Physical Reaction to Triggering Agents

June 9, 2022June 17, 2022 ASEQ-EHAQ

Chemical agents

Once inside the body, several defense mechanisms against chemical contaminants are set into motion. Most contaminants are transformed by enzymes present in our cells to facilitate their elimination in urine, stool, sweat, breast milk, or they are transferred to the hair and nails.

In the case of environmental sensitivities, it is suspected that these defense mechanisms do not work properly. Research continues on this subject.

Researchers are exploring many hypotheses in order to find a detailed explanation of what happens on a biological level. Although much research is taking place, there is no consensus in the scientific community yet. But several promising avenues are being explored, notably those looking into:

Large amounts of accumulated chemical products in the body ?
A body’s compromised capability to transform and eliminate toxic substances ?
Over-excitation of parts of the brain which could trigger sensitivities

Biological agents

The biological agent most commonly linked to environmental sensitivities is mould. According to certain studies, 14% to 30% of dwellings in Canada have problems with mould or excessive humidity. Moulds have spores that produce toxic substances called mycotoxins, which can be released into the air. Although moulds have been identified as being both initiating and triggering agents of environ- mental sensitivities, it is still unknown how they induce the illness. Their effects on health depend on the pathway and level of exposure, the type of mould and the susceptibility of the exposed individuals (state of health, age, etc.).

Electromagnetic radiation

Electromagnetic radiation includes a broad range of frequencies: low frequencies from power supply currents, radio waves, mircowaves, infrared and visible light, X-rays and cosmic rays. The biological effects of most of these frequencies are unknown. They have been associated with tinnitus (ringing in the ears), brain tumours, neuroma (tumours) in the auditory vestibular nerve, changes in brain glucose metabolism as a result of cellular phone frequencies, effects on the heart and lungs, as well as skin physiology.

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What are environmental sensitivities?

People suffering from environmental sensitivities react negatively to all kinds of contaminants (pesticides, cleaning products, solvents, perfumes, mould, electromagnetic radiation, etc.), but at lower levels of exposure that seem to cause no reaction in most people. These reactions can affect multiple systems in the body. In fact, many symptoms can affect several organ systems, such as the respiratory, digestive and nervous systems, as well as the skin. The symptoms can be inconvenient, quite serious, or even debilitating. According to Statistics Canada, environmental sensitivities are becoming an increasingly common health issue.

Are environmental sensitivities similar to allergies?

Environmental sensitivities were first thought to be allergies. In both cases, avoidance of triggers allows the person affected to remain healthy. But with the discovery of allergic-response mechanisms (immunoglobulin E), it became clear these mechanisms were not responsible for causing environmental sensitivities. In both cases, however, chemical contamination is linked to their increased prevalence in the population.

Another ban! Can’t people with sensitivities take into account my right to wear perfume?

In keeping with the “balance of convenience” principle, healthy people should make adjustments to avoid adversely affecting the health of a group of people, no matter how small, especially in cases involving the workplace and shared public places. Accommodating people with environmental sensitivities—no fragrances, better ventilation, least-toxic cleaning products—will improve indoor air quality, and benefit everyone. Smoking is now no longer permitted in the workplace and in public buildings. The same principle should apply for environmental sensitivities. Not only will your fellow citizens and colleagues with sensitivities appreciate the gesture, but so will people suffering from asthma, allergies, and other illnesses such as respiratory and heart diseases.

In Quebec, are environmental sensitivities recognized as an illness?

From a legal and human rights perspective, environmental sensitivities are recognized as being a handicap both in Quebec and Canada. The Commission des lésions professionnelles (CLP) has already recognized the right to CSST compensation for workers who have developed environmental sensitivities after exposure in the workplace.

From a medical perspective, as of 2012, the Quebec Ministry of Health and Social Services had still not recognized environmental sensitivities and there was no diagnostic code for the disease. Only a few physicians in Quebec are equipped to diagnose this illness. Some Quebecers who suffer from it are sometimes forced to travel to Ontario to receive care. Others increase the number of medical consultations as their health deteriorates.

There are specialized clinics that treat environmental sensitivities in Ontario and Nova Scotia. The European Parliament has asked member-states to recognize environmental sensitivities in their classification of diseases, if they have not already done so. It is time for Quebec to follow suit!

Symptoms are not visible. When people say they are sensitive to toxic substances that don’t affect others, couldn’t it just be “in their mind?”

It is exactly that heightened susceptibility in an individual, whose body is no longer able to defend itself against a multitude of small toxic attacks, which is the defining characteristic of environmental sensitivities. It is true that some environmental sensitivity symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and feeling dazed, dizzy or brain fogged (lack of cognitive function) are imperceptible to others. The person could therefore appear to be physically normal. However, just because the symptoms are not visible does not mean that they are any less real.