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Biomonitoring

It’s been a week since I went to see my primary care doctor for a general checkup. Today, I received a message with the results of my blood and urine tests. What seemed to be a normal day, suddenly turned dark. Heart racing. Confused. Worried. What does it all mean?

The doctor listed more than a handful of chemicals that were found to be in my system at unsafe levels. Along with that he also mentioned several effects these chemicals could potentially have on my health. As far as I know, I don’t go to any places, do anything, or eat anything that would pose such harm. I messaged back to arrange a follow up appointment in order to discuss my health in more detail and request for recommendations for minimizing, or possibly reversing, the damage that these chemicals have done to my body.

I have many more questions, but I want to do my own research prior to meeting my physician. The following is what I found according to my quick search of the first few chemicals: 93% of dioxin exposure is from dairy, meat, and fish products; DDT exposure is similar, but includes vegetables; and organophosphate poisoning is prevalent in agricultural workers, but can also occur through accidental inhalation or skin contact.

I’m perturbed to learn that my most common actions, as well as the common places and items with which I interact are destroying my body. I shouldn’t be fearful of eating, touching things, or breathing. I should be living freely. My test results have led to a train of thoughts about ways to raise these concerns in my community and how these dangers can be eliminated from our environment. Change has to begin somewhere, and that change can start with me.

Chemicals discovered in my system and their damaging health effects.


Comments

  1. JudyJudeSeptember 16, 2018 at 6:46 PM

    Nica, you can no longer eat meat or vegetables from the same sources. Do you live near agriculture? I like that as a patient, you conducted your own research before meeting with the doctor, you have taken charge of your own results.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Antonio SorianoOctober 9, 2018 at 5:08 PM

    Hi Nica, your sentiment at the end of you post resonated with me. With every issue that needs change, it is important that "Change can start with me." Your self-empowerment and call to action is commendable!

    ReplyDelete

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