I would like to call to the attention of your readers that some household chemicals do us more harm than good

I would like to call to the attention of your readers that some household chemicals do us more harm than good...

Ever have eyes burning; then dark urine; and then real exhaustion -no energy? These are your body's signaling: SOS - too much exposure to 2-butoxyethanol and/or to it's complex form Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether. These are not only solvents, but also pesticides. You will find them in Lysol Tub 'n Tile and in 409 cleaner; most likely the 'proprietary' ingredient in gun cleaner, too. I am very concerned that we will see another 'Gulf War Syndrome' among the troops, because the information on CLP says to use goggles and chemical retardant gloves for repetitive use. In war time they are cleaning their guns every day. That is too much exposure!

These are commonly used chemicals - used in oil dispersants, degreasers, household cleaning, too; not to mention many industries: painting, dry cleaning, plastics, remediation of oil. They can not be used safely, as people don't wear goggles, respirators and chemical retardant gloves and clothing. If a worker backs off, their effects will be minimal... but if they don't, they are at risk for serious long term side-effects, and they are so horrible! A little exposure to these chemicals is probably no big deal, although exposure is cumulative.

How will your health be affected? Blood damage first and always: hemolytic anemia, your body prematurely kills it's own red blood cells, then it defats the skin, damages the central nervous system (depression, short term memory loss, suicidal tendencies, grouchy, explosive personality changes), disruption of the endocrine system (reproductive effects, blood pressure goes high, as does blood sugar; headaches in the back of the head), kidneys and liver are targeted. A lab tech should look at the red blood cells under a microscope and comment; the retic rate should be checked. You will need a hematologist and an endocrinologist interested in helping.

The risks simply are not worth the gain. I firmly believe these chemicals should be banned by the Legislature!

       M Diann Hursh
       PO Box 233
       Valdez, Alaska 99686

       907-835-5333

       1-888-853-5333
       valdez@alaska.com

       www.valdezlink.com/generic.htm

www.valdezlink.com/pass_on.htm

Do you use any of these? Watch out http://www.valdezlink.com/watch_out.htm

12-9-03

A local newspaper in the Copper River Valley has asked for a 'Letter to the Editor section." This is it.