Take a Whiff of This! (Part 1)

First-Hand Solutions ......to Second-Hand Reactions

A regular column by Gloria Gilbère N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.

Gloria Gilbère is an internationally respected traditional naturopath, homeopath and doctor of natural health. Author of the bestselling books 'I was Poisoned by my Body' and 'Invisible Illnesses', she restored her own health after suffering from leaky gut syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and now successfully helps others do the same. She focuses on finding drug-free solutions to 'invisible illnesses' such as these which she refers to as Multiple Allergic Response Syndromes (MARS™).

You can now benefit from Gloria's wisdom and experience by visiting us at The Environmental Illness Resource every week to read her latest column! (Starting the first week in March)

Monday, April 2nd 2007:

Take a Whiff of This! (Part 1)

by Gloria Gilbère, N.D., D.A.Hom., PhD.

 

If you bury your head in the sand believing your health is not affected by toxic chemicals in the air, food, water, and chemical substances in a multitude of products, you are most likely to become one of the over 40 million people who develop invisible disorders that I refer to as multiple allergic response syndromes (MARS®).

 

When a healthy body is repeatedly exposed to toxic chemicals, it develops a decreased tolerance. When a victim of MARS (compromised immune system) is exposed, the sick get sicker, and may die from the allergic reaction or the resulting side effects from the drug therapies prescribed for symptoms.

 

Many victims of disorders like fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, sinus and respiratory infections are extremely affected by fragrances and are incorrectly diagnosed. As a consequence, they are given medications for symptom-care that becomes drug-management – adding to their already stressed body and its overall toxic load.

 

Scents and Common Sense

 

Fragrances were once distilled simply from flower essences, today they’re complex mixtures of natural (botanical or animal-derived) materials and synthetic chemicals. Did you know?

 

• Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, to name a few.
• Chloroform was found in the tests of fabric softeners (EPA’s 1991 study).
• A room containing a chemical air freshener tested positive for high levels of p-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen) and ethanol (EPA 1991).
• Over 39 million Americans and Canadians suffer from sinusitis (inflammation or infection of sinus passages).
• Over 12 million Americans have asthma – asthma deaths have tripled in the past twenty years.
• Headaches cost $26 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses and 157 million lost work days in 2001 in the U.S. alone.
• “When used indoors under certain conditions, many common household cleansers and air fresheners emit toxic pollutants at levels that may lead to health risks” according to a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

 

Ninety-five percent of fragrance ingredients are synthesized from petrochemicals which give-off volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – the same vapors emitted from solvents, wood preservatives, paints, paint strippers and dry cleaning fluids. VOCs are known to produce eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, liver damage, and kidney and central nervous system disorders, according to the EPA. While adverse health effects from VOCs typically occur at far higher doses than those in fragrances, they nevertheless are potentially dangerous in tight indoor spaces with recirculating air (esp. airliners, . Most fragrances are a “toxic soup” whose ingredients contain, but are not limited to, formaldehyde, toluene, and petroleum distillates.

 

In 1986 the National Academy of Sciences targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. The other groups were insecticides, heavy metals, solvents, food additives, and certain air pollutants. The report states that 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and other known toxins and sensitizers – capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
– Report by the Committee on Science and Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, September 16, 1986 (Report 98-821).

 

Researchers and consumers face substantial challenges in identifying toxic chemicals in fragrances because they are considered trade secrets and the manufacturers are not required to identify the contents of their products to the FDA. We do know, however, that chemicals such as benzaldehyde and phthalates are known toxins – The European Union actually banned phthalates from perfumes sold there.

 

For victims of MARS, even natural organic essential oils can induce an allergic response because the immune system is already hypersensitive. For non-victims, it makes sense to avoid chemical fragrances once you know their toxic health implications.

 

Many cities and provinces banned smoking in public places. It’s now time to take personal responsibility and acknowledge that wearing fragrances in public is invading the airspace, and health of those around you. Victims of MARS are not chronic complainers, nor do they have some grudge against those who choose to wear fragrances, they’re merely the canaries in the coal mine, warning of impending danger that is not easily seen or sensed until symptoms manifest.

 

Don’t wait until you’re one of the 40 million affected – acknowledge the danger and life-altering consequences of MARS victims by not exposing them because…. your perfume is their poison.
My next column will continue this discussion regarding fragrances, their health implications and my report on the most current scientific research, Naturally.

Gloria consults worldwide via telephone, for more information log onto her website at www.gloriagilbere.com

Next up (Apr 09): Take a Whiff of This (Part 2)

Book Giveaway!

**To celebrate the publication of her new column on The Environmental Illness Resource, Gloria is offering 3 signed copies of each of her 3 books listed below. To be the lucky recipient of one of the books simply email Gloria and let her know what you thought of her first column article and what subjects you would like her to write about in the future. That's it! Email Gloria at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Winners will be announced in a future article right here. **

Learn more from Gloria's books:

	I Was Poisoned By My Body, The Odyssey of a Doctor Who Reversed Fibromyalgia, Leaky Gut Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - Naturally!   » Buy Now
	Invisible Illnesses   » Buy Now
	Pain/Inflammation Matters: Recipes for Life   » Buy Now

Disclaimer:

The information provided is not to be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or cures for any condition, disease or disorder. It is presented as educational and investigative material and the consumer assumes full-responsibility for using any product, procedure, protocol or therapy.

Gloria E. Gilbère, LLC, and its representatives, does not warrant and shall have no liability for information provided in this newsletter or on this website, intended or implied. Consult your health care professional for medical-related conditions or concerns.