Cockroach allergens contain enzymes in fecal pellets that incorporate into household dust. This is more common in inner city abodes and affects millions of inner city children.
Not only are there developed allergies to cockroaches and their waste products, but most develop immune responses to insecticides used to eliminate roaches. Use natural non-toxic insecticides and pesticides.
Solution: Diatomaceous earth is a safe alternative which can be sprinkled in areas where roaches congregate. Boric acid on TOP of your kitchen cabinets (not inside), if space allows between ceiling and cabinets, the roaches will take the boric acid to their nests, killing all of them. Boric acid is toxic by mouth - keep away from children and pets.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke Exposures
We all know about this one that contains toxicants, mutagens and carcinogens. Tobacco smoke contains solid particles, semivolatile and volatile organic compounds. Let's include e-cigs and vaping.
Solution: Stop smoking. We specialize in smoking cessation. We have medicine to take if you are still smoking and medicine to take after you quit for permanent results. We provide on-the-ground support for kicking your habit.
Dog Allergens
Everyone loves their dog. If you don't have a fancy high end hypoallergenic pooch then we have desensitization drops to change your immune response to your best friend.
Solution: Make an appointment to create your individualized treatment protocol.
Fungi
We get mold spore exposures both inside and outside. As climate change continues we have more storms, wet to dry environments, leaks, burst pipes and exposures to toxic molds that cause a plethora of health issues. Mold exposures have dramatically increased ER visits for children. Exposure to indoor Penicillium significantly increased severe asthma exacerbations.
Those with genetic polymorphisms linked to reduced enzymatic breakdown of chitin, a fungal protein, increased the number of urgent care center visits.
Solution: Evaluate your home and especially the bedroom for mold spores. Hire certified mold professionals to clean your home or business after a flood or major leak. We have oral medicines and I.V. ozone to reverse health issues caused by toxic mold exposure. Keep your house dry and run an air filter 24/7.
Nitrogen Dioxide
Nitrogen dioxide is a common pollutant gas. We are exposed everytime we cook indoors if you have a gas stove, space heater, kerosene space heater, fireplace and poorly vented furnaces. When we cook we also emit carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, volatile organic compounds and submicron particulate matter that irritate our respiratory tract.
Solution: Investigate alternative cooking equipment. Make sure your stove is well-vented. Open a window when you cook. Wear a protective mask when you cook.
Domestic Birds
There is limited or suggestive evidence of an association to asthma.
Solution: Wear a mask and gloves when touching the bird and cleaning the cage.
Formaldehyde (Nonoccupational)
Furniture, gas stoves, and tobacco smoke outgasses formaldehyde indoors for years. Outdoor sources include motor vehicle exhaust.
Solution: Buy formaldehyde free furniture and don't smoke. We offer formaldehyde detoxification protocols and ozone therapies.
Fragrances
Remember the ladies who sprayed you in fine department stores? Due to a severe reaction from a customer and a lawsuit that behavior stopped. I battle with my gym who releases timed sprays into the air. I'd rather smell sweat. We don't need fragrances. Some of my multiple chemical sensitivity patients can't tolerate essential oils. I can desensitize you to phenols, but why even invite trouble?
Solution: Don't buy or use fragrances. I ask patients not to wear perfume or use scented lotions.
Rodent Allergens
Solution: Don't live with rodents. Use non-toxic natural solutions to get rid of them - peppermint oil or hire an expert to deal with an infestation.
Cow and Horse Allergens (Acute, Nonoccupational Exposures)
Solution: Talk to me about correcting your lipopolysacchardies or LPS in your gut. Don't give up your horseback riding lessons. I can desensitize you with safe and effective medicines. We can strengthen your lungs with mushroom extracts and specific botanicals.
Houseplants
Solution: When you're sensitive; you're sensitive and it can be to your plants. Find out what you are allergic to with a comprehensive plant panel that is generally covered by insurance. I check new patients every week to see if there are plant allergens, air-borne allergens and food allergies.
Pesticides
Pesticides are eaten, breathed in and absorbed through the skin. You know what I'll say to this problem.
Solution: To the best of your ability don't buy them or use them. Avoid pesticides at all costs. Support EWG Environmental Working Group and WOOF World Organization of Organic Farmers. When my daughter wanted to do work abroad I only let her apply to WOOF organizations - certified organic farms.
Plasticizers
My patients are sensitive to plasticizers in vinyl flooring, wall covering, vinyl upholstery, shower curtains, furniture, food and drink containers, etc. We can detox you from these carcinogens.
Solution: Be an conscious consumer and don't buy them. DEPH and other plasticizers do cause airway inflammation and asthma episodes.
VOCs Other Than Formaldehyde
VOC's are present in paint, tobacco smoke, combustion appliances, building materials, house cleaning products, solvents, photocopying machines, dry cleaned clothes, personal care products, printed materials, room deodorizers, moth crystals, and chlorinated water.
Solution: Read labels. Check with EWG's database before you buy household products. Do your research before you remodel your home. I have had patients who had serious health conditions including cancers because they had toxic exposures during remodeling. I can detox you from almost all environmental exposures.
Down/Feather Bedding/Synthetic Bedding
Solution: Asthmatics can be sensitive to their bedding. Your bedroom should be the safest room in the house. You are your most vulnerable when you are sleeping so it pays to make it a healthy room. No popouri or scented candles should be in your bedroom. You can buy organic mattresses without flame retardants.
Low Outdoor Air Ventilation Rates
You breathe in indoor air pollution from your furnishing, equipment, coating and glues, cleaning products, building materials, pets and other occupants. If your ventilation rate is poor you will be exposed to increased indoor concentrations of indoor pollutants.
Solution: Again, do your homework. Get a mobile app from EWG on your phone so the next time you are shopping for your house you can find out if it's worth bringing it home.