Air freshener aerosols. Recent press and journal articles implicate the use of these common household items in an increase in headaches, post-natal depression and ear infections and diarrhoea in babies. The information is attributed to Dr Alex Fowler (Brunel University) co-author of research shortly to be published. Volatile organic compounds including ketones, aldehydes and xylene are found in commonly used aerosols. These and other volatile substances found in paints, furnishings, carpets, car interiors and other domestic and workplace items, already concern us. They clearly contribute to ill health in some people and may be factors in the rapidly increasing incidence of chemical sensitivity. Biolab investigations helpful in these issues and in differential diagnosis include the measurement of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in blood, the Toxic Effects Screen that looks at the fine detail of liver function and the detoxification processes and specific Lymphocyte Sensitivity Tests.

Mobile phones and cancer risk. The British study led by Sir William Stewart and the 2001 report by the American National Cancer Institute found there was no risk. Prof Kjell Mild of Sweden, publishing in the International Journal of Oncology, reports that just one hour a day of mobile phone use increases the risk of the brain tumour type acoustic neuroma by 30%. This is a retrospective study based on the records of 1,600 tumour victims – real people not statistical projections. Many patients, for many reasons, cause us concern about cancer risk and life-style changes may be appropriate recommendations. However, 21^st century business practice and the social move towards constant phone contact mean that many people will be unable or unwilling to reduce the risks. Biolab investigations, such as the antioxidant profile, may be helpful in advising patients on risk reduction strategies.

Iodine and cancer-risk reduction. A recent commentary in the Lancet, 2003; 361: 796-7, draws attention to the protective nature of adequate iodide intake against thyroid and some other cancers. The paper presents this as new data but I recall Dr Michael Ash as a prolific and determined campaigner on this issue way back in the 1960 and 1970s. Both then and now, in the light of this recent publication, we are reminded that ensuring adequate iodine intake is more important to human health than just a way of avoiding goitre. Biolab is pleased to be able to measure urinary iodine excretion, a reliable monitor for adequacy of intake. The test can be performed on a single sample but is best applied to a 6 hour urine collection.

Mercury and vaccines. It is reassuring to see that attention has been given to this issue and that, at least and at last, the levels of mercury in the recipients has been assessed – Lancet 2002; 360: 1737-41, Lancet 2003: 361: 698-9 Unfortunately, these otherwise excellent contributions may well have missed the real point.. In 1975 WHO, after extensive research and literature review, announced that there is no level below which it becomes impossible to demonstrate toxic effects from mercury. Add to this the concerns of many of us that mercury sensitivity may be even more of an issue that direct toxicity and we have the makings of a time bomb. A time bomb that is already exploding in the faces of worried parents. I, like many of you, do not see the mercury story as the whole explanation for the increase in autism, but I cannot ignore it as a contributory factor in a significant number of cases. The potential consequences of a toxic and/or sensitising effect added to a multi-factorial assault on the immune system when a mixed vaccine is used must be taken seriously. Biolab can assess lymphocyte sensitivity to mercury, and measure mercury in blood, urine, hair, sweat and organic mercury in fat cells. We can also look for mercury-DNA adducts.

I hope you will have found something of interest in this news digest.

Best wishes from all of us at Biolab.

Return to news page