Allergy and Environmental Illness
Date: 02/9/2007

Just about every body knows someone who suffers from allergy. It is estimated that 33% or more of the American population have allergies of some kind. And yet these figures do not even include food allergy and chemical sensitivity! Asthma in children has increased over 200% in the past twenty years. It is our opinion that this increase in allergy seen today is the result of the assault on our immune systems from today’s chemically laden environment. Particularly the refining of foods, the use of food additives, the use of infant formula, the widespread use of and contamination of our food and water with pesticides and insecticides, heavy metal accumulation in our body’s tissues, the constant and daily exposure to volatile organic solvent type chemicals (VOC’s) in our homes, schools and offices, and societal stress all play a role in the development of allergy and environmental sensitivity. Our modern "21st Century" environment essentially bathes us in a sea of chemicals and the resultant effect is environmental illness.

VOC’s deserve special mention as one of the prime contributors to environmental illness. VOC’s are solvent-type chemicals that are toxic to life, some extremely so. VOC’s are very commonly present at high levels in indoor air of buildings. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated this problem as the Sick Building Syndrome. The causes are two fold: first, there has been a massive increase in commercial production of VOC’s, and second, the energy efficient building codes adopted following the Arabian oil embargo in the 1970's which has resulted in little or no ventilation of buildings with outdoor air. VOC’s are fat soluble and therefore have a special affinity for the fatty tissues of the body, especially the brain. VOC effects on the brain are responsible for the majority of the mental and emotional symptoms seen in the environmentally ill patient. Additionally, reports have demonstrated that they damage the lining of the nose and respiratory tract causing increased susceptability to inhalant (pollen, dust, mold, dander) allergy symptoms. Common sources of VOC’s include new buildings which have high air levels of formaldehyde, plastic vapors, glues, adhesives, and paints. New wall to wall carpets may out gas a number of harmful VOC’s. Others on this nemesis list of VOC’s include pesticides (which may remain in indoor air for up to 21 days after spraying), tobacco smoke, recent renovations such as indoor painting, heavy use of disinfectants, air fresheners, and new mattresses which may exude toxic fire-retardant fumes.

There is also a genetic component to developing allergies. It appears that those with the hereditary pre-disposition to develop allergy will manifest symptoms to the degree of environmental insult they happen to incur. For instance, someone born with a mild predisposition to develop allergy will need a higher dose of environmental triggers than one who is born with a large predisposition to develop allergy.

It is important to understand this concept so we can best modify our environment to meet our unique genetic influences. We are all dealt a personal genetic "deck of cards" to be used our entire life. Although we cannot obtain a different deck, we can alter our lifestyle and behavior, thus shuffling our deck to find the best possible hand it allows; the better our hand, the better our health! Our center specializes in finding ways to shuffle your deck and modify your environment and health behaviors to maximize your personal strengths and minimize your hereditary weakness. This approach best describes Environmental Medicine.

Environmental medicine is the practice of directly correcting or improving environmentally triggered problems with the minimal use of drugs and toxic therapies. Environmental medicine takes of two-pronged approach: find and then reduce your particular harmful environmental exposures while at the same time building up your body’s natural ability to deal with these exposures. This is best understood as the total load concept. Our immune and detoxification systems can be compared to a barrel. The larger our barrel, the more environmental insults it can hold and the less symptoms and reactions we incur. However, once our individual threshold is reached our barrel then overflows and we manifest symptoms. The smaller our barrel, the quicker it can overflow when environmental triggers (exposures) are poured into it and the sooner we develop symptoms. We thus see the importance of reducing our exposures and environmental triggers (keeping our barrel as empty as possible) while at the same time trying to support and strengthening our immune and detoxification systems (increase the size of our barrel).

As we review the types of allergy and sensitivity, the many different testing methods and treatment modalities, keep in mind this barrel and total load concept to best understand the concept of environmental illness. 

What Is Allergy?

Much confusion and misunderstanding centers around the word "allergy". The word allergy is derived from two Greek words meaning "altered reaction". The substance which provokes a reaction in an individual is called and "allergen" or "antigen". This can be dust, mold, pollen, food or other substances. When medicine began to scientifically understand allergy in the 1930's, they discovered a biochemical pathway in the body that caused the typical Hayfever symptoms we all know so well. This involved an immune compound in our blood and tissues called Ig E which was responsible for an immediate allergy reaction: exposure to ragweed caused sneezing, itching and watery nose. It is this definition of allergy that became accepted by the medical community. As time and medicine progressed, it was discovered that other pathways in the body also lead to specific symptoms and could produce delayed reactions. Whereas immediate reactions occur within minutes to several hours after exposure to an allergen, delayed reactions can occur anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after exposure to an allergenic substance. These delayed pathways are still not well understood and are probably the mechanism by which chemicals and other substances produce physical symptoms. Unfortunately, this does not fit into the classic example of "immediate type Ig E allergy" and thus the concept of chemical allergy has been very difficult for the medical community to accept. Consequently, we prefer the word "sensitivity" to describe any reaction to a chemical, food or other substance that does not fit the classic "immediate type Ig E allergy" mechanism.

 There are many clinical pictures of the person with allergy and sensitivity. We can, however, list five basic categories:

• Inhalant Allergy: those that have essentially nose, eye, respiratory, and skin allergy symptoms to common airborne substances such as dust, dust mites, molds, animal dander and pollen. Pollens include grasses, trees, and weeds. The symptoms may be all year long or just at certain seasons (ie., spring and fall). Hayfever is an allergy to ragweed and is the classic example of an Ig E inhalant allergy. It is this type of allergy that most people think of when they say "My allergies are acting up!" Measures to help avoid common inhalant allergies are listed at the end of this article.
• Food Allergy: those that have predominately food allergy. They usually do not have seasonal variations in their symptoms but the symptoms vary depending upon their exposure to the foods that cause reactions. Food reactions and symptoms may be immediately apparent or be delayed for up to 3-4 days after eating the particular offending food. Refer to our separate handout that explains food allergy in detail.
• Chemical Sensitivities: those who have a variety of both physical and mental symptoms upon exposure to chemicals such as perfume, gasoline, tobacco smoke, cleaning products, pesticides, detergents and many other chemical compounds. They may not have inhalant or food allergy. Some of these patients may even be sensitive to electromagnetic fields. It is important to understand that chemicals can cause both injury (toxic) reactions and at the same time cause sensitivity reactions in our bodies. Most chemically sensitive individuals also have some degree of chemical injury. This may have occurred from a single large exposure or from a long term low level exposure to one or many chemicals. Chemicals that have such disrupting effects on the body’s hormones and metabolism are called "xenobiotics"; "xeno" meaning chemical and "biotic" meaning biological action. In our extensive experience in this field, we have found that nearly all individuals with significant chemical sensitivity have other concomitant allergies, weak digestive function and hormonal imbalances, especially the adrenal. This leads us to the next category.
• Multiple Allergy and Sensitivity: those who have a combination of inhalant, food and chemical sensitivities. There are in infinite number of these combinations, varying in degree and severity, and largely dependent on the genetic makeup of the individual (size of their barrel) and the amount of exposures they have incurred. The majority of those with environmental illness fall into this category of multiple allergies and sensitivities.
• Universal Reactor: those with such severe allergies and environmental sensitivities that they seem to react to "everything". This condition is the deterioration of the above person who has multiple allergies and sensitivities. They usually have many health problems and are often labeled as "crazy" or "depressed" by their doctors and peers. They often need to take extreme avoidance measures to stay well and require the best that environmental medicine can offer them.

We can now see that environmental illness is the result of adverse reactions to substances in the air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, the medications we take and to substances found in our everyday home and office. These reactions can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can involve just about any organ or system in the body. This includes the eyes, nose and throat, respiratory system, nervous system and brain, immune system, endocrine (hormonal) system, reproductive system, urinary system, gastrointestinal system, system and musculoskeletal system. Those organs that show symptoms upon allergen or chemical exposure are known as "target organ(s)". Your target organs may stay the same over time or change as your condition changes.

Environmental illness can also be the underlying factor in many diseases and medical syndromes seen today such as depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, diabetes, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, asthma, bronchitis, frequent ear infections and sinus infections, attention deficit, hyperactivity and learning problems in children, colitis, irritable bowel syndrome and many other conditions. Because environmental illness often masquerades as other types of diseases it is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Herein lies the critical need for an environmentally trained practitioner.

Testing

 Testing for allergy and environmental illness may be quite simple or involve many innovative laboratory and radiographic testing. Unfortunately, there is of yet no one test that can diagnose environmental illness or chemical sensitivity. The following is a partial list of possible testing techniques that can help one suffering from allergies or environmental illness.

• Environmentally Oriented Interview: The first and foremost essential in diagnosing environmental illness is the environmental oriented history and physical examination. This is much more detailed than the typical medical interview that is directed to a person’s current problem. A detailed search is made for the environmental triggers to the person’s illness; questioning often starts with the individual’s pre birth history and then methodically reviews the entire past medical history looking for possible exposure events in that person’s lifetime. The types of environmental exposures and stressors include dust, mold and pollen triggered symptoms, exposure to pesticides, heavy metals, mercury (silver) fillings, volatile organic solvent type chemicals such as paints, petroleum products, natural gas, formaldehyde, phenols, and chemicals found in carpets and building materials.

In addition, all aspects of the individuals health is evaluated in an attempt to find all of the factors contributing his or her total load. This includes searching for physical stressors such as infection (viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal), poor nutrition, food and chemical reactions, inadequate or too much exercise, hormonal imbalances, digestive disturbances, insufficient rest and sleep. Emotional stressors that contribute to the total load includes job stress and frustration, marital difficulties, divorce, financial difficulties and past or present abuse to include physical, emotional, verbal or sexual abuse. This is a time consuming process but well worth the effort once certain triggering events are discovered. Such information allows for more specific testing and treatment modalities that would best help the individual. To aid this process, we utilize a detailed medical history form that is required to be completed prior to the first interview. We cannot emphasize enough that the environmentally oriented interview is the most important evaluation step in the entire testing processes herein listed.

• Elimination/Challenge Diet. This is a simple and no cost way to help uncover food allergies. We highly recommend allergy and environmental patients undergo this 3 week home test no matter what other testing is performed. Instructions are given to eliminate the most common foods for 1 week and then to add them back one item at a time. During this process, close observation is made by the patient looking for any symptoms or change in their condition. If there is a question of a food reaction, the item can be retested to see if a repeat reaction occurs. This elimination/challenge diet is recommended ONLY for unknown food allergies. Do not use this challenge test for known food allergies, especially those that are known to provoke serious symptoms. Refer to a separate handout for detailed instructions on the elimination/challenge diet.
• Pulse testing: An increase of the resting pulse after exposure to an allergen can be a simple and easy way to determine your individual sensitivities. It involves taking a resting pulse measurement (usually somewhere between 60 and 90), then eating a food (as in the challenge phase of the elimination/challenge diet) or being exposed to a chemical or a certain room and then rechecking the pulse 15-30 minutes after the exposure. A rise of 20 points in the pulse rate may be an indication of a sensitivity to that exposure. Smoking, snacking, chewing gum, emotional excitement and physical exertion must be avoided during the test. This test is simple, easy to do and has no cost. It can be done virtually anywhere and allows for testing of a wide range of substances and places. However, some people are not "pulse changers" and will not have an increase in their pulse despite being sensitive to the exposed substance. These people will not benefit from the pulse test.
• Skin testing: At the Woodlands Healing Research Center, we use very specific types of allergy testing. Chief among our testing techniques is Modified Quantitative Testing (MQT). Another form of allergy testing is called Intradermal Testing (IT) . These allergy testing procedures differ from standard allergy testing which places a panel of allergens on the skin and reads if there is a positive or negative reaction. Such skin testing tests immediate Ig E reactions. If positive, you are then placed on a standard allergy extract that is slowly made more concentrated over time. Everybody that reacts to a certain allergen is placed on the same program at the same starting dose. However, with MQT you are not only tested to see if you are allergic to a substance, but also are tested to find the best starting dose for you as an individual. We are thus able to provide allergy therapy that is specific to your particular immune system. Such allergy therapy is like Goldilock’s porridge- it’s not too hot or too cold, but just right for you. We use the MQT method to test inhalants and the IT to test foods. The advantage of MQT and IT testing over standard allergy skin testing is that a treatment vial can be made specifically suited to the patient’s testing results and thus dose specific allergy treatment can be started immediately. We occasionally use two other techniques called Serial Endpoint Titration (SET) and Provocation/Neutralization (P/N) for very selected cases.
• Serum (blood) testing. There are a number of laboratories that offer blood testing for inhalants, foods and other substances. They can measure either immediate or delayed type reactions. The advantage to these tests is that they can evaluate up to several hundred items at one time. The disadvantage is their high cost and the only treatment one can offer from the results is avoidance of the food or substance provoking a positive reaction. This is not a problem if only a few items are found positive, but can become quite daunting if many foods and substances are found to be positive. Furthermore, we are unable to make any vaccine or immunotherapy from the results of the blood tests.
• Chemical Assays: Chemical assays of blood and tissue can be performed at special labs trained and certified to perform these delicate tests. Chemicals are usually found in the blood shortly after an exposure event. These chemical are rather quickly stored in the body’s tissues and are then difficult to uncover by blood testing. Sometimes tissue testing may be of help but this requires surgical removal of the body’s tissue. If we are able to see the patient shortly after their chemical exposure we can utilize the blood assays, however, we frequently see the patient long after the exposure has occurred. In such cases the blood testing for chemicals would not likely yield much useful information.
• Chemical Antibody Assays: In addition to measuring the direct blood level of a chemical, we can also test for blood antibodies to chemicals. This test is better suited to those that are seen by our centers long after their exposure. Investigations have shown that people exposed to environments containing out-gassed chemicals (VOC’s) may produce antibodies to the chemical or to closely related chemicals. These antibodies can be detected using an ELISA technique. Furthermore, antibodies that are formed to attack a person’s own tissues can be tested. This is called autoimmune disease and can be seen in the environmentally ill patient. Autoantibodies to thyroid tissue, nerve cell tissue, muscles and connective tissue can all be measured.
• Porphyrin Metabolic Testing: A number of chemically sensitive people will have abnormal liver and bone marrow production of heme which is the primary component of hemoglobin in the red blood cell. Their lab tests can reveal abnormal activity in one or more of the eight enzymes involved in heme production. Chemically sensitive patients can have intermittent or constant disruption in these enzyme steps. The testing is very extensive and involves blood, urine and stool measurements for porphyrins. The timing of testing is crucial because it may be abnormal only during a chemical exposure and then return to normal once the exposure has cleared. Those most likely to benefit from this testing are chemically injured/sensitive patients with nervous system, psychological and/or skin symptoms that are triggered by chemical exposure and have at least one of the following: symptoms worse by sunlight exposure, symptoms worse by fasting, dieting or skipping meals, or the symptom of occasional red or dark brown colored urine that is not due to blood. This type of testing is considered investigational at this time.
• Triple Headed SPECT Scan: This is a new brain imaging technique that measures the uptake of labeled glucose in the brain. Recent investigations have shown abnormal glucose uptake in various areas of the brain in people with chemical injury/sensitivity and chronic fatigue patients. There are only a few university centers that have a triple headed SPECT scan. This test may be helpful for those with nervous system, mental or emotional symptoms as part of their environmental illness. This test does not offer any treatment but may help establish a cause, especially if done before and after a chemical exposure.
• Testing for compounding factors: This includes testing for heavy metal overload, immune system assays, hormonal evaluation of the thyroid, adrenal, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, Candida immune complexes in the blood; stool analysis for digestive function, bacteria, yeast or parasites; permeability testing for a "leaky intestine"; liver detoxification assessment; and vitamin, mineral and amino acid analyses. Any or all of these may be needed to take the necessary steps to decrease the total load and increase the size of the patient’s barrel.

  To summarize, testing for allergy and environmental illness must be individualized to each person’s unique problems. At our center, we make every attempt to choose those tests which will not only help diagnose the problem but then also offer specific treatment. Many of the tests just discussed are very expensive, do not offer any specific treatment and therefore must be ordered with discretion.. They are, however, helpful in proving environmental illness to employers, insurance companies, disability agencies and other legal agencies. 

Treatment

The key to understanding the most effective treatment for allergy and environmental illness is to take as many measures as possible to reduce your total load while at the same time trying to increase the size of your barrel. The less frequently it overflows, the less symptoms occur and the more functional you can become. Anything and everything you can do to reduce your total load contributes positively to your health.

Avoidance:

Avoidance of offending allergens and reactive substances is the first and foremost treatment modality. It should always remain at the top of the list of all treatment measures. Avoidance therapy cannot be overemphasized and recovery from allergy and chemical injury (toxicity) or sensitivity mandates avoidance measures to be taken to the best of one’s ability.

Those with inhalant allergy must take measures to avoid their particular offending allergens, be they dust, mold, pollens, or dander. Molds are frequently a problem in environmental illness and along with dusts and dust mites can give symptoms all year long. Trees, grasses, and weeds give seasonal symptoms only. If any of these inhalants have found to be a probelm for you, refer to the end of this handout for specific recommendations on mold, dust and pollen avoidance measures you can take.

Those with known or suspected food allergies found by the elimination/challenge diet, blood or skin testing should completely avoid the offending foods for 3 to 6 months and at the same time rotate their safe foods on an every 3 or 4 day basis. Food allergy avoidance and rotation can be one of the most difficult parts of allergy treatment and it is for this reason we offer all of our expertise and support to our patients requiring this demanding but rewarding treatment. Our center can help you find an allergy diet that is safe, enjoyable and nutritious while at the same time avoiding those foods that are making you sick. Refer to our separate monograph for an example of a rotation diet. 

Avoidance of pollutants in air, food and water is key to decreasing unwanted chemicals from poisoning the body’s biochemical pathways. Air and water filtration is frequently needed. HEPA air filters are recommended for pollens, dust and molds while carbon block filters are recommended for chemicals and other VOC’s. Ozone generators are also available to bind air borne allergens and chemicals in the environment so they can no longer provoke a reaction. It appears that the best air treatment system involves the use of both air filters along with an ozone generator.There are many air and water filtration products on the market today and our centers can guide you in finding the best products to fit your individual needs. Avoidance measures to chemicals also include substituting more toxic home cleaning supplies, art and craft supplies, and home finishing materials with less toxic alternatives. Natural methods of pest and fungus control are to be used instead of the very toxic home and lawn pesticides and fungicides frequently used today. In some cases toxic carpets and gas heaters and stove may need to be replaced.

Pure drinking water is equally important. According to the National Resource Defense Council, July 1994, 50 million people are drinking tap water that is contaminated with heavy metals, pesticide residue or harmful bacteria. Of them, 1 million people have suffered some form of health consequence and 900 have died. The best source our pure water at this time is natural spring water found in glass bottles that has been tested for purity. Such water is very difficult to find today but is not impossible. The next best would include charcoal filtered tap water.

Although avoidance measures may initially appear daunting and overwhelming, a combination of a commitment to wellness on your part, patience, and the careful guiding hand of our centers can transform your present environmentally sick home, school and office to an oasis of health and healing. Refer to the end of this handout for more help on taking avoidance measures and other resources to aid this worthwhile endeavor.

Antihistamines and Decongestants:

There are many over the counter and prescription allergy medications that comprise antihistamine medicines and decongestant medicines. In addition, there are also vitamin and herbal and homeopathic compounds that may also be of help. Which ever products are used, it is important to understand how each one acts. Antihistamines are products that attempt to block the allergic response in the body that releases histamine. Histamine is released in the immediate type allergy reaction and produces the typical "hayfever" type allergy reaction of sneezing, itching, runny nose and eyes, congestion and sometimes wheezing. Antihistamine medications work best if taken before the allergic response occurs. In other words, it works best if it is already in the system blocking histamine action before you are exposed to the allergen. This means that someone with spring, summer and fall pollen allergy may need to take antihistamines daily during these seasons. On the other hand, decongestants will act to decongest the nose no matter what causes the congestion (allergy, cold infection, etc). They should be used only on an "as needed basis" after congestion occurs. We have found the herbal compound "nettle" a very effective antihistamine with no side effects.

Immunotherapy:

The Woodlands Healing Research Center offers immunotherapy for inhalant, food and chemical sensitivities. These desensitizing extracts (or vaccines as our patients like to call them) can help control reactions to your particular offending substances by modulating your immune system to be less reactive to them. We have obtained the best results using injection therapy for inhalants and sublingual (drops under the tongue) for foods and chemicals. We can, however, use sublingual drops for inhalants, especially for children and we can use shots for foods also. Allergy shots for pollens/dust/molds are usually given weekly while food shots are given once daily. Under the tongue drops for foods or inhalants are routinely administered three times a day. Immunotherapy is usually continued for 3 to 5 years but some may obtain full benefit with less or more time required. When using immunotherapy for chemicals, it must be understood that we are treating only the "allergic" aspect of chemical exposure, not the toxic aspect of the chemical exposure. It must also be plainly clear that immunotherapy must be accompanied by avoidance therapy to insure optimal benefit.

Nutritional Therapy:

Most individuals with environmental illness have nutritional imbalances, that if not corrected, significantly limit the potential for improvement. Proper nutrition is vital for your body’s detoxification and biochemical pathways to function at their prime. Nutritional assessment and treatment must be individually based as each of us is genetically different from another. Truly, in terms of nutritional therapy, one man’s meat is another’s poison. The environmentally ill patient must obtain nutritional supplements that are of the purest quality, easily absorbed into the system, while at the same time not provoking a sensitivity reaction. At times, intravenous vitamins, minerals and amino acids may be needed to overcome severe deficiencies and intestinal malabsorption problems that are not responsive to oral supplementation alone.

Detoxification:

Environmental patients universally have weak detoxification processes as the result of genetic influences or from chemical injury to these biochemical pathways. We feel that supporting the body’s ability to detoxify from environmental insults is a prerequisite for successful treatment of this condition. Although nutritional therapy is a cornerstone to supporting and strengthening our detoxification mechanisms, additional measures are taken to fully accomplish this goal. For example, chelation may be needed for heavy metal removal from the body’s tissues. Common sources of heavy metals is included at the end of this monograph. A detailed explanation of detoxification therapy is discussed in a separate monograph.

Acid-Alkaline Balance:

The majority of environmentally injured people are too acidic resulting from their overworked detoxification processes. All of our detoxification pathways run better in a slightly alkaline environment. The best way to achieve an alkaline body and blood pH is to consume adequate amount of vegetables to balance to acid forming proteins and carbohydrates. Consuming "green" drinks and supplements like barley green, blue green algae and sun Chlorella can also shift the balance to a more alkaline environment in a gentle and natural manner. Some recommend trying to maintain an urine pH between 6.5 and 7.0.

Hormonal Therapy:

We frequently see hormonal imbalances and glandular weaknesses in the environmentally injured and sensitive patient. It appears that chemicals in our environment have the ability to mimic some of our own hormones, especially estrogen, leading to a relative estrogen excess and progesterone deficiency in our bodies. Furthermore, these chemicals can also weaken and disrupt other hormonal functions such a thyroid, thymus and adrenal. This is so common that we universally consider the adrenal/chronic fatigue patient and the environmentally ill patient "sister diseases" and treatment for one is treatment for the other. A careful hormonal and glandular evaluation is crucial to recovery of the environmentally ill patient.

Treatment of Infection:

Allergies and sensitivities can develop after an infection and hidden, smoldering infections can intensify sensitivity symptoms. Any viral, bacterial, parasitic or other type of infection should be treated at the same time attention is given to strengthening the immune system. Intestinal infections with bacteria, parasites and yeast are perhaps the number one microbial burden to the immune system and must be eliminated for full recovery. The well popularized yeast syndrome is but one example of these intestinal invaders that can play havoc with the immune and detoxification systems.

Treatment of Digestive Dysfunction:

A poor, weak digestive system seems to accompany nearly all of our environmentally ill patients. It appears that a downhill spiral occurs as environmental insults weaken the digestive function, so then a dysfunctional digestive system can intensify allergic and sensitivity reactions, namely to foods. As an example, food allergies can create inflammatory reactions in the intestinal lining the results in malabsorption and the "leaky gut" (see separate handout) while at the same time the weakened intestinal absorption allows for the development of more food allergies. Treatment efforts are directed towards avoidance of offending food and chemical allergens while supporting the digestive functions with well tolerated, nontoxic digestive supplements.

Treatment of Dental Toxic Burdens:

As discussed in a separate monograph, metal dental fillings that contain mercury can lead to health problems and may be another load to the immune and detoxification systems. Trace amounts if infection hiding in old root canals can also be a hidden source of infection. We work in close association with several biologic dentists that are not only aware of these hidden problems, but can offer you the best dental care in treating them. If mercury toxicity is determined to be a problem, then a specific detoxification program can be administered before, during and after removal of these noxious fillings.

Osteopathic or Chiropractic Manipulation Therapy:

Musculoskeletal conditions and malalignments may be part of the environmental patient’s total load. By evaluating and treating such problems, the total load is reduced and one step closer to recovery is taken.

Homeopathy:

Constitutional and acute homeopathic treatment can be a boon to the environmentally ill patient who frequently cannot tolerate medications and nutritional supplements. Because this therapy offers only help without side effects or creating other total load burdens, we encourage all environmental and allergy patients to consider homeopathic therapy.

Rest and Exercise:

A careful balance must be achieved between the needed rest for recovery of the adrenal glands, immune and detoxification systems with the benefits of a slow, gradual, graded exercise program can be an essential part of the environmentally ill patient’s treatment. This balance must be carefully obtained through guiding hand of your center practitioner.

Mental, Emotional and Spiritual Treatment:

Stress, regardless of its origin, adversely affects the adrenal endocrine system, immune system and just about all other functions in the body. Autogenic training, deep breathing techniques, visual imagery, humor, laughter, and nurturing a positive, productive attitude all aid in stress management and improve health. Because most medical providers are not familiar with environmental illness and its effects on the nervous and emotional systems, many individuals are inappropriately labeled with a mental health disorder by their orthodox physician and prescribed some sort of psychiatric drug in a futile attempt to mask symptoms. On the other hand, some environmentally ill patients also report past or present mental, emotional or spiritual traumas, that if unresolved, may be a part of their total load and interfere with recovery. Our center practitioners are uniquely qualified to help you with these issues and are trained to be most discreet in such matters. The road to recovery from environmental illness is truly one that travels on the path of the spirit.

What To Do For Acute Sensitivity Reactions

For acute food and chemical sensitivity reactions, buffered vitamin C, alkali salts (baking soda, BiCarb Formula, etc), histamine and heparin neutralizing drops, oxygen and other remedies can be used to decreased the severity of the resultant symptoms.

Recommended doses are as follows:

• Buffered vitamin C, 1000-2000 milligrams, taken as powder or capsule form, every 15 to 30 minutes until your reaction clears (you may get loose stools or diarrhea if you take too much, but otherwise, there is no harm in taking these dosage recommendations).
• Bi-Carb Formula is 2-4 capsules every 15-30 minutes until the reaction clears. Children’s dose: for age 3 or less is 1 capsule every 15-30 minutes; for age 3-6, 1 or 2 capsules. Alternatively, one can mix 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp baking soda in a 8 oz glass of water and take 2 to 4 ounces every 15-30 minutes as needed. Those with hypertension and heart failure should not take trisalts, BiCarb formula or baking soda unless directed by their physician.
• Allergy Neutralization Drops or Shots, if tested and on neutralization treatment, these can also be used to treat acute food and chemical reactions.
• Oxygen- If you are prescribed oxygen by your doctor, run it at 4-6 liters/min for up to 15-20 minutes or until the reaction clears.

Conclusion

 The success of your treatment and the length of your recovery is extremely variable and dependant on many factors. Namely, the number of allergies and sensitivities you have; your unique inheritance factors; the length of time you have been ill; your nutritional state; other diseases present and the degree of chemical injury received. For instance, a 12 year old with mold and cat allergy might only require avoidance therapy and antihistamine medications whereas the 42 year old with asthma, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and multiple inhalant, food and chemical sensitivities may require all the treatment techniques listed above at one time or another in their healing process. It is for this reason we must take an individual treatment approach to accomplish the detective work needed to reduce the total trigger load and increase the size of your barrel. We cannot accomplish this without addressing the individual as a complete whole: body, mind and soul.

This way of healing is a rebalancing process which often takes time. This time of healing, however, should not be looked upon with impatient resentment, but embraced as the necessary means by which you may learn, grow and develop in every aspect of your being. Dr. Marshall Mandell has said that in order to treat our ills, we "look for magic, but must in the long run settle for hard work." We are ever willing to be a guiding force in your effort to recover from allergy and environmental illness.

Appendix 1: Avoidance Measures for Dust and Dust Mites

Dust allergy is really a dust mite allergy. Dust mites can be a major contributor to a variety of health problems including asthma, skin rashes, itchy eyes and stuffy or runny nose. Many times they can be the hidden cause of health problems unresponsive to medical therapy, especially if symptoms occur at night while sleeping or upon awakening in the morning. This is because the bedroom is one of the most common areas of infestation.

Dust mites are tiny organisms which cannot be seen with the naked eye. Live mites do not cause the problem. It is the fecal excretions as well as the decayed bodies of deceased mites that cause the large variety of allergic problems.

Experts have found that these mites live on a diet of skin flakes which humans are constantly shedding, so that they are commonly found in sofas, rugs and especially bedding. Researchers at the University of Virginia maintian that carpets are likely to have 100 times more allergens than wood floors. They cannot be removed by routine vacuuming and dusting, and in fact, these activities may actually worsen exposures. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, so that symptoms tend to coincide with allergy seasons. Conversely, they can be killed by prolonged exposures to subfreezing temperatures. Finally, experience has shown that allergy injections against dust mites are relatively ineffective unless exposures are reduced. The entire home should be kept free of dust, but nowhere is this more important than the bedroom. What then can be done to control this pestiferous midget? The following strategies have been found to be effective: 

Pay most attention to the bedroom since this is usually the prime living area for dust mites. Carpeting should be removed or replaced with washable area rugs. Remove drapes, and upholstered chairs from the bedroom. Simple wood furniture and chairs are recommended. Keep all clothes in the closet or drawers. Avoid nick-nacks, stuffed animals, and other dust collectors.

Avoid overstuffed, upholstered furniture.

Place zippered, airtight and dust proof encasings on pillows, mattresses and box springs and seal zippers with wide adhesive tape. The chemically sensitive patient may need to use organic cotton (barrier cloth) encasings if the traditional vinyl or plastic encasings are not tolerated.

Avoid comforters and chenille bedspreads. Avoid fuzzy wool blankets or feathers or wool stuffed comforters. Use washable blankets and wash bedding linens every 7 to 10 days with hot water (135 degrees or higher).

Eliminate under the bed storage.

Shampoo or steam clean all non-washable carpets at least once per year.

Avoid venetian blinds, miniblinds and heavy drapes. Use washable curtains and window shades.

Keep closet doors closed.

Eliminate stuffed animals and replace with washable plastic or inflatable vinyl toys. Keep toys in the closet or toy box.

Used enclosed bookcases and curio cabinets instead of open shelves.

Use easily cleaned decorations such as framed pictures instead of dried flower arrangements and wall hangings.

Place a filter of cheesecloth over the faceplate of bedroom heating vents. Furnace filters should be changed every 2-4 weeks or, alternatively, special allergy filters may be ordered from allergy product companies as listed in the resources section. Some may need to block the forced hot air vent to the bedroom and use a portable electric room heater instead.

Never allow pets in the bedroom.

Avoid high indoor temperatures combined with high humidity, since dust mites thrive under these conditions.

Wear a cotton dust mask when cleaning.

Vacuum the coils on the back of the refrigerator once per month.

Tea Tree Oil (30 drops per spray bottle water) may be used to clean floors and other surfaces. Tea Tree Oil will kill dust mites and molds. One can alternatively use "enzyme" cleaners for the same purpose.

Try to keep the relative humidity below 70%, use a dehumidifier if necessary.

Sofas, chairs, carpets, and bedding may be placed out of doors in the winter time (subfreezing temperatures) on left on a porch or garage, at least overnight, and preferably longer. The lower the temperature the better as prolonged exposure to cold will kill dust mites.

Tannic acid solutions or a cleaning solution called Allerite may per used to spray beddings and carpets and then vacuumed to dislodge mite particles. Houses with severely infested dust mites might require four vacuumings with Allerite over a two month period to reduce the mite allergen load to tolerable levels.

One can also use the dust mite growth regulators Altosid and Altonar or the herbal mixture Paragerm to reduce the dust mite population. Paragerm contains solol, thymol, terpenol, citrus, Syringa and Nardus plants, phenyl alcohols, and parafin. Enzyme cleaners also kill dust mites. Furthermore, benzyl benzoate powder will also kill dust mites. The chemically sensitive individual may or may not be able to tolerate these products.

Some may need a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiency HEPA filter to capture the dust and dust mite particles (a regular paper bag filter does not do this). The Cutting Edge Co has an upright vacuum with an HEPA filter, other companies have canister vacuums with a HEPA filter. See the resource section for product resources.

Those with central heat or air conditioning can obtain permanent electrostatic filters for the unit to remove particles and some dust mites. These permanent filters are 98% or better at removing dust and mold particles and can be washed once per month. Disposable filters are only 4% efficient and if used should be changed frequently (once or twice per month). See the resource section for air filtration products.

Consider a portable air filtration system that utilizes a high efficiency HEPA filter. They can be very helpful in the bedroom and living areas of the home. See the resources section for more informatioin.

Ozone generators can produce low or high level ozone to degrade dust mite, mold, chemical and other allergens. Their use is controversial and they must be used with caution as exposure to high ozone levels are toxic. Ask our allergy staff or your physician for more information on the use of ozone generators.

 

Appendix 2: Avoidance Measures for Molds

 Mold spores are a form of plant life; they are microscopic and airborne and very abundant. They do best in dark, damp, and warm areas and the highest concentrations occur in the warm months of the year. Freezing temperatures will inhibit their growth on the outside, however, they are still very abundant in our homes and offices where there is heat. For this reason, molds can produce allergy symptoms all year round just as dust and dust mites do. Species that cause many of the allergic problems are Alternaria, Aspergillus, Hormodendrum, Penicillium, Pullularia, Sporobolomyces along with several others. You can not get away from all mold spores, however, there are certain things you can do to help reduce the amount of mold in your environment and thus reduce your total allergy load. Many of these recommendations are similar to those made for dusts and pollens as molds are found in dust and outside pollens like grasses and leaves. See the next page for sources of molds.

 Mold spores are found in general house dust, so strict dust precautions as previously listed are necessary.

Avoid old mattresses, pillows, stuffed chairs and items stored in attics and basements as they tend to hold many mold spores.

Keep windows and doors closed

Use air conditioning, changing the filter frequently. Try to obtain a allergy filter for your air conditioner. Check your air conditioning unit frequent for mold growth and clean coils as needed.

Try to stay indoors on windy and/or humid days as the mold count is much higher at this time.

Try to stay indoors between 5PM and 10PM as airborne mold concentrations are highest at this time of the day.

Household sites that are good mold growers include refrigerator trays, refrigerator drip pans, garbage pails, planters, houseplants, laundry areas, shower and bathtub areas, toilets, closets with sneakers, old newspapers, magazines and books, old wallpaper, basements, dark closets, tobacco humidors, vegetable containers, eaves, attics, humidifiers and dehumidifiers. These areas should be frequently inspected and cleaned with mold killing solutions as listed:

• Zephiran chloride. Mix 1 oz per gallon of water and use a spray bottle. Spray and clean the above areas and any others you discover mold growth.
• Citrus extract ("Citrosolv", etc) will also kill mold. Some people are sensitive to its odor.
• Clorox, Borax, vinegar, and washing (bicarbonate) soda and water also make effective mold cleansers.
• Trisodium Phosphate (TSP)- can be found at any hardware store.

Pick up bath mats and keep dry. Avoid carpeting in the bathroom.

Store newpapers in the garage or other outside places; avoid storing them in basements. Mold spores from the newpapers can be sucked into the furnace and spread throughout the home.

A dehumidifier may be placed in damp areas of the home like basements, bathrooms and laundry rooms. They may help reduce mold growth. Check the dehumidifier frequently and keep clean with Zephiran or vinegar and water. Good drainage around the building is also helpful.

Vent clothes dryers to the outside.

Avoid going into barns, granaries and other molding areas. Avoid spreading mulch.

Avoid live christmas trees and evergreen decorations.

Keep shrubs, vines, trees and leaves away from the outside of your home or residence.

Shower and wash hair nightly to remove molds.

Avoid mowing the lawn and avoid fresh cut grass. Avoid raking leaves. Use a mask if these activities are necessary for you to perform.

Keep windows up while driving. 

Some people with mold allergy are also sensitive to molds naturally food in certain foods. Some or all of these may need to be avoided. Ask your doctor if these may be a problem for you:

• All cheeses, including cottage cheese, sour milk, sour cream and buttermilk
• Vinegar and vinegar containing products such as salad dressings, mustard, catsup and mayonnaise, chili sauce, relish, pickles, pickled beets,
• Pickled and smoked meats and fish, including delicatessen foods, especially sausages, frankfurters, pastrami, corn beef and pickled tongue.
• Cider and homemade root beer, wines, beers, liquors
• Sour breads, pumpernickel, coffee cakes and other foods made with much yeast such as fresh rolls and pizza.
• Sauerkraut and mushrooms
• Dried and candied fruits, raisins, apricots, dates, figs, prunes, coffee, tea, and all chocolate.
• All alcohols (beer, wines, liquor)
• Canned tomatoes unless home canned. All canned juices. Eat only freshly opened canned foods
• Do not eat meat or fish more than 24 hours old. Avoid foods if made from leftovers such as meat-loaf, hash and croquettes. Avoid hamburger unless made from freshly ground meat.
• If you are required to avoid these mold containing foods, after 3 months, you may try to add them back to the diet one at a time and observe for any increase in symptoms.

Consider an air filtration system (central or portable room units) that utilize a high efficiency HEPA filter. Those with central heat or air conditioning can obtain HEPA or electrostatic filters for the unit to remove particles and some dust mites. See the resource section for air filtration products.

Ozone generators can produce low or high level ozone to degrade dust mite, mold, chemical and other allergens. They must be used with caution as exposure to high ozone levels are toxic. Ask our allergy staff or your physician for more information on the use of ozone generators.

Vacation in mold free areas like the sea shore.

Refer to www.ashmacenter.com or www.pollen.com to monitor outdoor mold counts. 

Sources of Common Molds

• Alternaria: grows on plants, plant materials, fruits, vegetables and cereal grains.
• Aspergillus: common soil fungus found on damp hay, grain, fruits and sausage. Common on wet surfaces in bathrooms and in drip pans of refrigerators and other appliances. Grows on stored food products under damp conditions.
• Botrytis: found on garden flowers during wet weather.
• Caphalosporium: commonly found in soil and as a component of dust in textile plants.
• Epiciccum: found on decaying vegetative materials, plant leaves and uncooked fruit.
• Fusarium: found on green plants such as peas, beans, tomatoes, corn, sweet potatoes, rice and cotton.
• Geotrichum: commonly found in soil and milk.
• Helminthosporium: found on cereal grains.
• Hormodendrum: found on decomposting plants, leather, rubber, cloth, paper and wood products. Spores are released iin great numbers after rains and damp weather.
• Penicillin: normally a soil inhabitant but grows on fruits, breads, cheese and other foods. Mutant strains are used to produce the antibiotic penicillin.
• Phoma: grows on paper products such a books and magazines. Also grows on certain plants.

Appendix 3: Avoidance Measures for Pollens

• Keep windows and doors closed
• Use air conditioning, changing the filter frequently. Try to obtain a allergy filter for your air conditioner. Check your air conditioning unit frequent for mold growth and clean coils as needed.
• Try to stay indoors on windy and/or humid days as the pollen count is much higher at this time.
• Try to stay indoors between 5AM and 10AM because pollination peaks between 7AM and 9AM.
• Shower and wash hair nightly
• Avoid cutting grass or walking in fresh cut grass lawns or fields.
• Avoid indoor plants. Not only can they be a source of pollen allergy, they can also be a source of molds and dusts. This advise includes avoiding live christmas trees and evergreen decorations.
• Keep windows up while driving
• Vacation in pollen free areas like the sea shore
• Refer to www.ashmacenter.com or www.pollen.com to monitor outdoor pollen counts. 

Appendix 4: Avoidance Measures for Other Inhalant Allergens

Pets are a very significant source of allergies in the home. Any pet with hair (dander) or feathers may potentially cause a problem and includes cats, dogs, hamsters and other rodents, rabbits, and birds. Pets may be kept outside or in isolated parts of the house. They should never be allowed in the bedroom of one who has dander allergy or asthma.Bathing a pet once per week may significantly help reduce the dander load and make keeping your pet tolerable. This recommendation includes and is especially important for cat owners. Some may have to find a new home for their pet.

Appendix 5: Chemical (Xenobiotic) Avoidance Measures

The following are some recommendations on what you can do to lower your exposure to harmful chemicals.. Please refer to our separate handout on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity for further information and help on avoiding harmful chemicals in your home and work place.

Food

• The key for safer food is reducing the number of chemicals that could contaminate it.
• Whenever possible, as budget and availability allow, buy organically grown, unsprayed, fresh, whole food. Some farmer's cooperatives and supermarket chains are using private companies to test their produce for pesticide residues. Look for certification.
• Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables in a mild soapy solution (bit of ivory soap in a pint of water) or use a commercial fruit/vegetable wash designed to remove pesticide residue. Then wash off the washing solution. Discard outer leaves of lettuce and other leafy greens.
• Buy locally produced foods and avoid foods grown in other countries imported with possible pesticide contaminants that are banned for U.S. use. Out-of-season fruit is usually imported and is twice as likely to be contaminated as domestic fruit.
• Eat fewer and smaller portions of fatty foods, including animal products as many of the xenobiotic chemicals are stored in fats. Trim off fatty portions of meat as much as possible.
• Choose minimally processed and packaged foods.
• Peel waxed produce. Wax in often mixed with fungicides and cannot be washed off.
• Chemicals in plastic tend to migrate into fatty foods, especially hot fatty foods
• Plastic wrap should never come into direct contact with fatty food in the microwave. Do not use left- over margarine or yogurt tubs in the microwave. Use ceramic or glass cookware instead.
• When possible, replace plastic and Styrofoam cups and other eating utensils that come into contact with hot or fatty foods with glass or metal. For example, instead of buying a plastic thermos, consider a metal one.
• As much as possible, avoid food, water and other beverages sold in cans, plastic containers and plastic bottles. For example, try to buy water from distributors who can deliver large glass jugs in convenient dispensers.

Reducing Inhalation of Chemicals

• The newer the plastic or synthetic product, the more it will release or "out gas" chemicals
• You can speed up the out gassing process of some products, such as a new shower curtain, for example, by baking them out in the sun for a few days.
• It may help to wash new plastic, such a children’s toys, with washing soda.
• Consider buying used products, such as a used car, instead of a new one.
• Avoid heating plastic, unless you are purposely "baking it out." For example, ensure that electrical cords aren’t resting on top of heating elements, and if you live in the country don’t burn trash at all (and ask your neighbor to stop, too).
• Use a much ventilation as possible when new appliances such as computers and hair dryers are switched "on."

Pesticide Control

• Reduce your exposures to pesticides. Don’t use them yourself at home or in the garden, and pay attention to where you or your family might be exposed to them- on the golf course, in the office, or from neighbors.
• There are good alternatives to pesticides for pest control. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a pesticide control system which minimized pesticide use and was established by the US Dept of Agriculture under President Carter (see B.I.R.C. below). Check your supermarket for IPM grown produce when you cannot obtain organic food.

Resources for Allergy, Environmental Illness and the Sick Building Syndrome

Books/Literature

The first four books are indispensable for anyone with allergies or environmental illness. They can all be obtained at the Woodlands Healing Research Center:

• The Whole Way to Allergy Relief and Prevention, 2nd Ed. Jacqueline Krohn, M.D. Hartley & Marks Pub., This book is a must for all individuals with allergy and/or environmental illness. It is a practical encyclopedia and a complete guide to treatment and self care.
• Our Toxic World, Who Is Looking After Our Kids? A guide for parents to protect their children from environmental chemicals and other toxic substances. Harold E. Buttram, MD & Richard Piccola, MHA. 1996. $15.00. A concise and simple to understand guidelines for parents to protect their children from toxic substances and improve the family’s health.
• Living Healthy In a Toxic World, Simple Steps to Protect You and Your Family From Everyday Chemicals, Poisons, and Pollution. David Steinman & R. Michael Wisner (foreward by Kirstie Alley). Perigee Book, 1996. $12.00. This book provides an easy to read, offering immediate steps you can take to reduce your every day exposure to chemicals and toxins..
• Less Toxic Living, 5th edition. Carolyn Gorman. Environmental Health Center, Dallas, TX. 1993. Excellent paperback book listing of safer home and office products and where to obtain them. 
• Your Home, Your Health, & Well-Being, David Rousseau, WJ Rea, MD, Jean Enwright. Environmental Health Center, Dallas, TX. $14.95. Takes you through your entire house, room by room, pinpointing danger spots and suggesting corrective measures.
• Chemical Sensitivity, Environmental Diseases and Pollutants- How They Hurt Us, How to Deal With Them, Sherry Rogers, M.D., A Keats Good Health Guide, Keats Pub co, 1995.
• Nontoxic, Natural and Earthwise, Debra Lynn Dadd. Jeremy Tarcher, Inc. 1990. List over 400 inexpensive do-it-yourself formulas to protect yourself and your family from harmful products. It also lists over 600 mail order sources of less toxic products for the home and office.
• Success in the Clean Bedroom, A Path to Optimal Health, Natalie Golos and William Rea, M.D. Pinnacle Publishers, 1992. A step by step approach from your bedroom to your kitchen helping you create a nontoxic home and office. Excellent information and practical pointers.
• Staying Well in a Toxic World, Understanding Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Chemical Injury and Sick Building Syndrome. Lynn Lawson. The Noble Press, 1993. Excellent book describing and understanding environmental illness and chemical injury.
• The Healthy School Handbook: Conquering the Sick Building Syndrome and Other Environmental Hazards In and Around Your School. Norma Miller, Ed D. NEA Professional Library Pub, Wash. DC. 1995. The best book concerning environmental illness and schools with many practical solutions.   

Allergy Product Companies

(not an inclusive or exclusive list)

Woodlands Healing Research Center

We supply some limited allergy products to include air filtration units, lead test kits, books and masks. Ozone generators are available for rent. Mark Alsup (215-536-1890 Ext 5, (allergy@woodmed.com ) will be pleased to assist you with your allergy product needs.

Allergy & Chemical Sensitivity Solution & Information Resource (www.alerg.com)

American Environmental Health Foundation

8345 Walnut Hill Lane, Suite 225
Dallas, TX 75231

800-428-2343

Nonprofit foundation offering books, articles, products and education on environmental illness

The Cutting Edge, Befit Co,

PO Box 5034 Southhampton, NY 11969

(800)-497-9516 Email: cutcat@i-2000.com

Excellent choices of environmental products to make your home and work environment safer.

Lifekind Products( www.lifekind.com)

PO Box 1774, Grass Valley, CA 95945

Organic & naturally safer products for the family

National Allergy Supply, Inc.

4400 Abbotts Bridge Rd., PO Box 1658 Duluth, GA 30136

(800)-522-1448

Offers allergy products to include a video, "How to Allergy-Proof Your Home and Feel Better" 

Naturlich Flooring & Interiors

PO Box 1677 Sebastopol, CA 95473

Local Representative: Caran Kalish, (215)-766-2041 Fax 215-766-1349

Natural floor coverings to include linoleum with floor covering accessories. 

www.Naturalfloors.net

Special Foods (http://www.specialfoods.com/index.html)

Is a company which makes common food items from unlikely food sources. The company began to cater to people with extensive food allergies, and in the process has discovered new properties of flours from root vegetables.

(703) 644-0991; Fax (703) 644-1006 

Organizations Concerned with Allergy and Environmental Illness

Allergy and Asthma Network/ Mothers of Asthmatics	3554 Chain Bridge Road, Suite 200 Fairfax, VA 22030 (800) 878-4403
American Academy of Allergy and Immunology: Allergy & Asthma Disease Management Center (http://www.aaaai.org/aadmc)	611 East Wells Street Milwaukee, WI 53202 (800) 822-2762
American Academy of Environmental Medicine (http://www.aaem.com)	American Financial Center 7701 East Kellogg, Suite 625 Wichita, KS 67207-1705 Phone: (316) 684-5500; Fax: (316) 684-5709 Email: aaem@swbell.net 400+ physician organization of Environmental Medicine, offers resources and referral locations for physician members.
CPSI: Americans for Safe Food http://www.cspinet.org	Center for Science in the Public Interest 1501 W 16th ST, NW, Washington, DC 20036-1499 Can provide a list of mail order suppliers of organic food.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America	1125 15th Street NW, Suite 502 Washington, DC 20005 (800) 7-ASTHMA (727-8462)
The Bio-Integral Resource Center (B.I.R.C.),	PO Box 7414 Berkeley, CA 994707 Publication and service nonprofit organization for least toxic pest management (IPM)
Chemical Injury Information Network http://www.ciin.org/	PO Box 301 White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645 (406) 547-2255  The Chemical Injury Information Network (CIIN) is a tax-exempt, non-profit, charitable support and advocacy organization run by the chemically injured for the benefit of the chemically injured. It focuses primarily on education, credible research into Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), and the empowerment of the chemically injured.
Food Allergy Network	10400 Eaton Place, Suite 107 Fairfax, VA 22030-2208 (800) 929-4040
Human Ecology Action League	PO Box 509, Stockbridge, GA 30281 (770)-389-4519 Lay organization to promote awareness and education of environmental illness. Newsletter is very good.
National Library of Medicine Hotline: Allergy (http://newsis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/FindOrg.cfm? IndexString=Allergy)
National Resource Defense Council (www.nrdc.org/nrdc)	40 W 20th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10011-4211 212-727-2700
Resources for the Chemically Injured, Chemically Sensitive or Environmentally Ill (http://www.lassentech.com/mcsei.html)
US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Hotline	800-638-2772
Washington Toxics Coalition (http://www.watoxics.org/index.html)	4649 Sunnyside Ave. N. #540E, Seattle WA 98103 800-844-7233