Fire Dept Policies for Health

[Margaret Diann]

After visiting briefly with a Capt in the Fire Dept of a large city, I realized that the health issues she had concern about could be easily avoided with Dept policies for health of workers.

First, they let the fire engines idle inside as they do their daily 'check' of the equipment. So, the diesel fumes were going as far as the second story of the sleeping quarters and setting the smoke detectors off, just from the ionization alteration. Well, try to sleep or work breathing those fumes all day. Besides the 'who knows what additives' to gasoline (butyl ether is being banned in CA, but not fully phased out) ... there is the benzene and other harmful components of fuel. Why do you think they have switched to so many self-serve gasoline stations these days? This exposure is extremely hazardous. One may note a drop in blood cell counts for white, red and platelets ... from the benzene exposure: aplastic anemia.

Now, they use solvents to clean up oil off the garage floor. You can count on there being 2-butoxyethanol in these; if it cleans good, it's a strong possibility. Could these vapors also filter into the sleeping quarters? Aren't the fire dept stations manned 24 hours a day? And don't some have to sleep there, too?

Now, she said several workers worked as painters 'on the side' OOPS! that means if they are exposed too much to the harmful chemical in paint, they can expel it for a time in their breath and expose everyone in the 'bunk house' to the solvent of harm: second hand solvent exposure. (Ask the 'gulf war syndrome' vets' spouses and little children about that) Here is an example of second hand solvent exposure Do your eyes burn and hurt?

Well, she shares that her bones in her lower back hurt; she has fatigue ALL THE TIME; she has traces of blood in her urine. I personally think many in that fire dept could have the CFS, CFIDS, or 'gulf war syndrome' symptoms TOO

What does 2-butoxyethanol do?

AND these things!

Maybe a fire dept should take this survey & see how many may have FATIGUE that could be avoided with proper Fire Dept Policies for Health in place.

Gun cleaning, by the way, must have this chemical in it, so that means those in the police dept including corrections Depts all across our land are also at high risk for 'gulf war syndrome' health damage. No wonder they tell the gulf war vets of 1990-1991 that they are no more harmed than the general population. The general population IS very harmed by this chemical. Why can't the USA find the REAL cause of 'gulf war syndrome' or the fatigue of CFS - CFIDS?

Another health check for any considering this as the cause of their fatigue & 'grouchiness' you want to know whether you have too many immature red blood cells. I wish it were part of the routine blood test; maybe some day it will be! Also ask the size and shape of the red blood cells.

So, what is this fatigue that has been eluding medical science?
There should also be compensated hemolytic anemia going on if this is so.

And when there are too many immature red blood cells other tests can be 'off'

So everyone should know if this is a fatigue that affects them.

For those who are affected, it is time to stop usine strong pain medications for the 'symptoms' and get to the root cause of harm. Those who specialize in the harm of chemicals will tell you that if you are health damaged from a chemical exposure, thereafter you should avoid any unnecessary chemicals in the future. Often you note allergies starting up, etc. as side-symptoms of too much of a chemical exposure. Pain medication? ... may do more harm than good.

Here are some consultants versed in chemical effects ... for your doctor to work with

Note this info with an idea of how to do a health study.