Sulfur as a trigger

[Guest guest]

I have been told that I have MCS. The Environmental Health Department

told me they tested for sulfites in the water which was negative but

not sulfur even though the bath water smells like rotten eggs and

tastes terrible. How is volatile sulfur different that sulfites? Why

would they not test for sulfur makes people sick?

Also,one of my triggers is sodium laryl sulfate chemically similar to

sodium methyl sulfate to cause a reaction? If so, how can they put on

the label " no laurel/laureth sulfate when it contains methyl sulfate? I

just bought two products that have methyl sulfate in it thinking it was

sulfate free! How can methyl sulfate be labeled organic..is it or is it

not a chemical?

Thanks,

Kim

[Guest guest]

Hi: I want to respond to your post. If you detected the odor of rotten eggs,

which are referred to as reduced sulfur compounds. The chemicals involved are

as follows: hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs), methyl and dimethyl sulfide

(mercaptan-sulfur type odor, and ethyl and diethyl sulfide. These are typical

gases that are associated with sewer gas Also, they can be generated under

anaerobic conditions with iron as trace metal. In addition, if you have these

odors you will have mold, bacteria and their by-products, particulaly endotoxins

from gram-negative bacteria. Sulfites and sulfated (salts of sulfur) are not

volatile.

The above sulfides are very dangerous. They are volatile, are very irritating

to the mucous membranes, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. They are a general

poison, much like cyanide, in that they inhibit cytochrome oxidase. This

prevents proper utilizaiton of oxygen and the generation of the energy source

for metabolism, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The reduced sulfur compounds are

also neurotoxins leading to neurocognitive deficits. among other health

problems. These sulfides also bind to all iron containing proteins (e.g.

hemoglobin, myoblogin, cytochrome P450, etc.). Other symptoms are headache,

flu-like illness, fatigue, body aches and pains and coughing (dry and/or wet).

You may also develop secondary infections of the sinuses, nose, throat and

lungs.

If your bath water smells as indicated you must look for the source of these

sulfides. If you are on a septic tank or near any of the following: oil/gas

wells, concentrated animal feed organinztions, waste treatment plant, among

others, your water source maybe contaminated. Another source may possibly be

your hot water tank. In the presence of sulfur containing organic compounds and

iron that is in the tank, reduced sulfur compounds are produced. I suggest that

you empty you hot water tank and see if the smell goes away. Detect the odor

the hot water. Finally, J-traps under the sinks and tub tend to accumulate

gunk. These may need to be cleaned out

Jack D. Thrasher, Ph.D.