Saturday, December 5, 2015

EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2015 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses.

Rev Environ Health. 2015 Dec 1;30(4):337-71. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0033.

EUROPAEM EMF Guideline 2015 for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of EMF-related health problems and illnesses.

Belyaev I, Dean A, Eger H, Hubmann G, Jandrisovits R, Johansson O, Kern M, Kundi M, Lercher P, Mosgöller W, Moshammer H, Müller K, Oberfeld G, Ohnsorge P, Pelzmann P, Scheingraber C, Thill R.

Abstract
Chronic diseases and illnesses associated with unspecific symptoms are on the rise. In addition to chronic stress in social and work environments, physical and chemical exposures at home, at work, and during leisure activities are causal or contributing environmental stressors that deserve attention by the general practitioner as well as by all other members of the health care community. It seems certainly necessary now to take "new exposures" like electromagnetic field (EMF) into account. Physicians are increasingly confronted with health problems from unidentified causes. Studies, empirical observations, and patient reports clearly indicate interactions between EMF exposure and health problems. Individual susceptibility and environmental factors are frequently neglected. New wireless technologies and applications have been introduced without any certainty about their health effects, raising new challenges for medicine and society. For instance, the issue of so-called non-thermal effects and potential long-term effects of low-dose exposure were scarcely investigated prior to the introduction of these technologies. Common EMF sources include Wi-Fi access points, routers and clients, cordless and mobile phones including their base stations, Bluetooth devices, ELF magnetic fields from net currents, ELF electric fields from electric lamps and wiring close to the bed and office desk. On the one hand, there is strong evidence that long-term-exposure to certain EMF exposures is a risk factor for diseases such as certain cancers, Alzheimer's disease and male infertility. On the other hand, the emerging electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS) is more and more recognized by health authorities, disability administrators and case workers, politicians, as well as courts of law. We recommend treating EHS clinically as part of the group of chronic multisystem illnesses (CMI) leading to a functional impairment (EHS), but still recognizing that the underlying cause remains the environment. In the beginning, EHS symptoms often occur only occasionally, but over time they may increase in frequency and severity. Common EHS symptoms include headaches, concentration difficulties, sleeping problems, depression, lack of energy, fatigue and flu-like symptoms. A comprehensive medical history, which should include all symptoms and their occurrences in spatial and temporal terms and in the context of EMF exposures, is the key to the diagnosis. The EMF exposure can be assessed by asking for typical sources like Wi-Fi access points, routers and clients, cordless and mobile phones and measurements at home and at work. It is very important to take the individual susceptibility into account. The primary method of treatment should mainly focus on the prevention or reduction of EMF exposure, that is, reducing or eliminating all sources of EMF at home and in the workplace. The reduction of EMF exposure should also be extended to public spaces such as schools, hospitals, public transport, and libraries to enable persons with EHS an unhindered use (accessibility measure). If a detrimental EMF exposure is reduced sufficiently, the body has a chance to recover and EHS symptoms will be reduced or even disappear. Many examples have shown that such measures can prove effective. Also the survival rate of children with leukemia depends on ELF magnetic field exposure at home. To increase the effectiveness of the treatment, the broad range of other environmental factors that contribute to the total body burden should also be addressed. Anything that supports a balanced homeostasis will increase a person's resilience against disease and thus against the adverse effects of EMF exposure. There is increasing evidence that EMF exposure has a major impact on the oxidative and nitrosative regulation capacity in affected individuals. This concept also may explain why the level of susceptibility to EMF can change and why the number of symptoms reported in the context of EMF exposures is so large. Based on our current understanding, a treatment approach that minimizes the adverse effects of peroxynitrite - as has been increasingly used in the treatment of multisystem disorders - works best. This EMF Guideline gives an overview of the current knowledge regarding EMF-related health risks and provides concepts for the diagnosis and treatment and accessibility measures of EHS to improve and restore individual health outcomes as well as for the development of strategies for prevention.

PMID: 26613329 [PubMed - in process]

Reliable disease biomarkers characterizing and identifying electrohypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity as two etiopathogenic aspects of a unique pathological disorder

Rev Environ Health. 2015 Dec 1;30(4):251-71. doi: 10.1515/reveh-2015-0027.

Reliable disease biomarkers characterizing and identifying electrohypersensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity as two etiopathogenic aspects of a unique pathological disorder.

Belpomme D, Campagnac C, Irigaray P.
Abstract
Much of the controversy over the causes of electro-hypersensitivity (EHS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) lies in the absence of both recognized clinical criteria and objective biomarkers for widely accepted diagnosis. Since 2009, we have prospectively investigated, clinically and biologically, 1216 consecutive EHS and/or MCS-self reporting cases, in an attempt to answer both questions. We report here our preliminary data, based on 727 evaluable of 839 enrolled cases: 521 (71.6%) were diagnosed with EHS, 52 (7.2%) with MCS, and 154 (21.2%) with both EHS and MCS. Two out of three patients with EHS and/or MCS were female; mean age (years) was 47. As inflammation appears to be a key process resulting from electromagnetic field (EMF) and/or chemical effects on tissues, and histamine release is potentially a major mediator of inflammation, we systematically measured histamine in the blood of patients. Near 40% had a increase in histaminemia (especially when both conditions were present), indicating a chronic inflammatory response can be detected in these patients. Oxidative stress is part of inflammation and is a key contributor to damage and response. Nitrotyrosin, a marker of both peroxynitrite (ONOO°-) production and opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), was increased in 28% the cases. Protein S100B, another marker of BBB opening was increased in 15%. Circulating autoantibodies against O-myelin were detected in 23%, indicating EHS and MCS may be associated with autoimmune response. Confirming animal experiments showing the increase of Hsp27 and/or Hsp70 chaperone proteins under the influence of EMF, we found increased Hsp27 and/or Hsp70 in 33% of the patients. As most patients reported chronic insomnia and fatigue, we determined the 24 h urine 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6-OHMS)/creatinin ratio and found it was decreased (<0.8) in all investigated cases. Finally, considering the self-reported symptoms of EHS and MCS, we serially measured the brain blood flow (BBF) in the temporal lobes of each case with pulsed cerebral ultrasound computed tomosphygmography. Both disorders were associated with hypoperfusion in the capsulothalamic area, suggesting that the inflammatory process involve the limbic system and the thalamus. Our data strongly suggest that EHS and MCS can be objectively characterized and routinely diagnosed by commercially available simple tests. Both disorders appear to involve inflammation-related hyper-histaminemia, oxidative stress, autoimmune response, capsulothalamic hypoperfusion and BBB opening, and a deficit in melatonin metabolic availability; suggesting a risk of chronic neurodegenerative disease. Finally the common co-occurrence of EHS and MCS strongly suggests a common pathological mechanism.
PMID: 26613326 [PubMed - in process]

Monday, October 5, 2015

Fibromyalgia Linked to Deficiencies in RBC Magnesium, IGF-1

Fibromyalgia Linked to Deficiencies in RBC Magnesium, IGF-1
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/851314

"Patients with fibromyalgia show deficiencies in red blood cell (RBC) magnesium and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a small study shows, suggesting potential clues to underpinnings of the condition and avenues for treatment.  In a condition that is challenging to treat and complicated by the subjectivity of pain, identifying such deficiencies can represent important, objective measures of abnormalities with definable treatment goals, lead author Thomas J. Romano, MD, PhD, a pain specialist based in Martins Ferry, Ohio, told Medscape Medical News."

The Health Care Industry Finally Recognizes Fibromyalgia


"On October 1, 2015, fibromyalgia will finally be recognized as an official diagnosis in the new ICD-10 list of codes being adopted across the U.S. This is the final culmination of the advances over the last decade in the medical community's understanding and acceptance of fibromyalgia as a real disease."

9th Graders Give Girl Born With Rare Condition Her Homecoming Dream

9th Graders Give Girl Born With Rare Condition Her Homecoming Dream
 
"It's that time of year again where several high school students are getting ready for homecoming and one high school in Harrison County is giving a 9th grader born with a rare condition her homecoming dream.  Maria Thomsen is freshmen at South Harrison High school. She was born with several conditions as a result of Gulf War Syndrome."

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Michigan Declares May 2015 Toxic Injury & Chemical Awareness Month

Michigan Declares May 2015 Toxic Injury & Chemical Awareness Month
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57577_59874-353655--,00.html

Michigan Declares May 12th 2015 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

Michigan Declares May 12th 2015 Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!
http://www.michigan.gov/snyder/0,4668,7-277-57577_59874-353673--,00.html
 

Ohio Declares May as MCS Awareness Month

Ohio Declares May as MCS Awareness Month
http://ship.oh.networkofcare.org/ph/legislate/state-bill-text.aspx?id=361368&bill=S+51&sessionid=2015000

Section 1. That section 5.2298 of the Revised Code be enacted to read as follows: Sec. 5.2298. In order to increase the awareness of and to encourage helpful responses to multiple chemical sensitivity in the state, the month of May is designated as "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month."

Sumter County Proclaims May 2015 Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, & MCS Awareness Month

Sumter County Proclaims May 2015 Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, & MCS Awareness Month
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10153309570524292&id=95671789291

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Recognized Across America | Chemical Sensitivity

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Recognized Across America | Chemical Sensitivity

"If you live in America, you may feel that progress regarding the recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is primarily occurring in Canada and various European countries. To an extent, this may be true as many other countries, as well as organizations within other countries, have gone..."

Monday, December 22, 2014

Self-reporting of symptom development from exposure to radiofrequency fields of wireless smart meters in victoria, australia: a case series.

Altern Ther Health Med. 2014 Nov;20(6):28-39.
Self-reporting of symptom development from exposure to radiofrequency fields of wireless smart meters in victoria, australia: a case series.
Abstract
Context • In 2006, the government in the state of Victoria, Australia, mandated the rollout of smart meters in Victoria, which effectively removed a whole population's ability to avoid exposure to human-made high-frequency nonionizing radiation. This issue appears to constitute an unprecedented public health challenge for Victoria. By August 2013, 142 people had reported adverse health effects from wireless smart meters by submitting information on an Australian public Web site using its health and legal registers. Objective • The study evaluated the information in the registers to determine the types of symptoms that Victorian residents were developing from exposure to wireless smart meters. Design • In this case series, the registers' managers eliminated those cases that did not clearly identify the people providing information by name, surname, postal address, and/or e-mail to make sure that they were genuine registrants. Then they obtained consent from participants to have their deidentified data used to compile the data for the case series. The author later removed any individual from outside of Victoria. Participants • The study included 92 residents of Victoria, Australia. Outcome Measures • The author used her medical experience and judgment to group symptoms into clinically relevant clusters (eg, pain in the head was grouped with headache, tinnitus was grouped with ringing in the ears). The author stayed quite close to the wording used in the original entries. She then calculated total numbers and percentages for each symptom cluster. Percentages were rounded to the nearest whole number.Results • The most frequently reported symptoms from exposure to smart meters were (1) insomnia, (2) headaches, (3) tinnitus, (4) fatigue, (5) cognitive disturbances, (6) dysesthesias (abnormal sensation), and (7) dizziness. The effects of these symptoms on people's lives were significant. Conclusions • Review of some key studies, both recent and old (1971), reveals that the participants' symptoms were the same as those reported by people exposed to radiofrequency fields emitted by devices other than smart meters. Interestingly, the vast majority of Victorian cases did not state that they had been sufferers of electromagnetic hypersensitivity syndrome (EHS) prior to exposure to the wireless meters, which points to the possibility that smart meters may have unique characteristics that lower people's threshold for symptom development.

PMID: 25478801 [PubMed - in process]

Friday, November 14, 2014

NEWS, Science, & Links Summary for the W/E 11/14/2014

New support group for people with MCS in Montanta
http://mtmcsconnect.wix.com/mtmcsconnect
www.facebook.com/mtmcsconnect

Dr Molot 12 May 2014 Conference at McGill University
Women are more susceptible to the effects of the environment on health.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJDJBsOkqq4

Spain officially recognises Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, the condition of
the 'bubble people'
http://www.sensibilidadquimicamultiple.org/2014/09/spain-recognises-mcs-bubble-people-2014.html

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity means Peter Lloyd can't leave his house...
or enjoy any modern pleasures inside
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/electromagnetic-hypersensitivity-means-peter-lloyd-7948249

Woman who is 'allergic' to the 21st century has no physical contact with the
outside world
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/woman-who-is-allergic-to-the-21st-century-has-no-physical-contact-with-the-outside-world/story-fni0cx2y-1227092832555?nk=d70c1dcd5ac9a95bcda6681666fdea38

False Allegations of Child Abuse in Cases of Childhood Myalgic
Encephalomyelitis (ME)
http://www.tymestrust.org/pdfs/falseallegations.pdf

Disclaimer:
Articles and links are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America, Lourdes
Salvador, and/or the volunteers who assemble this information. We will be
not responsible for misuse of this information. Posting does not constitute
endorsement. We have no financial interest in anything posted. This post is
provided free of charge via volunteer effort.

New support group for people with MCS in Montanta

New support group for people with MCS in Montanta

Dr Molot 12 <ay 2014 Conference at McGill University

Dr Molot 12 May 2014 Conference at McGill University
Women are more susceptible to the effects of the environment on health.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJDJBsOkqq4 

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Woman who is 'allergic' to the 21st century has no physical contact with the outside world

Woman who is 'allergic' to the 21st century has no physical contact with the outside world
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/woman-who-is-allergic-to-the-21st-century-has-no-physical-contact-with-the-outside-world/story-fni0cx2y-1227092832555?nk=d70c1dcd5ac9a95bcda6681666fdea38

"FOR almost five years, I've lived in one single room, stripped of all possessions – apart from a fold-out bed that doesn't even have a mattress."

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity means Peter Lloyd can't leave his house... or enjoy any modern pleasures inside

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity means Peter Lloyd can't leave his house... or enjoy any modern pleasures inside
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/electromagnetic-hypersensitivity-means-peter-lloyd-7948249

"The 42-year-old says he is desperate to be housed in an isolated wooden hut because virtually every aspect of modern life causes him pain"

Saturday, September 27, 2014

Allergic diseases and multiple chemical sensitivity in korean adults.

Allergy Asthma Immunol Res. 2014 Sep;6(5):409-14. doi: 10.4168/aair.2014.6.5.409. Epub 2014 Mar 21.
Allergic diseases and multiple chemical sensitivity in korean adults.

Jeong I1, Kim I1, Park HJ2, Roh J3, Park JW2, Lee JH2.
Abstract
PURPOSE:
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a clinical syndrome representing multi-organ and psychological symptoms caused by chronic exposure to various chemicals in low concentrations. We evaluated the prevalence and related factors of MCS targeting Korean adults using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI©).
METHODS:
A total of 446 participants were recruited from Severance Hospital. Participants underwent a questionnaire interview including questions on sociodemographic factors, occupational and environmental factors, allergic diseases, and the QEESI©. Among them, 379 participants completed the questionnaire and the QEESI©. According to the QEESI© interpretation results, participants were divided into very suggestive (VS) group and less suggestive (LS) group.
RESULTS:
The estimated prevalence of MCS was higher in allergic patients than non-allergic participants (19.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P=0.04). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, ages of 30-39 (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.25-6.95) and those of 40-49 (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.02-6.21) were significantly related to MCS compared to those aged less than 30 years. Female sex (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.11-4.18), experience of dwelling in a new house (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.04-4.03), and atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04-3.69) were also significantly related to MCS. However, only age of 30-39 in the allergic group was significant in the stratified analysis.
CONCLUSIONS:
The estimated prevalence of MCS was higher among allergic patients than non-allergic participants. People with experience of dwelling in a new house and atopic dermatitis were more at risk of being intolerant to chemicals. Further studies to provide the nationally representative prevalence data and clarify risk factors and mechanisms of MCS are required.

PMID:  25228997 [PubMed]

Spain officially recognises Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, the condition of the 'bubble people'

Spain officially recognises Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, the condition of the 'bubble people
'http://www.sensibilidadquimicamultiple.org/2014/09/spain-recognises-mcs-bubble-people-2014.html

"MCS didn't "exist" before from an administrative point of view, which involved a "complete defencelessness situation" for the sufferers.
The addition of the condition to the healthcare system has been carried out in accordance with the WHO approved ICD guidelines which other countries had already adopted for this disease."

Saturday, August 9, 2014

How to Better Accommodate Travelers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - By Glenn Hasek

How to Better Accommodate Travelers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - By Glenn Hasek

August, 4 2014
Green Lodging News
"Prior to one of her recent trips, Judy Smith called the motel where she was going to be staying and requested that no chemicals, air fresheners or room deodorizers be used in her room. Unfortunately, housekeeping only got the message about not using cleaning chemicals and not the part about not using air fresheners or room deodorizers."

[A new classification code is available in the Danish health-care classification system for patients with symptoms related to chemicals and scents.]

Ugeskr Laeger. 2014 May 26;176(11). pii: V10120627.

[A new classification code is available in the Danish health-care classification system for patients with symptoms related to chemicals and scents.]
[Article in Danish]

Elberling J1, Bonde JP, Vesterhauge S, Bang S, Linneberg A, Zachariae C, Johansen JD, Blands J, Skovbjerg S.

Author information:
1Videncenter for Duft- og Kemikalieoverfølsomhed, Hud- og allergiafdelingen, Gentofte Hospital, Niels Andersensvej 65, 2900 Hellerup. jelberling@dadlnet.dk.

Abstract

From July 2012, a classification code for multiple chemical sensitivity has been available in the Danish healthcare classification system. The overall purpose is to register hospital contacts in Denmark. The diagnostic code is labelled "Symptoms related to chemicals and scents", DR688A1, and classified as a subcategory to "Medically unexplained symptoms", DR688A, which is a specialization of the ICD-10 code "R68.8 Other specified general symptoms and signs". The classification was decided with reference to the present lack of scientific understanding.

PMID: 25096843 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Biological definition of multiple chemical sensitivity from redox state and cytokine profiling and not from polymorphisms of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

2010 Nov 1;248(3):285-92. doi: 10.1016/j.taap.2010.04.017. Epub 2010 Apr 27.

Biological definition of multiple chemical sensitivity from redox state and cytokine profiling and not from polymorphisms of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a poorly clinically and biologically defined environment-associated syndrome. Although dysfunctions of phase I/phase II metabolizing enzymes and redox imbalance have been hypothesized, corresponding genetic and metabolic parameters in MCS have not been systematically examined.

OBJECTIVES:

We sought for genetic, immunological, and metabolic markers in MCS.

METHODS:

We genotyped patients with diagnosis of MCS, suspected MCS and Italian healthy controls for allelic variants of cytochrome P450 isoforms (CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A5), UDP-glucuronosyl transferase (UGT1A1), and glutathione S-transferases (GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1). Erythrocyte membrane fatty acids, antioxidant (catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD)) and glutathione metabolizing (GST, glutathione peroxidase (Gpx)) enzymes, whole blood chemiluminescence, total antioxidant capacity, levels of nitrites/nitrates, glutathione, HNE-protein adducts, and a wide spectrum of cytokines in the plasma were determined.

RESULTS:

Allele and genotype frequencies of CYPs, UGT, GSTM, GSTT, and GSTP were similar in the Italian MCS patients and in the control populations. The activities of erythrocyte catalase and GST were lower, whereas Gpx was higher than normal. Both reduced and oxidised glutathione were decreased, whereas nitrites/nitrates were increased in the MCS groups. The MCS fatty acid profile was shifted to saturated compartment and IFNgamma, IL-8, IL-10, MCP-1, PDGFbb, and VEGF were increased.

CONCLUSIONS:

Altered redox and cytokine patterns suggest inhibition of expression/activity of metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes in MCS. Metabolic parameters indicating accelerated lipid oxidation, increased nitric oxide production and glutathione depletion in combination with increased plasma inflammatory cytokines should be considered in biological definition and diagnosis of MCS.

Letter to the Editor: Go fragrance-free

Letter to the Editor:  Go fragrance-free
 
 

Your Smart Phone Is Making Birds Stupid

Your Smart Phone Is Making Birds Stupid
http://www.forbes.com/sites/williampentland/2014/05/09/exposure-to-extremely-low-levels-electrosmog-disrupts-key-biological-processes-for-migratory-birds-study-says/

"A new study by scientists in Germany has shown exposure to so-called "electrosmog" adversely affects migratory birds' biological navigation systems.  Despite speculation to the contrary, electrosmog, or electromagnetic radiation created by the use of electronic devices, has not been shown to affect biological processes at levels lower than those considered to be safe by the World Health Organization (WHO).  For the first time, biologists at the University of Oldenburg have shown that robins lose their magnetic compass when exposed to AM radio waveband electromagnetic interference at levels as low far below the threshold defined by the WHO."

Nothing to smell here: Utilities Commission hopes to go fragrance-free

Nothing to smell here: Utilities Commission hopes to go fragrance-free
http://www.reviewjournal.com/politics/government/nothing-smell-here-utilities-commission-hopes-go-fragrance-free

"The Nevada Public Utilities Commission is asking the public to go fragrance-free to accommodate people with chemical sensitivities."

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