you: If you are suffering from a chronic illness that your doctor has not been able to diagnose, there may be an explanation. Years ago, due to the work of several dedicated physicians, it was found that chemicals often produced symptoms which were otherwise undiagnosed.

You may have symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, fainting spells, seizures, nasal congestion or abdominal pain and cramping. If the chemical comes in contact with the skin, you may have a mild skin rash, or the chemical may produce large areas of redness and swelling under the skin. Foods we eat We eat, drink and breathe chemicals and also absorb them through the skin.

Chemicals often found in food are in the form of preservatives, dyes, colouring, pesticides, herbicides and flavour enhancers. The most common preservatives are monosodium glutamate, nitrates, benzoic acid, soda, ash, alum, caffeine and sulfates.

Chemicals in the environment Red, green and yellow food colouring and dyes are found in many processed foods. Always check the labels of canned and frozen foods for artificial flavouring and dyes.

Fresh vegetables and fruits are often sprayed with sulfites for preservation.

They have been several deaths reported from acute asthma secondary to these sulfites.

A total of 309 volatile organic compounds and 55 pesticides have been identified in our diet and in the water we drink. Chlorine and flouride, with their byproducts, are the most prevalent chemical irritants.

The air we breathe Chemical contacts in the air we breathe are numerous. If you reside in the area of chemical plants, tire factories, foundries, steel mills, glass factories or power plants, this may be a cause for chronic cough, shortness of breath, eye irritations sore throat or skin rash.

Chemical pollutants found in the home are cleaning compounds, glues, insecticides, plastics and fabrics. Gas, heating oil, wood stoves and kerosene heaters and their by-products produce upper respiratory tract irritation, fatigue and chronic cough.

Tobacco products and smoke are a major source of chemical irritation, producing cough, headaches and irritation of the eyes, nose and throat. Where you live The material used to build your home may give off phenol and formaldehyde.

Your new carpet or furniture may contain phenol, scotch guard and flame-retardant material. Particle board is the major source of formaldehyde.

Paint, varnish, wood preservatives and insulation are all sources of chemical allergy and irritation. Moth proofed clothing, solvents, aerosol sprays and formaldehyde-laden perma press clothing are other sources of chemical irritants. There are 29 identifiable chemical irritants in cosmetics, toiletries and perfumes.

For people who do their own yard and garden work, pesticides, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides are all potential toxic substances.

HEALTH HTH