Question from Leslie Adams
HI Debra – thanks so much for all the shared information online! I am not sure where to “put” this query, online, so am adding it on here, as it does have to do with exposure to environmental toxins and MCS – although this particular topic is not one I have found addressed – perhaps I am just missing it somewhere!
I was diagnosed first with MCS about 20 years ago now – have improved alot, but in 1998, was exposed to what my environmental doctor/allergist says was “plane chemicals”, ie, pesticides sprayed in cabin – which I learned is routinely done(and perhaps in the hold – he wasn’t sure if chemicals from there would migraine into AC system or not); strong and toxic cleaning chemicals used for carpet on floor of cabin, seats/upholstery, etc; migration of that terrible bathroom deodorant-sanitizer product in air/chemical odor always present in the restrooms (and which does go out into cabin every time door is opened and shut); diesel fuel that always seems to seep into cabin after engines are started and before plane takes off; air deodorizers used to keep “air” in cabin smelling clean and fresh; etc etc etc. As a result of the plane ride from SF to Honolulu (didn’t happen on the way TO the mainland from Honolulu), I was diagnosed not only with recurring MCS but also, a “bipolar-like disorder resulting from airplane toxic chemical exposure”. I am, ten years later, much better, but still remain with a low-grade degree of this same disorder – and have been told not to travel by plane again, nor by ship – because the same kinds of chemicals are also used to keep ships clean and bug-free. People eat, drink, spill things, children have accidents, babies spit up, people get air-sick, etc etc – and so, wherever people travel, there will be problems unless chemically treated for. (Subsequently I have come across two flight attendants who can no longer fly on planes due to chemical exposures through their years of working on planes)
(Side note relating to this same topic: Of interest to those riding buses and not feeling well, I have also learned that our buses here on Oahu are sprayed routinely with pesticides, because the bus company learned the hard way that our large homeless population, or those living in poverty stricken areas, who do have ability to get bus passes for free or very low cost, sometimes have “cooties” (as the bus company customer relations so aptly put it)and those hop off and then, onto someone else, or onto their belongings. I had ridden the bus a while back and got headaches and felt ill while on the bus, so thought I would call and ask if something on the bus was causing this – of course, I now know it could also have been the interior of the bus offgassing, although one of the buses I rode was several years old. They ALL have AC now, which was not the case many years ago – so that could also be adding to the problem. I obviously gave up on riding the bus.)
My question for you and your readers is, has anyone else experienced this and also found a way to REMAIN WELL on subsequent flying? My doctor keeps reminding me that nothing has changed in how the airlines keeps their planes clean, and that our skin is our largest organ, and skin-absorption of air-borne toxins remains the biggest route of exposure in this situation – he had me call two airlines to see if they would allow me to fly with a “chemical-proof suit” of some sort on and a mask, and both airlines said “no” to the suit-idea – that it would (and I am quoting one airline) “freak out the other passengers, who would think you either had something terribly contagious or that something terrible is wrong with the inside of the plane’s cabin” – and if they saw that it would make ME sick, THEY TOO might become ill – and it would be bad for business! Not helpful! Thanks, Leslie from Hawaii
Debra’s Answer
I understand your dilemma, and I’m not quite sure what to tell you. Any time you are in a place where there are a lot of people in close proximity who may have “cooties” and germs, they need to be controlled for public health. Yet, those controls are often toxic.
Personally I avoid those toxic exposures by not traveling much by plane or bus or cruise ship. When I do fly, I always open the little vent above my seat full blast and point it right at my face. These seems to help a lot.
Also, I do a lot of things to make my body more tolerant of the exposures I do have. By living in a nontoxic environment and supporting the ability of my body to detox, I can be exposed to these chemicals for the length of a plane ride without much ill effect. But I understand not everyone is able to do that.
Whenever possible, I travel in my own private car, which may not be best for the environment, but better for health. Recently, though, we travel in our car powered by vegetable oil, so driving it good for our health and the environment!
Readers, your suggestions?
