Text by Dr Mecherl Lim, MD (MA) Naturopath (ND), Holistic Kinesiology

There are numerous factors that may participate in the development of hypersensitivity, to even minute levels of toxic and generally non-toxic chemical substances. Normal responses to subtoxic doses of chemical substances may be affected under the following conditions.

Genetic and individual abnormalities in enzyme and protein synthesis. Approximately 50% of the population are slow acetylators, example : they detoxify some chemicals slowly and thus are at risk to chemical sensitivity.

• Poor diet and deficient nutritional states
• Obesity and or increased fat / muscle ratio.
• Age extremities-elderly and new born
• Disorders of kidney and liver function
• Gender of the individual.
• Unstable hormone status.
• Environmental stress conditions-heat, cold, dehydration, deficiency of oxygen (asthma), noise.
• Achlorhydria is common in many chemical sensitive individuals and hence Vitamin B12 absorption may be impaired.

Chemical sensitivity or the allergic tendency of an individual can be inherited. However, allergic tendency, with no previous family history of allergy, can also be acquired in a number of ways. Hypersensitivity may follow viral infections such as mononucleosis or viral pneumonia, or severe emotional reactions such as grief. The most common incitement appears to be low grade, long term chemical exposure, although a short term high level exposure, such as seen in industrial accidents, may produce similar effects.

There is apparently no consistent pathway by which the immune system mediates chemical hypersensitivity or loses its control mechanism and begins to sensitize inappropriately to chemicals. The pathways used by the immune system to develop this phenomenon not only vary from chemical to chemical but from exposure to exposure, and certainly differ from individual to individual.

There are also the secondary effects or pathways of allergic inflammation to be considered, for instance, gastrointestinal symptoms range from vague indigestion to full blown colitis (inflammation of the colon). These may result in nutritional deficiencies.

The deficiencies begin with increasing the sensitivity of the immune system to food. Generalised inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract secondary to food sensitivity often causes poor nutrient absorption that leads to vitamin and mineral deficiency. Eventually the individual may become deficient in digestive enzymes, which in itself will initiate food intolerance or sensitivity.

With increasing vitamin and mineral deficiency and enzyme deficiencies, the end result is an inability to detoxify chemicals giving rise to more food and chemical sensitivities. Thus a vicious cycle is set that will only be overcome by judicious supplementation of vitamins, minerals and digestive enzymes.

Common Chemical Exposures that Cause Chemical Sensitivity

• TERPENES – These are natural, volatile chemicals released from plants. They normally give the characteristic odour or scent of the plant, e.g., odour of fresh pine needles, orange, eucalyptus, cloves, jasmine. The level of terpene exposure depends on the time of year, highest concentration occurs during the warmest part of the year.
• HYDROCARBON FUELS – natural gas, petrol fumes, coal gas, kerosene. Gas stoves or ranges can be a source of gas leakage in homes. Parking station attendants and petrol station attendance are in the high-risk group for this type of sensitivity.
  SYNTHETIC Synthetic ripening of fruits – such as bananas may liberate potentially harmful residue of the ripening gas ethylene. Commercial coffee that is gas roasted is another example.
• FORMALDEHYDE PRODUCTS – are notorious for their adverse reactions in sensitised individuals. Hidden sources of formaldehyde exposure are plastics, chipboard, home insulating material (foam type), nylon carpets, mouth washes, wood veneer, latex paints, detergents soaps, hair setting solutions and shampoos.
• PERFUMES – heavily scented cosmetic, deodorants, sprays, tobacco, scented soaps, nail polish, strong cleaning solvents and synthetic clothing or garments have all been implicated in chemical sensitivity. Beauticians and hairdressers should be aware that some of their symptoms such as headaches, irritability and fatique may be due to scented products.
• PESTICIDES – weedicides and agriculture chemicals must also be considered as potential problems in some individuals.
• ARTIFICIAL – colourings and flavourings.
• CHLORINATED WATER – is also a common culprit.Symptoms of chemical sensitivity vary quite widely and include headache, irritability, fatigue, hyper or overactivity, restlessness, anxiety, sluggish thinking, malaise, muscle pain, arthritis etc.

Nutrients That Decrease Chemical Sensitivity

• Molybdenum are enzymes involved in the detoxification of various aldehydes, sulphites & nitrates.
• Glycine, Taurine, BCAA, Methionine, are amino acids associated with the removal of toxic chemicals and metabolites from the body.
• Thiamine (Vit B1) helps those excess intake exposure to formaldehyde, alcohols, glycols and it is also important in energy production. A relative deficiency will cause tiredness, weakness and anxiety.
• Pyridoxine (B6), 60 percent chemically sensitive patients are deficient in B6, which is pyridoxal – 5 phosphate, which can be overwhelmed by exposure to aldehydes. Drugs such as contraceptive pills, amphetamine, chlorpromazine can all lead to a relative B6 deficiency.
• Choline – ingestion of a diet deficient choline has major consequences that include hepatic, renal, memory impairment and growth disorders. All are seen in some chemically sensitive patients.
• Folate B12 – chemically sensitive individuals are low in folate and 15% are deficient in Vit B12. Many medications such as aspirin, oral contraceptive and anti-convulsant interfere with absorption and metabolism.
• Magnesium – Approximately 40% of chemically sensitive individuals are magnesium depleted. As magnesium involved over 500 enzyme systems.
• Substances that deplete magnesium are pollutants, alcohols, diuretics, steroids, glucose, phosphate depletion and pesticides.

Nutritional Advice

• Filter or boil all drinking water
• Use toxic cleaning products sparingly
• Reduce use of plastics, toxic paints and varnishes. When painting use odourless alkali based paints
• Do not to wear synthetic under garments or clothes. Cottons & woollens are usually safe.
• Do not use kerosene heaters, heating should be solar based or electrical.
• An electric stove is preferable to a gas stove, and if not possible, ensure adequate ventilation within the cooking area.
• Insulation material and floor coverings should be inert. Preferably hard, inert materials such as stone, terrazzo, hardwood, cement, brick and terracotta tiles should be used for flooring. Be careful of wool carpeting with latex or rubber backing.
• Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, wrapping, plastic containers, and other plastics should be removed from the home. Use glass containers.
• Remove any synthetic or rubber furnishing in the bedroom. Use cotton pillows, mattresses. Electric blanket should not be used. Cane hardwood, leather, wool or other fibre should be used in furnishings.
• Other sources of chemical exposure are from chemicals released from glued parts and grouting, particularly when heated, chemicals used in hobbies such as photo copying machines, pesticides used indoors or in the garden, timber impregnated with chemicals, tobacco smoke.
• Avoid all formulated foods or drugs that contain artificial flavourings, colouring or chemicals.