Cassie, part 2

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Silicone Immune Toxicity Syndrome

There are several forms of the chemical in breast implants that can cause a problem in the human organism. Silicon (Si) is the basic element and probably causes immune system changes. Silica or SiO2 is the form it is mined from the earth. Silicone gel is a synthetic material containing 38% silicon. The silica is 45% silicon. There is slow leakage ("bleeding") of the silicone gel from the implants through the semi-permeable membrane envelope and also into and through the capsule that surrounds the implants. This is picked up by the macrophages (scavenger cells) of our immune system and is broken down inside these cells which travel all over the body. The gel breaks down inside these cells, which travel all over the body. The gel breaks down into Silica and Silicon which causes an immune system dysregulation. Thus, there are antibodies produced against the silicon and also against the silicon and protein complex (organ systems) so that you get autoimmune illness.

Below is the List of Chemicals which experts have analyzed to be in the explanted breast implant shell envelopes and gels.

Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Cyclohexane, Isopropyl Alcohol, Denatured Alcohol ,Acetone ,Urethane, Lacquer thinner ,Ethyl Acetate ,Epoxy Resin, Epoxy hardener, Amine, Printing ink, Toluene, Freon ,Silicone, Lofol (formaldehyde), Flux Metal, cleaning acid, Eastman 910 glue (Cyanoacyryiates) ,Talcum Powder,Color Pigments as release agents Oakite (a cleaning solvent), Ethylene Oxide (ETO), Carbob black, Xylene, Hexane, Hexanone 2, Antioxidant (rubber) ,Zinc Oxide ,Naphtha (rubber solvent), Phenol Benzene-Known carcinogen!!!!

ALSO..... Polyvinyl Chloride (Liquid Vinyl) This ingredient was used in all medical devices made at Lab, from tubing to gel.

Methylene Chloride/Dichloromethane. This breaks down in the body so blood cannot carry oxygen. It metabolizes carbon monoxide poisoning and causes central nervous system depression.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

and Immune System Dysregulation

originally published as the Forword to A Consumer Guide for the Chemically Sensitive (self-published by the authors) in 1982.

By Debra Lynn Dadd and Alan S. Levin, M.D.

Multiple chemical sensitivities is an illness involving intolerance of certain chemicals found in the everyday environment. It is often referred to as a new type of allergy, and is popularly known a variety of names: environmental illness, ecologic illness, immunotoxic syndrome, total allergy syndrome, cerebral allergy, or bioecologic illness. Doctors who treat this disorder practice Environmental Medicine, Clinical Ecology, Ecologic Medicine, or Bioecologic Medicine.

Many physicians argue that multiple chemical sensitivities are not an allergy at all, because reactions are not mediated by the same system that causes traditional allergic reactions to pollens, dust, animal dander, and molds. Technically they are correct; we now know that multiple chemical sensitivities are the result of a different malfunction of the immune system, recognized as a new and distinct disorder known as "immune system dysregulation."

The traditional concept of allergy associates only a few specific symptoms with a limited number of natural inhalants. In immune system dysregulation, the immune system similarly loses its ability to suppress unnecessary reactions, yet a much wider range of complex symptoms results, involving a variety of organ systems. Furthermore, these responses occur to a greater number of substances, including certain toxic chemicals as well as foods and natural inhalants. The most extreme manifestation of immune system dysregulation is universal reactivity to everything in the external environment, and even to the body's own tissues and organs.

SYMPTOMS

A substance can provoke any one or more of a number of symptoms in an individual, including traditional "allergic" nasal stuffiness, wheezing, sneezing, asthma, chronic sore throat, postnasal drip, laryngitis, itching eyes, hives, and rashes. In addition, gastrointestinal disturbances such as gastric irritation, bloating, intermittent constipation or diarrhea, hemorrhoids, or anal bleeding may occur. Musculoskeletal aches, pains, or twitching, and arthritis or rheumatism are some other common reactions, as well as problems in a host of other body systems, such as frequent or painful urination, menstrual cramps, body or breath odors, metallic aftertaste, sensitivity to light, visual disturbances, and ringing in the ears.

The most surprising and dramatic documented environmentally-induced symptoms by far are the cerebral and behavioral reactions. These include migraine headaches, fatigue, dizziness, learning disabilities, confusion, inability to concentrate, lack of motivation, memory loss, and dyslexia. Personality changes, mood swings, hyperactivity and depression are also common.

In addition, another common behavioral symptom is insatiable hunger, leading to incessant eating and often to obesity. Addictions to specific foods, such as wheat, corn, sugar, coffee, and chocolate can also develop, as well as addictions to alcoholic beverages, drugs, tobacco, and even some common chemical vapors, such as perfume, hairspray, or glue.

The same immune system dysregulation which causes multiple chemical sensitivities is also believed by some scientists to be the predecessor for such diseases as hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, coronary artery disease, and cancer. Immune system dysregulation may also be directly responsible for certain symptoms associated with other diseases such as infectious hepatitis, herpes, and infectious mononucleosis. In addition, immune system dysregulation reduces the immune system's ability to fight infection, leaving the body vulnerable to various illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

DEVELOPMENT AND DIAGNOSIS

Immune system dysregulation can develop over a long period of time due to repeated infectious diseases, continuous stress, and/or cumulative exposure to toxic chemicals, even at the low levels found in our everyday environment. It can also be triggered by ail single serious viral infection, major stress, or massive chemical exposure.

Immune system dysregulation often remains undiagnosed, however, because manv phvsicians, faced with its incredible array of seemingly unrelated symptoms, and unfamiiliar with the available diagnostic methods, rnisdiagnose it "stress", "psychosomatic disease," or the like. The medications commonly prescribed for these problems may suppress the symptoms to some extent, but often further aggravate the problem without dealing with the underlying disease process at all.

HOW THE IMMUNE SYSTEM WORKS

It is important to comprehend how the immune system works in order to understand how a simple malfunction can lead to such complex reactivity and symptomatology. The immune system is the body's basic defense against disease, providing protection by recognizing dangerous bacteria or viruses which enter the body and rendering them harmless. It works mainly through three kinds of white blood cells: B cells from the bone marrow, T cells from the thymus, and macrophages from the bone marrow and spleen.

B cells produce antibodies, proteins which circulate in the bloodstream, locating and identifying foreign substances, which are called antigens. When an antigen enters the body, B cells spring into action, and produce specific antibodies which attach to the antigens to form immune complexes. B cells are capable of producing a broad range of specific antibodies which identify and bind not only to disease producing viruses and fungi, but to non-disease producing antigens as well. B cells are always ready to respond to foreign substances: left to function on their own, they would continuously and indiscriminately produce antibodies to all antigens, whether harmless or dangerous.

T cells control the B cells. When a harmless substance enters the body, the T cells signal the B cells to suppress antibody production, yet when a dangerous substance enters and must be eliminated, the T cells allow antibody production at a controlled rate and only until no more are needed. T cells can be programmed through vaccination or immunization to allow antibody production to previously unfamiliar but harmful antigens such as smallpox or polio. Conversely, allergy shots or other immunostimulation techniques can program T cells to recognize harmless antigens and to suppress production of their antibodies.

The macrophages filter the immune complexes (formed by the combination of foreign antigens with antibodies from the B cells) from the blood and digest them into their component parts: proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. These components can then be either utilized as nutrients or eliminated through the kidneys or gastrointestinal tract. The inherent capacity of the macrophage system for processing immune complexes varies among different individuals, and is determined by heredity.

When a harmful antigen, such as a flu virus, enters the body, the T cells allow the B cells to produce flu virus antibodies and attach them to the flu virus antigens. After the resulting immune complexes have been filtered out and digested by the macrophages, the body has been effectively protected. When a substance such as wheat enters, which the body does not need to be protected from, the T cells prevent the B cells from producing wheat antibodies.

This same immune system mechanism which protects the body from disease can, when malfunctioning, cause a broad range of symptoms in reaction to a number of harmless or even beneficial substances entering the body. This malfunction commonly originates when the T cells are damaged by toxic chemicals, stress, and/or infectious disease. When the normal complement of T cells is reduced in number, or when their ability to function is impaired, they can no longer adequately control B cell production of antibodies. Without this control, the B cells cannot distinguish harmless dust, pollen, or animal hair, or vital and nutritious foods, from toxic chemicals or life threatening bacteria or viruses. They react by producing antibodies to all foreign substances indiscriminately at an uncontrolled rate. Sometimes even autoantibodies, which are antibodies directed against the body's own tissues, are produced.

Unlimited antibody production leads to the formation of larger quantities of immune complexes than the macrophages can process. When the macrophages become overloaded, the excess immune complexes are discharged into the bloodstream. These circulating immune complexes can then cause symptoms in any part of the body fed by an artery or capillary.

REVERSING THE CONDITION

This disease process can be effectively reversed by protecting the T cells from stressful factors, allowing them to regenerate naturally and resume their normal regulatory function. The most effective way to accomplish this is a comprehensive reduction of all possible stresses on the immune system, both physiological and psychological. Approaches to consider include the following:

Attitude - Develop a positive, productive attitude towards life; cultivate a sense of responsibility and purpose, and seek socially effective activities and interaction.

Stress - Develop proper stress management techniques, and make life changes necessary to reduce unwanted stress.

Chemicals - Minimize exposure to toxic chemicals in air, foods, and water. Live, eat, and work in the cleanest environment possible. Avoid cigarette smoke particularly.

Exercise - Include a program of regular exercise.

Light - Ensure adequate exposure to the benefits of natural light. Conventional fluorescent lights are a stress for many with multiple chemical sensitivities.

Harmful disease agents - Exposure to infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi (particularly Candida albicans) should be avoided. Effective treatment should be instituted for any existing disorders from these agents. If you must be treated with antibiotics, be sure to ask your doctor for an antifungal as well, to maintain proper balance among intestinal flora. Have gamma globuen injections if you have been exposed to mononucleosis or hepatitis. Avoid herpes infections.

Food and nutrition - Obtain proper nutrition and avoid chemical contaminants by eating a balanced diet of whole, naturally produced foods. Avoid those foods which cause reactions, and rotate foods to avoid development of new sensitivities. Use nutritional supplements if individual needs exceed nutrients available from tolerated foods. Remember that individuals with immune system problems often require more of particular nutrients than the norm.

Immunostimulation techniques - These include specific antigen therapy (allergy shots) or nonspecific immunologic enhancement using Transfer factor, Interferon, or Thymosin. THE HEALING PROCESS

The actual healing process from immune system dysregulation is long, slow, and punctuated by exasperating short-term setbacks. These setbacks are inevitable, as the healing process invariably follows a "roller coaster" pattern. The frequency, duration, and severity of setbacks gradually diminishes until symptoms are mild and occur only occasionally.

After recovery has begun, an individual will often begin to notice adverse reactions to substances which previously caused no problems, such as diesel fumes, air pollution, or fabric finishes. This phenomenon, known as "masking", occurs when the elimination of dominant exposures allows underlying sensitivities to become temporarily more acute. This is to be expected; though it is sometimes perceived as an increase of symptoms or severity of the disease, it is, in fact, an indication of improvement.

Another aspect of the healing process is the experience of withdrawal from previously unrecognized addictions. As in any traditional addiction, the feeling of well being is maintained only through continual re-exposure to the addicting agent. Upon avoidance, this feeling of well being gives way to various symptoms, some of which may be rather severe. This withdrawal may be experienced from a remarkably wide variety of substances, including coffee, tobacco, alcoholic beverages, many foods, and even some common chemicals. It is not uncommon, for instance, to find an individual who is "addicted to his work," the painter who "feels miserable" on weekends, or the printer who stays drunk all during his vacation. Generally, however, withdrawal symptoms last for only three to five days and then. if the individual can avoid succumbing to temptation, the symptoms are relieved. After having abstained for long periods, a formerly addicted individual will usually have immediate and severe symptoms upon re-exposure to the addicting agent, whether it be paint, cigarettes, or wheat.

Rebuilding the immune system and regaining tolerance to chemicals and other substances in the environment is a gradual process which may take one or two years. During this time, avoidance of disease causing agents and stress are crucial, but perhaps the most important requisite for recovery is avoidance of the toxic chemicals found in the everyday environment.

Even the elimination of a single significant chemical exposure (i.e., gas heat, smoking, or perfume) may immediately reduce symptoms and allow the healing process to begin, but it is the continuous protection of the immune system from chemical exposures of all kinds which will allow tolerance and health to be regained. Remember, however, that once the immune system has been damaged, it will always remain vulnerable. Regardless of the level of tolerance achieved, chemically sensitive individuals should continue to minimize chemical exposures throughout their lives.

Once health is restored, occasional chemical exposures can be tolerated, given an overall nontoxic lifestyle. The proper balance must be maintained between these greater exposures and a generally low baseline level of exposure, so that the immune system is wt overloaded to the point of malfunctioning. For instance, if you must live in the city and work in a toxic, poorly ventilated office environment, you should spend as many breaks and lunch periods as possible away from smoke-filled coffee rooms and outside in clean air--in a park, on a roof garden, anywhere where you can breathe fresh outdoor air. You should also live in as clean a house and location as possible, and leave the city for unpolluted air whenever you can. If you suffer a major exposure, such as being trapped behind a diesel truck in a traffic jam for an extended period, you may require several hours at the beach breathing clean air.

It is very likely that many individuals are needlessly suffering from immune system dysregulation, without knowing about the disease or its symptoms. Because anyone is susceptible to this illness, it is beneficial for everyone to minimize exposure to toxic chemicals.

1. Biological Relevance of Immune Suppression as Induced by Genetic, Therapeutic and Environmental Factors, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., 135 West 50th Street, NY, NY 10020

2. Inadvertant Modification of the Immune Response: The Effects of Foods, Drugs and Environmental Contaminants, Proc. F.D.A. - 4th Science Symposium, Aug. 28-30, 1978

3. "Assessment of Environmental Contaminant-Induced Lymphocyte Dysfunction," L.D. Loose, Environmental Health Perspectives 12 105-128, 1981

4. "Environmental Chemical Induced Macrophage Dysfunction", L.D. Loose, J.B. Silkworth, T. Charbonneau and F. Blumenstock, Environmental Health Perspectives 39 79-91, 1981

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