The Debilitating Path
OF THE ENVIRONMENTALLY ILL
Patients with environmental illness experience debilitating symptoms for the entire period until they find a physician who makes the diagnosis and recognizes the need to have a professional address toxicities in the home. The time period this takes may include years of suffering, numerous physician visits and referrals, countless trials of medications to address the symptoms and not the cause. This puts the families under tremendous stress, both financially and emotionally.
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Environmental Illness is a
Diagnosis of Exclusion
Debilitating
Symptoms
- Sinus Pain
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Brain Fog
- Lethargy
- Congestion
- Muscle Pain
- Memory Problems
- Itching
- Mood swings
- Sleep disturbance
- Reaction to smell
- GI disturbance
Medical
Treatment
- Multiple Physician referrals
- Diagnosis of exclusion
- Misdiagnosis
- Respiratory disease
- Thyroid disorders
- Depression/Anxiety
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Medications/Side effects
Emotional
Toil
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Guilt
- Anger
- Mood Swings
- Irritability
- Hopelessness
- Self criticism
- Worthlessness
- Loss of Hope
Painful
Consequences
- Inability to work
- Withdrawal
- Neglect of responsibilities
- Change in personal appearance
- Life becomes unmanageable
- Strained Relationships
- Resentments
- Unfairly judged as having psychiatric or psychosomatic illness
Our Homes Are Not Necessarily
“SAFE HAVENS”
6 Key Categories
Of Agitators
The home can be a source of numerous different types of toxins. These toxins can be the byproduct of building materials & furnishings (chemical toxin), moisture control & leaks (mold, bacteria, pests), Allergens (pollen, dust, and dander) insects and rodent (biological waste), and gas and vapors ( mechanical systems and subterranean gases and vapors). In rare cases, electromagnetic fields can be toxic or induce toxicity sensitivity.
CHEMICAL TOXIN
Chemical Off-Gassing:
Building materials, furniture, carpet, etc. are often made with adhesives, flame retardants, stain prevention coatings, etc. Chemical toxins are slowly released in the air and attach to dust. CHEMICAL TOXIN
Pesticides and Other Chemical Based Household Products:
Exposure to household cleaners, detergents, and fragrances made with toxic chemicals can cause severe illness.CHEMICAL TOXIN
Dust:
Dust in homes, offices, and other human environments contains particles of plant, pollen and human / animal hairs, textile & paper fibers, outdoor soil, human skin cells, dust mite feces, and toxic chemicals in the atmosphere.
GAS AND VAPORS
Radon:
Radon is an odorless gas found in 1 in 15 homes in the US. It seeps through cracks in the foundation or floor from the ground. Radon exposure can be lethal and linked to lung cancer.
GAS AND VAPORS:
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
and Carbon Dioxide CO2):
Both are colorless and odorless, and can be deadly. CO occurs from oxygen starved combustion fuels. CO2 is naturally occurring and can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas. BIOHAZARDS
Mold:
Plumbing leaks or any source of moisture can cause / lead to mold and mycotoxins. There are many chronic illnesses caused or exacerbated by mold. BIOHAZARDS
Fungi:
There are many different types of Fungi found throughout homes. They can be found in mattresses, pillows, and feed on many things. Mold and mildew are found where water sets (carpet, garbage, air ducts, etc.). Inhaling fungi can cause or exacerbate many illnesses. Outdoor fungi can be tracked in. BIOHAZARDS
Bacteria:
Numerous serious illnesses can be found in polluted water supply, drains, air ducts, food, fungi, surfaces and places where moisture is found. BIOHAZARDS
Pollen:
Pollen is a very common antigen that gets into homes through windows and doors and can circulate throughout home HVAC system. BIOHAZZARDS
Dander:
Cat and dog dander can trigger allergies and lead to Asthma. Dander is found anywhere the pets visit. PESTS AND WASTE
Dust Mites:
Found in 90% of all homes, 47% of all bedding contains enough dust mites to trigger allergies. PESTS AND WASTE
Rodents:
Can live in homes without being discovered. The protein in their urine dries and mingles with dust and becomes airborne and penetrates the ventilation systems. PESTS AND WASTE
Cockroaches:
Can live in homes without being discovered. Their waste and shedding shells is an allergen. OTHER
Asbestos:
A toxic mineral commonly used in construction prior to the late 70s, when disturbed, is a very hazardous material linked to severe illness including lung disease & cancer. OTHER
Electromagnetic Fields:
Often referred to as radiation, that are associated with the use of electricity.
The Human Body’s Process of Detoxification
and Elimination of Toxins
Indoor Pollution Danger Levels
Report: Center for Disease Control 2014
DANGER LEVEL 1
Infectious Agents
Bacterial Infections
- Streptococcus
- Pneumococcus
- Legionella
- Tuberculosis
Viral Infections
- Influenza and RSV
- Pneumonia
- Cold Virus
- SARS
Health Effects
- Sinusitis
- Upper Respiratory infections
- Throat and Ear Infections
- Pneumonia
DANGER LEVEL 2
Allergens And Particulates
- Dust and Pollen
- Mold and Fungi
- Mildew
- Tobacco Smoke
- Wood
- Smoke
- Vehicle Exhaust
- Dust Mite Feces
- Pet Dander
- Insect Debris
Health Effects
- Nose and Throat Irritation
- Runny Nose
- Congestion
- Sneezing
- Asthma Flares
- Sinusitis
DANGER LEVEL 3
Toxic Compounds
- Formaldehyde
- Carbon Monoxide
- Methylene Chloride
- Nitrogen Dioxide
- Cleaning Chemicals
- Pesticides
- Toluene & Benzene
- Tobacco Smoke
- Mold Mycotoxins
- Chemical Fragrances
Health Effects
- Sinusitis
- Upper Respiratory infections
- Throat and Ear Infections
- Pneumonia
Because many of these symptoms overlap with many illnesses, an accurate Medical diagnosis often takes time and involves multiple physician specialties. A Bau-Biology investigation of the environment can help you and your physicians find the cause and deliver relief sooner.
Eliminating the source of exposure is critical to break the cycle.
The warm, moist environment of the clogged sinus serves as what biologists refer to as “the perfect culture medium” for bacteria and mold. The microbial growth in stagnant mucous causes congestion and accelerates the mucous production that constitute a sinus infection. Once your sinuses are infected, things quickly go from bad to worse. The body kicks into action to fight the infection with what’s known as the immune response. Unfortunately, this normally beneficial process is what ultimately makes you miserable.To fight the bacteria, you may be prescribed antibiotics and other medicine to manage the symptoms. Equally important, the mucous membrane that lines your sinus swells as blood vessels dilate in preparation for battle against the bacteria. White blood cells enter through this membrane to attack and destroy the bacteria. The white blood cells and the bacteria release a variety of substances that further stimulate the inflammatory process. Unfortunately, antibiotics do not address the fungal growth in this fertile environment.To fight the infection, the sinuses become more inflamed, which causes more swelling, which leads to more blockage, which allows for more bacterial or fungal overgrowth. You’re now stuck in the “sinusitis cycle,” which is only broken when the bacteria and mold are eliminated by the body’s immune system, medications, or, occasionally, surgery. Once inflammation and blockages diminish, and the sinuses are draining normally again, you’ll feel great relief and breathe freely again.
TIMELINE:
WHY ARE IAQ AND VOC’s BEING
DISCUSSED TODAY?
- Residential AC Introduced
- Toxic chemical use common in manufacturing and construction
- 1973: Global Energy Crisis Begins
- Homes built tighter, more energy efficient
- Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) deem chemicals safe to use until proven otherwise
- Widespread use of Formaldehyde in manufacturing and construction
- 1984 Radon dangers
- Housing Booms
- Rapidly changing building materials
- “American Dream” to own homes begins
1987: Bau-Biologie introduced to the US, Building Science field emerges as a discipline
- Early 1990s: R&D begins for IAQ
- Energy Standards
- 2005: National Health Advisory on radon
- 2005: Energy Policy Act
- 2016: TSCA reform. EPA issues limited rules to protect public from formaldehyde
UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF BUILDING STANDARDS
Tighter homes lock pollutants inside
Moisture control issues with HVAC and Mold circulation
Building material & furniture off-gassing VOCs
Toxic substances in residential construction remain unregulated
The Mead Indoor Pledge
The Mead Indoor Team is personally and passionately committed to the delivery of comprehensive and sustainable indoor environmental solutions that improve lives, wellness, and healing.
Mead Indoor is the only environmental company in the State of Georgia Certified by the International Institute for Bau-Biologie & Ecology.