M3.1 Biomonitoring


 After getting lab tests done to screen for certain chemicals, I would feel anxious, stressed and overwhelmed. I would tell myself to prepare for the worst and to keep a positive outlook. Upon receiving the news that I tested positive for dioxins, DDT, organophosphate, lead, solvent, PCBs, and phthalates I would be devastated and I would feel helpless learning that there are no safe levels. I would then ask the doctor to refer me to specialist that could help me detox my body from these chemicals and try to deduce how I was exposed and eliminate those products from my immediate environment. Reflecting on the DDT in my body, it may have bee due to the 10 days I was in Honduras on a medical brigade where because of risk of mosquito borne illnesses we were told to where DDT around the clock and when we slept. I would be completely devastated but after this class I would accept it as a reality because of all the chemical toxins and exposures that are around us everyday. It would feel surreal to be affected one of these chemicals let alone 7 chemicals.

Comments

  1. Krissy PamatmatSeptember 26, 2017 at 2:27 PM

    Hi Mayra,

    I would also feel the same way after learning that I have the toxic chemicals listed above in my body. I think it is a great idea to ask for a specialist referral. I think the website like the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database is also a good place to check if the products that you use daily have any toxic chemicals. Then, you can stop using it and try to find an alternative product that don't contain toxic chemicals. Yes it is the reality that we are constantly expose to toxic chemicals but I think we can still do something to diminish our exposure. People need to push for changes and tell the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be more strict when it comes to chemical regulations.

    - Krissy

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  2. UnknownSeptember 28, 2017 at 3:18 PM

    Hi Mayra,
    I too felt the same way when i learn about the result of the test. I feel like this is a problem that everyone who lives in this century has to face because there's no way to avoid exposure to all these chemicals. Although i think there should definitely be a safe level of exposure and i can't believe that most of these chemical don't have a human safe level of exposure. I think a safe level is necessary so that we know how much the chemical is affecting our bodies and know when to raise alarm about the exposure level.

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  3. Environmental Health MusingsSeptember 30, 2017 at 10:36 PM

    Hi Mayra,

    I agree as well about feeling stressed, overwhelmed and anxious upon learning about all the toxins that build up in our bodies! It's stressful and overwhelming in general just to think of all the things we are exposed to during our daily routines, from commuting, our work environment and our homes. It's good to be aware of what we are being exposed to so we can try to take proper steps to reduce our exposure to toxins.

    ReplyDelete

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