Information compiled by
Richard Pressinger, M.Ed., Tampa, FL 
Wayne Sinclair, MD, Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
EMAIL FORM LINK - CLICK HERE

Research on health disorders resulting from petroleum-based chemicals used in consumer products and job environments are available from the links below.  Petroleum based chemicals are being found to cause significant attritional effects to the nervous system and immune system after prolonged exposure. Illnesses identified in the medical research include adult and child cancers, numerous neurological disorders, immune system weakening, autoimmune disorders, asthma, allergies, infertility, miscarriage, and child behavior disorders including learning disabilities, mental retardation, hyperactivity and ADD (attention deficit disorders).  Petroleum based chemicals are believed to cause these problems by a variety of routes including - impairing proper DNA (Gene) expression, weakening DNA Repair, accelerating gene loss, degeneration of the body's detoxification defenses (liver and kidneys) as well as gradual weakening of the brain's primary defense - (the Blood Brain Barrier).  Identifying a specific chemical as the "original cause" of these health disorders is difficult and often overlooked as it typically requires years of exposure for the body's inherent defenses to weaken sufficiently to result in observable health problems.  Also, many petroleum chemicals appear work in tandem to combine their harmful effects making specific identification even more difficult.  However, once a chemically induced illness presents itself, a decline in health status appears to continue rapidly as long as exposure continues.  Of significant concern, while petroleum based chemicals are required by the U.S. Government (EPA) to be tested for a variety of health effects, they are currently not required to be tested for causing subtle neurological damage (memory, personality, behavior etc), effects upon the developing brain during pregnancy, immune system effects, autoimmunity and effects upon the brain's primary defense - the blood brain barrier.  The majority of information at CHEM-TOX has been attained from research from the University of Florida and University of South Florida Medical Libraries.  Every attempt has been made to provide information clearly and accurately - The medical/scientific journal name and date, along with the university and scientists involved in the research are listed with each article.   Questions or comments - use our EMAIL FORM LINK

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Pesticides in Homes & Lawns Showing Serious Health Risks -
Common pesticides used in homes and lawns are now being shown in medical research to accelerate aging of the immune and nervous system resulting in serious health problems years after exposure.  Companies which use these chemicals include TruGreen - ChemLawn - Orkin and others.  The majority of the public still believes these chemicals are completely tested by the government.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Chemical companies do their own testing and submit the results to the EPA for review - setting up the potential for "selective" reporting.   Of significant concern, agriculture and consumer use pesticides are not currently required to be tested for subtle neurological effects (i.e. memory, depression, behavior) - child learning disorders - pregnancy developmental studies and immune system effects (i.e. lower white blood counts - increased infection rates and autoimmunity).
Bed mattresses found to emit toxic chemicals
Today's modern beds are now constructed from a wide range of petrochemical products such as vinyl and polyurethane foam.  The latest research shows the petroleum chemicals used to make these materials are being emitted into the breathing zone of the sleeping child.  Since the chemicals found are known carcinogens and respiratory irritants - parents of children with cancer or asthma should be particularly concerned.
Learning Disabilities - A.D.D on the Rise - Pregnancy Warnings
learning disabilities and chemical exposureA growing number of scientists are providing strong evidence as to why we are seeing more and more children with learning and behavior disorders over the past 30 years.  Their conclusions are straight forward - exposure of the developing child to even small levels of common everyday chemicals can result in learning or behavior problems evident throughout life.  This information is a result of a 1997 Graduate Research Project from University of South Florida investigating environmental and "chemical" causes of Learning Disabilities.
Health Risks from PesticidesNew research on the dangers of the mosquito control pesticides DIBROM (Naled) and the pyrethroid pesticide PERMETHRIN are reported from six medical journals.  Health risks found include genetic damage - cancer potential - neurotoxic dangers to unborn children - and harm to marine life.  Researchers also find pesticide applications appear to be dramatically increasing the incidence of encephalitis carrying mosquitoes.  Theories regarding this include immune system damage to wildlife and genetic damage to the mosquitoes inherent defenses.
Malathion is a medfly and mosquito control pesticide which has been shown to have serious health effects upon humans.    Observed effects  include weakening of the immune system (thereby resulting in increased colds, flu and infections), birth defects, genetic damage, accelerated aging of certain body organs, increased neurological damage to the elderly and serious harm to wildlife.  This report shows how the public is being misled by this very dangerous pesticide.
Child Vaccination Health Problems
While the medical community touts vaccinations as being important for child health, the research shows this is not necessarily the case and the risks appear far greater than the benefits.  
Rejected for Publication because of Truth.
When quality articles and letters are submitted to newspapers, journals or scientific magazines for publication, yet rejected for no apparent reason, attention needs to be brought to this problem.  As corporate industry gains more influence over mainstream media from magazines to newspapers, there is a gradual silencing of voices from scientists and "thinkers" who do not agree with their desired point of view.
Child Cancer & Relationship to Modern Chemicals
Evidence demonstrating how chemical exposures occurring in and around the home can greatly increase the risk of brain cancer, neuroblastoma & leukemia.   Also "NEW" research on immune system defects found in cancer children which can determine if "remission" is likely to occur.

Chemical-Free Condos Open in Melbourne Beach
Individuals showing health problems related to short or long term exposure to synthetic chemicals can come to this "clean-air" setting on the ocean in Melbourne Beach, Florida. The 10 unit complex has removed all potential chemical sources and units now include tile floors - organic bedding - organic couches - metal and glass furniture and absolutely no pesticides used anywhere in or on the premises.  This allows the body's natural defenses to recover without extra stress. To see a video of the Pride and Joy Resort click either broadband or dial-up

Immune Systems Under Attack
Research on how the human immune system is damaged or weakened by exposure to pesticides, plastics and a variety of chemicals in common consumer products.  Strong evidence for explaining the observed increases in immune related disorders from viral/bacterial infections to child cancers.
Neuroblastoma Research
Case histories - pesticides and immune system damage.  
Chlordane Termite Pesticide Problems
Important health information for people living in homes built before 1988.  Evidence suggests an epidemic of health problems caused by daily breathing of this low dose pesticide.
Infertility - Miscarriage Research Studies
Surprising environmental causes identified in the home, work and diet should be the first intervention.
Gallstones - Evidence for an Environmentally Induced Illness
Gallstone formation is a painful disease that occurs when the bile (going from the liver to the gallbladder) becomes super-saturated with cholesterol.  This page describes dietary factors found to worsen this condition and discusses evidence that improper liver function is unable to emulsify the bile, thereby encouraging gall stone formation.
How the Human Body Ages
Understanding how chemicals and pesticides contribute to accelerating the aging process of various body systems requires understanding of how and why the aging process actually occurs.  Research from the Department of Biology, University of California explains how our yearly one-half to 1% loss of "Genes" within our DNA is the culprit.
Chemical Illness Report Page
Petroleum based chemicals can cause serious health problems over time.  Research shows this can occur from exposure in the workplace - home and also from many consumer products.  Because of the time delay in exposure and symptom onset, as well as complexity of processes involved (individual liver enzyme detoxification efficiency - gradual attrition to neurological defenses, etc.), these illnesses are often overlooked, diagnosed incorrectly - or denied (by physicians representing the chemical or insurance industry). If you or someone you know has developed health problems from chemical exposure please let us know by clicking this link.  Anyone to input their information and have it immediately posted to this web site.   Also, please report any circumstances of illegal or unsafe chemical use or disposal.
TOXNET WEB SITE - This toxicology site from the National Library of Medicine has an excellent database of health effects and hazards occurring from petroleum chemical exposure.  After going to this site, type in at least two search terms - one with the chemical and the other with a related health term (i.e. neurotoxic - immune - liver - kidneys - cancer - etc.).