Mind-Body Therapies

Environmental Toxicology/Environmental Health

Environmental Toxicology is the study of how chemicals in our environment affect our health. Toxic chemicals are everywhere in our environment, our air, our food, our water, and in our homes. Indeed, the EPA has said indoor pollution is often worse than outdoor - due to chemicals in finishes, furnishings, and building materials. Blood samples of large numbers of individuals in the US and other countries as well show that chemicals that cause cancer, nerve damage, and birth defects to name a few, are now present in everyone's blood. Many of us can function with these chemicals in our bodies. For others, these chemicals take a toll on our general well-being, and some people show outright symptoms of poisoning, including cancer, arthritis, allergies, birth defects, cardiovascular illnesses, and neurological problems.

The term Environmental Illnesses was coined to refer to illnesses triggered directly by environmental factors. These include allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities, sick building syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Candida Related Illness, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Leaky Gut Syndrome and Gulf War Syndrome. The American Lung Association has also connected symptoms such as asthma, coughing, and allergies with poor indoor air quality.

Numerous methods exist for treating, minimizing or eliminating the toxic effects of this chemical build-up. Avoiding the chemicals which trigger symptoms is a vital part of coping with and treating environmental illnesses. One way to reduce toxic chemical exposure is to create a home environment that does not trigger symptoms by using cleaning products that are non-toxic, buying and refinishing your home with less toxic products, avoiding unnecessary chemicals in cosmetics and perfumes. Paying attention to the foods that we eat, and how we prepare them. It is also important to consider industrial or other workplace exposures which may be affecting your health.

A detailed review of your potential exposures, as well as personal concerns can help determine if specific chemicals in your life are adversely affecting you health.

"In the last several years, a growing body of scientific evidence has indicated that the air within homes and other buildings can be more seriously polluted than the outdoor air in even the largest and most industrialized cities... Some sources, such as building materials, furnishings, and household products like air fresheners, release pollutants more or less continuously... Some health effects can be useful indicators of an indoor air quality problem, especially if they appear after a person moves to a new residence, remodels or refurnishes a home, or treats a home with pesticides." (EPA, Guide to Indoor Air Quality)