Health Consequences for the Paramedic

Symptoms of Toxic Bio-Accumulation

Despite routine precautions, it is possible that, over time, low level exposures will occur, with a resultant accumulation of toxic compounds in adipose tissue. Among the most common symptoms of toxic bioaccumulation are fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain, nervousness, memory loss, impaired coordination, gastrointestinal discomfort, insomnia, and diminished cognitive function. Chemically exposed persons often exhibit these symptoms in "clusters".

A study reported at the 1988 meeting of the American Public Health Association addressed the neurological damage experienced by firefighters exposed to hazardous chemicals (PCBs and their thermal byproducts) at a transformer fire. A team of researchers led by Dr. Kaye Kilburn of USC's Environmental Sciences Laboratory discovered that both the exposed firefighters and a control group of firefighters not present at the fire manifested neurological deficits. This strongly suggests the

possibility of a gradual build-up in the body of harmful compounds. "It is interesting to speculate that the continuing neuropathy observed may, in some cases, be due to the persistence of these compounds in the adipose tissue", the researchers noted.

Kilburn and his associate Dr. Megan Shields, a Los Angeles physician, found that a detoxification method developed in the 1970's by L. Ron Hubbard enabled them to alleviate some of the adverse health effects they had observed. In the last decade, the Hubbard method has become the only method of human detoxification in broad clinical use. Reports published by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer, and others, have shown it to be a safe and effective method of reducing body levels of common environmental contaminants and alleviating the symptoms associated with exposure to them.

The program is administered under medical supervision and employs a regimen of exercise, vitamins (including niacin), and low-heat sauna to mobilize stored toxins and facilitate their excretion through normal body channels. Physicians in the U.S. have treated nearly two thousand persons manifesting signs and symptoms of chemical exposure with this methodology.

Dr. David E. Root, a specialist in occupational medicine in Sacramento, specializes in treating chemical exposures. "Many approaches have been used to address this problem," he observes. "These methods do not, however significantly reduce body burdens, he adds, "which requires an enhanced mobilization of toxic fats into circulation, followed immediately by forced excretion. It is this sequence and the manner in which it is accomplished which makes the Hubbard method so effective."

Research relating to the health consequences of chemical exposure is ongoing. There is strong evidence that the combination of adequate protection from routine exposures and treatment measures such as detoxification will greatly reduce the likelihood that emergency healthcare workers will face chemical barriers to good health and professional success.

Anna C. Law, M.D., FA.C.E.P., is currently the Medical Director of the Emergency Department and the Paramedic Liaison Physician at Queen of Angels Hospital in Los Angeles.

Gerald T. Lionelli, M.S., is a project manager for the Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity (NEESA), where he is developing a Navy-wide Risk Assessment program.

Source : The journal of the American Ambulance Association

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