of the PureNature products took many months to complete and is ongoing. The effort has paid off, because with the launch of the online store, it is now much easier for the Spanish customers to shop. The goods are shipped from the PureNature, based in Idar-Oberstein, Germany to Spain. The new customers are welcomed by receiving free shipping during the month of July with their first order.

A warm welcome to Spain, and at this point, a big thank you to David Palma and his wife Eva Caballé, without whom this project would never have become a reality!

All the best,

from the entire PureNature team

Have a look at the new Spanish PureNature Shop: www.purenature.es

Identification of biomarkers is needed for patients who react to food

In a recent study, scientists identified a prestigious American university asking if strict allergen avoidance is the most appropriate strategy for dealing with food allergies. Traditionally, avoiding the foods which one cannot tolerate has been a standard treatment for allergies to food. This advice is based on the assumption that contact can lead to an allergic reaction and avoidance accelerates the recovery. Recent studies make this assumption.

Heat largely kills allergens

Recent studies show that most children with a milk allergy tolerate eggs and similar foods when they were hot. In addition, clinical studies show that eating tiny amounts of food could result in desensitization. It must be noted at this point that this procedure can be naturally carried out in the presence of a physician or an at an allergy clinic when a child suffers from severe allergic reactions.

Late introduction of allergens offers no advantage

Recently published epidemiological studies do not support the previous assumption that a delayed introduction of highly allergenic foods for infants and young children prevents food allergies. In fact, the recent data suggest that delaying the introduction of certain foods may even increase the risk of developing an allergy.

Biomarkers could provide a better understanding

The latest data suggest that strict allergen avoidance as a treatment is not always necessary. Exposure to a particular food can even be a therapeutic measure. An extended delay in the introduction of food allergens in the diet of young children may increase the risk of allergies as shared by scientists in their report. In many cases, the strict avoidance of a treatment is clearly necessary, however, so the scientists at the Mount Sinai Hospital continue to state, that further studies are needed to assess risks and benefits of exposure to allergens in more detail. They agree that the identification of biomarkers is needed for patients who react to food.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Kim JS, Safe S., Should there be strict avoidance of foods in prevention and treatment of food allergy?, Jaffe Food Allergy Institute, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA, Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol. February 16th, 2010.

An early determination of whether a child is sensitized to inhaled allergens such as pollen, mold or dust mites, serves as an important prognostic factor. Unfortunately, the diagnosis of small children is quite difficult to perform. Scientists from Belgium found that stuffed animals have an influence on the development of allergies in children.

Testing to identify allergies

A Belgian team of scientists tried, through a study of infants aged 0 to 2 years, to determine whether the allergies of children are based on a relation to environmental influences, or based on whether one has a family history of allergies. For this purpose, 824 infants who were previously tests with skin tests, inhaled allergens, and foods in an asthma clinic, were examined by the medical profession.

Stuffed animals make for allergies

It was determined that 40% of young children could be allergic. 28% responded to the respiratory allergens such as house dust, pollen and molds. For most young children dust mite allergens were the worst.

What the scientists also discovered is astonishing

Among children who slept with stuffed animals in bed, allergies were much more pronounced than in children who took no soft animals to bed. Factors such as gender, residence in a nursery, or eczema did not matter in the development of allergy, according to the doctors.

Sacrifice not necessary

Children love their stuffed animals, and they give them security. To take them away does not make sense. To make sure a stuffed animal does not lead to allergies, one should purchase a stuffed animal free of pollutants. Some manufacturers have already attempted to make them free of chemicals and other irritating substances. As a further preventive measure, only one stuffed animal should be taken to bed. It is also important for allergy prevention, to remember to wash soft toys regularly.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Image de Erling G, Mathot M, Agustsson S, Tuerlinckx D, Jamart J, Bodart E. Early skin sensitization to aero-allergens, Clin Exp Allergy. 2008 Apr; 38 (4) :643-8.

Hair dyes are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer

The first gray hairs indicate our aging and many have only one thought: The gray hairs must disappear. There are many hair dyes on the market, but most contain questionable chemicals to produce their coloring effect. Recently scientists at the University of Copenhagen showed that commercial -p-phenylenediamine (PPD)-contained in the hair dye composition is a potent activator on the immune system. When animal models were in contact with PPD, severe hypersensitivity reactions resulted.

With the discovery of these research scientists, the result leaves only two alternatives to consider: either accept the gray hair, or resort to a harmless lichen hair dye with active ingredients from plants.

Why doesn’t everyone react to the chemicals in hair color products?

With their new study, scientists from Copenhagen wanted to find out why only a minority of the population suffers with hypersensitivity to permanent hair dyes. The scientific research team found that the majority of people are indeed sensitized to hair dyes or the rest of the users develop an immunological tolerance.

Consumer tests simulated situation

To investigate whether an immune response takes place, the researchers exposed mice repeatedly to PPD-containing hair dyes in a manner as it is exposed to the consumer in a similar way. For this purpose, a commercial hair dye that contains PPD, was tested on animals. The local immune response was evaluated by ear swelling and by histological examinations. The immune response in the lymph nodes was analyzed by the researchers using flow cytometry, a still relatively new laboratory technique.

Inflammation and swelling worsened by repeated contact

Hair dye caused local inflammation, which was determined by swelling and cell infiltration of the treated ears. In addition, contact with the hair dye caused T-cell activation, as evidenced by the T-cell proliferation and the production of IFN gamma and IL-17 which was detected in the lymph nodes. The inflammatory reaction was at its peak after the fourth contact with the hair dye.

Effects observed on the immune system

From that point on, the team of scientists observed an up-regulation of regulatory T cells and IL-10 producing cells. The study thus shows that PPD-containing hair dyes strongly influence the immune system. In addition, it became clear that they are potent skin sensitizers that activate the inflammatory T-cells and to induce PPD-containing hair dyes and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. This may explain why many consumers using hair dye can be use the dyes repeatedly without significant development of allergies. Scientists from Denmark, however, believe that one cannot feel entirely safe doing this because facts have been raised concerning the question of whether the influence of the immune modulatory effects of hair dyes are involved in the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

Rubin IM, Dabelsteen S, Nielsen MM, White IR, Johansen JD, Geisler C, Bonefeld CM., Repeated exposure to hair dye induces regulatory T cells in mice, Department of International Health, Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, Br J Dermatol., May 13, 2010.

One in every three drug-allergy patients, takes the medicine again

Drugs can not only relieve symptoms but can also cause them. More than seven percent of the population suffers from a drug incompatibility, many of which are allergic problems. Common triggers of drug allergies are penicillin and other antibiotics. Painkillers like aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) are the cause of urticaria, shock, or asthma. The allergist, Professor Thomas Fuchs, and his team at the Dermatology University Medical Clinic at Goettingen stated in a recent study that drug allergies may have long term risks. “Every third patient, a year after diagnosis, will take a drug with the allergic trigger. Patients with allergies to drugs will forget or ignore the recommendations of their allergists over time. It is frightening that even doctors ignore our recommendations and prescribe the allergic triggers,” criticizes Fuchs. The consequences can be severe, and in the worst case, a reaction can threaten and endanger life.

Fuchs interviewed 80 patients with allergies to non-steroidal painkillers such as aspirin, paracetamol, diclofenac, or ibuprofen. He spoke with them regarding their experiences a few years after diagnosis. Forty-one percent had taken the painkillers despite the known allergy-causing effects of the drug. The most common causes for taking the allergy causing drugs again were that the people knew about the allergens or safe alternatives, but after a few years, or as they were no longer taking any medication, they forgot to check the informational leaflet for possible reactive ingredients. In some cases even doctors prescribed a drug with the allergic trigger. Also several patients were deliberately triggering a medicine allergy just out of curiosity to see if a reaction would occur again.

The skin clinic at Goettingen demonstrated the importance of intensive education for people with drug allergies. According to Fuchs, the person should meet with their allergist again a year after the original diagnosis. He also advises patients to always carry an allergy “passport”. In this “passport” the drug trigger(s) is/are recorded so that any attending doctors can immediately recognize which medicines can cause dangerous reactions. “People with a drug allergy should inform their doctors as well, to ensure is that no medication is prescribed with those reactive allergens,” the allergy specialist Thomas Fuchs recommended at the Skin Clinic of Goettingen.

Author: Association of German Allergists Association (AEDA) www.aeda.de

Literature:

Buhl T, Meynberg HC, Kaune KM, Hünecke P, Schoenberg MP, Fuchs D, Long-term follow-up of patients with hypersensitivity to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reveals shortcomings in compliance and care, J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011: 127 (1): 284-285

Allergies and Asthma? Be Careful when Burning Scented Candles

Candles are the most popular mood-makers. In particular, scented candles are very popular. They provide an “individual smell” in shops, at events, in restaurants and in homes. However, lung doctors warn against using scented candles, especially if they are made of paraffin. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum, which is produced from oil. Slags are often used by the oil industry for the manufacturing of candles. This allows the production cost of the candles to be kept to a minimum, ensuring a larger profit margin for manufacturers and retailers. Alternatively, lung doctors recommend candles from beeswax or soy instead, and advise consumers to refrain from scented candles and other scented air products altogether. (1) The Medical Association of the German Allergists speak out and are critical of fragrances. (2)

Scented Candles – A Problem for Allergy and Asthma Suffers

Pulmonary doctors of the German Lung Foundation (DLS) consider the use of scented candles made from paraffin as a concern for allergy sufferers and asthmatics. When the burning materials are released, they may cause or exacerbate the respiratory symptoms. Even people with perfume allergies are at risk. Skin reactions may be exacerbated by the burning of scented candles. Those with perfume allergies are therefore advised to abandon all scented candles.

Which is of Greater Concern…Natural Fragrance or Chemicals?

It is often stated, it was “only” a natural fragrance. The consumer often makes purchases with this promise of a false sense of security. Whether natural fragrances are a better choice than chemical fragrances is answered by Professor Thomas Fuchs, an allergist with the Department of Dermatology with the University of Medicine at Goettigen, November 2010 in the Rheinische Post: “… in the end fragrances are fragrances, whether they are natural or produced in the laboratory.”

Should those with a fragrance allergy use any fragrances at all? Professor Fox, who belongs to the Association of German Allergists, makes his position on this matter clear: “Those who are affected by a fragrance allergy should also do without all fragrances as much as possible.”

Fragrances Can Trigger Asthma Attacks

Scented candles are very problematic for asthma sufferers. It is reported that some asthmatics must resort more often to using asthma inhalers. Extreme caution must be used to leave locations where scented candles are being burned.

Paraffin Candles Emit Pollutants

“Paraffin candles are made from petroleum,” said Professor Harald Morr, CEO, on the website of the German Lung doctors. “Especially people, who have already developed a contact allergy to certain perfumes, risk the increase from the burning of substances released to the skin or allergic symptoms in the airways. This can cause skin rashes and asthma symptoms.”

Concern for the burning of candles is not just for asthma or allergy sufferers alone, but also for anyone who is in a room where candles are burning. It is recommended by pulmonary doctors from the German Lung Foundation to be cautious and have good ventilation, especially in small rooms or in places with poor ventilation. In addition, they even advise, to set up fans to get rid of the pollutants faster which are released by the candles. Is this advice over the top? Surely not, because especially if several candles are burning at the same time, this can quickly lead to significant pollution in indoor environments. Not only is the paraffin of concern, but also the wicks, which are very often contain lead. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency published that the proven lead exposure in children was caused to a considerable extent by the burning of candles. (3)

Candle Magic to Create Atmosphere

Those who are concerned about health should refrain from scented candles and instead use candles from plant based sources, soy and beeswax instead of those made from paraffin.

In addition, beeswax candles should be organic. Conventional beeswax is contaminated by pesticides and drug residues which can be expected to be released during burning into the air.

Mood candles in the living room should be limited to special occasions and should be selected for their pollution-free quality. After the use of each candle it is important to thoroughly air out the room, and make sure that candles are “suffocated” completely.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature:

1. Lungenärzte im Netz, Paraffin in Duftkerzen kann die Atemwege reizen und Asthma hervorrufen, 15.11.2010
2. RP, Experte rät zu Verzicht auf Parfüm, 24.11.2010
3. Silvia K. Müller, Vorsicht bei MCS: Kerzen können zu Schadstoffbelastung in Innenräumen beitragen, CSN, 13.12.2008

Experts call for alternative disinfectant for swimming pools

Indoor swimming pools in cities were once a status symbol. Now there are other factors to consider. The cost for the maintenance of swimming pools is enormous. But there is another factor that is not often in the foreground, but certainly plays a role: chlorine – the chemical added to disinfect the water. Chlorine is effective and cheap, but it is toxic and has destroyed the health of many lifeguards and swimmers. In some cities there were staff shortages in the pool, because one lifeguard after another died because of cancer.

A recent report on the health hazards of chlorine in swimming pools:

Swimming in chlorinated indoor or outdoor pools may increase the risk of cancer. Because of this fact a team of researchers has been created by Manolis Kogevinas at the Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology in Barcelona. The researchers have identified more than 100 chemical intermediates in chlorinated pools. They advise not to stop swimming in pools, but want to achieve a change in terms of hygiene and in bathrooms which would require swimmers to make adjustments and to wash thoroughly with soap before the swim.

“Chlorine is a highly active microbial killer and reacts with a variety of organic substances. These include skin cells, sweat and urine, the bathroom specialist Rudolf Wagner declared at a water workshop for the press-text interview. “If one takes a shower before the swim, one reduces these reactions immensely,” said Wagner. “An alternative to chlorine is ozone. This oxidant is less strong and less reactive.”

Chlorine: High reactivity

Although chlorine is an effective bacteria killer, scientists have long warned against the negative consequences for human health. The team with Kogevinias discovered from a 50-member group of subjects, that some of the intermediates of the disinfectant were poisonous and never before found in swimming pools.

The swimmers had their blood, urine, and breath tested before and after a 40-minute swim in the water. After the session, the subjects showed some increased markers of DNA damage that can lead subsequently to cancer. The chemical intermediates enter through the skin and respiratory organs in the body. Nevertheless, the researchers point out that it is too early to conclude long-term health problems from these short-term changes.

Previous studies have shown that lifeguards suffer from increased asthma, respiratory problems, allergies and ear, nose, and throat irritation.

When making plans, consider health risks

In new planning and renovation of swimming pools safe disinfectants should be prioritzed. Exposing pool staff and swimmers to chlorine and its toxic breakdown products, based on research results in recent years, should simply be no longer acceptable. It is easier not think about the health risks for employees and swimmers even when experts are calling for further research but it is unacceptable to continue to expose these people to the known health risks..

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network

Literature: PT Austria, Chlor im Pool: Ziemlich ungesunde Mischung pte/14.09.2010