Are chemical reactions really that serious?

Yes! Chemicals can trigger reactions and inflammation within a person’s airway.  Reactive Airway Dysfunction System (RADS) is “an asthma-like condition that may develop following exposure to toxic gases.”18 Airway irritation can potentially occur in areas of poor ventilation.  Once the irritation occurs it can last from a year to several years.19 Many houses are built with little ventilation capability and the household members are susceptible to illnesses.

Minor chemical reactions can trigger diseases such as RADS or Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS).  People with MCS show strong reactions to everyday chemicals such as perfume (on the patient or others), air fresheners, deodorants, and cleaners.  Principle investigators, such as physicians who actively research diseases and illnesses, believe that MCS is a result of cumulative exposure.  Long term exposure to harmful chemicals may cause an over-sensitivity that not only affects the physical body but has been noted to affect the patient emotionally as well.  When MCS is diagnosed, it is the result of years of over exposure to toxic chemicals. 

Environmental factors in childhood cancers are being investigated by the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).  Part of COG’s ongoing study is investigation of exposure to radiation and chemicals.20 The cause of cancer in children is difficult to prove since the effects of exposure while in the womb and the mother’s health prior to pregnancy are hard to trace; but scientists have located certain chemicals such as carcinogens that have been highlighted as cancer-causing agents.21

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