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Show Tuesday, August 14, 1990 The Daily Herald, Provo, Utah Lifestyle over reaction) mounting can be the Delbatte Chemically sensitive people left virtually speechless by By TOM KRATTENMAKER may be biochemical." Associated Press Writer Whatever the mechanism, the A effect can be dramatic, TRENTON, N.J. (AP) say exwhiff of perfume or a breeze from perts and those who suffer from the neighbor's lawn can leave chemical sensitivity, also known chemically sensitive people as environmental illness. The illness often begins with a speechless. And they are becominstallation of a ing increasingly vocal about it. single exposure They complain they're getting new carpet in the office or an from every- accidental release of toxic materisick very sick to common levels of als from a sewage plant that exposure day chemicals in the home, office and seems to traumatize the body into environment. a permanent, hypersensitive Chemical sensitivity can leave state, sufferers say. sufferers vulnerable to headaches, What follows is a bewildering burning in the throat and lungs, array of symptoms and a search and a paralyzing disorientation for diagnosis and treatment. Pathat can render one incapable of tients try to avoid contact with the pesticides, plastics and buildspeaking. Skeptics in the insurance, medi- ing materials they fear will trigcal and chemical industries say ger an episode. Some sufferers find breathing they are not convinced the misery isn't all in the sufferers' heads. relief with use of adrenaline, but The condition has yet to win drugs are not too useful because recognition in those circles, or the many sufferers react to pharmainsurance benefits that would re- ceuticals. How many people are affected sult. But some scientists insist socie- still is unknown. ty is seeing the first casualties of According to the New Jersey the proliferation of chemicals. report, the National Academy of Since World War II, annual U.S. Sciences suggested about IS perproduction of synthetic organic cent of the population has heightchemicals has exploded from less ened sensitivity to chemicals, than 1 billion pounds to 273 billion though fewer people face intense - by 1988. "These may indeed be the canaries," said Claudia Miller, a University of Texas Health Science Center allergist and immu-nologiwho a study on the malady for the Department of Health of New Jersey, the state with the nation's second-biggechemical industry, behind Texas. "We don't understand the mechanisms," she said. "It may be neurological or immunological. It st te st Tamra Jones first runner-u-p in Teen Utah " symptoms. But an academy spokeswoman later said the estimate was and should not have been cited by the authors. The medical establishment remains dubious. Psychiatrist Carroll Brodsky of the University of California, San Francisco, who has written extensively on the subject, said it is more likely a psychological "If you believe you couldn't walk outside or walk anywhere where there were exhaust fumes, you would be disabled. If that is the issue, have I seen people like this who are disabled? Certainly," Brodsky said. "Now, whether they have anything wrong with them physically whiff of a certain substance ronmental illness who live in subsidized housing cannot be forced to have their homes exterminated with chemicals. Some doubters blame malingering employees aiming for workers compensation benefits. They also point to sufferers' subconscious fear of workplace pressures and Chemical sensitivity can leave sufferers vulnerable to headaches, burning in the throat and lungs, and a paralyzing disorientation that can render one incapable of speaking. But skeptics in the insurance, medical and chemical industries say they are not convinced the misery isn't all in the sufferers' heads. to fright over frequent media re- ports about chemicals. Clinical ecologists, doctors who specialize in chemical sensitivity, also have met with skepticism. Mainstream allergists, for example, have urged the Health Care Financing Administration to deny reimbursement for clinical ecologists' work. But Ms. Miller and her coauthor on the New Jersey report contend the psychological explanation ignores the stunning similarity of triggering exposures and symptoms reported. "They're all so diverse, yet they're all coming up with the same thing. Is it all psychological when everyone is coming up with the same symptoms?" they ask. She and Nicholas Ash-for- d of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology agree that more research is needed. Among dozens of proposals to federal and state governments, they want to set up an "environmental unit," a contaminant-fre- e chamber in which subjects would be placed and observed as chemicals were introduced. New Jersey officials have not said what recommendations, if any, they will follow. So far, the scientists have found four groups of people most prone to chemical sensitivity. They are industrial workers, occupants of The very simple activity of eating can be a dangerous experience for infants and young children. "The American Medical Association reports that a child nine years of age or younger chokes to death on a food related item once every five days," says Georgia Lauritzen, Utah State University Extension nutrition specialist. "Overall, about 90 percent of the deaths of children under the age of five are choking related. For infants under the age of two, 65 percent of the deaths are choking related," Lauritzen says. She says younger children choke less frequently, probably because parents watch them more closely and feed them softer foods. If you look at the list of 103 foods that have shown up on the death certificates of choking victims, hot dogs appear most frequently, followed by candy, nuts, raw carrots and grapes. "Whole hot dogs are just the right shape to block the breathing passage. To prevent this problem, you can cut hot dogs into fourths lengthwise. This helps reduce their diameter," Lauritzen says. She recommends cutting foods into small pieces or cooking foods such as carrots to make them softer. Also, she says parents need to teach proper chewing habits and try to prevent children from eating too fast. or poorly ventilated well-insulate- d, offices, residents of contaminated communities, and people exposed to chemicals in household air. "It is widespread in nature and is not limited to what some observers would describe as malin- -' gering workers, hysterical housewives and workers experiencing mass psychogenic illness," the report says. Believers in chemical sensitivity as a physical illness say the skeptics fear an ominous message: If people are getting sick from the chemical-lade- n world, it bodes ill for a huge industry. It might mean constructing buildings with better ventilation, settling for a lawn or scrubbing toilets with baking soda. And, an industry briefing Exercising in heat paper necessitates care and lots of water warns, more formal recognition of chemical sensitivity could bring a torrent of lawsuits and insurance obligations. Children born addicted are real losers Tamra Jones, 18, daughter of Dale and Tamra Jones of Lehi, is first runner-u- p in the 1990 Miss Teen of Utah. The contest took place at the Airport Hilton, last weekend, Aug. This is a scholarship and 1. recognition pageant. Contestants are judged in six different areas: Personality with the judges interview, poise and personality projection in their formal wear, scholastic record, service and achievement, personal development and general awareness of the world around them. There were 39 girls from throughout the state who were involved in the pageant. Tamra is now eligible to participate in the national Miss Teen of America Pageant, to be held in Rock Island, 111. This pageant has been tentatively scheduled for the end of July, 1991. Dear Ann Landers: A lot of people have opinions about the legalization of drugs. Unfortunately, the ones who have a right to be heard cannot speak. They are the children who are born addicted. Too bad the newborns can't tell us what it's like to go into convulsions and shock and cardiac arrest. They are authorities on the hours of endless crying and shaking, thanks to their mothers' use of recreational drugs. They know how it feels to be on a heart monitor for the first 18 months to two years of their lives, never knowing if they are going to reach their first birthday or their second or third. If Mother's drug of choice was PCP or LSD, the hellish flashbacks could go on for several years. And what about the little ones' who were institutionalized and can never learn? And the slowness of the "lucky" ones who CAN learn, but will always be several years behind their peers? Who will speak for these pathetic children who are paying the price for something that wasn't their fault? I know a little about this subject because I adopt- - By KEN RAND Delta Correspondent FILLMORE Terresa Nickle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Scott Nickle, of Delta, has been named Miss Millard County, 1990. She also won the talent competition. Miss Millard County 1989, Jennifer Smith of Sutherland, presented the crown to Nickle at ceremonies at the Millard High School auditorium in Fillmore. First attendant is Kelly Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Phillips of Kanosh. Second attendant is Chantelle Scottern, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Terry Scottern of Fillmore. Third runner-u- p is Valerie Ekins, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Ekins of Hinckley. Fourth runner-u- p is Danielle Henrie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thayne Henrie of Delta. Miss Millard was provided with a $500 cash scholarship and a $200 evening gown allotment. First attendant received a $200 scholarship. Second attendant and first place in - Landers LA. TIMES & CREATORS SYNDICATE ed one of these children and am going through the agony and pain right along with him. The worst part of it all is that these babies were not wanted and there aren't enough people who will take them in. The people who need to see this letter never will, but I hope you will print it anyway. Thank you, Ann. Burbank Dear Burbank: Your contribution to today's column is another excellent argument against the legalization of drugs. Thank you for a very moving letter. Dear Ann Landers: Whenever I read your column, I am heartened by your understanding of people's difficulties and the way you try to help them. This morning's recommendation, "talk to your clergyman," was not the first time that I have noticed your use of the title which perpetuates the appropriate stereotype that members of the clergy are exclusively male. There are clergywomen who serve in the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, American Baptist and er Christian (Disciples) Dear Ann Landers: A while back you devoted an entire column to warning readers about phony organizations that claim to be raising money to help people who have cancer. Now hear this: An Illinois charity called the National Children's Cancer Society, Inc., raised $9 million and spent $8.2 million on salaries, expenses g and services. The attorney general, Neil Harti-gahas filed a civil racketeering suit against this outfit (based in Edwardsville, 111.) and is throwing the book at them. czn II MAJOR fund-raisin- n, APPLIANCE REPAIR CO ' IE kT() Please, Ann, warn your readers once again to give churches. There are even female rabbis. So, will you please stop using the term "clergyman"? I find it offenThe Rev. Ms. Laurie Y.J. sive. Aleona, pastor, Capitol Hill United When you exercise during hot weather, take regular water breaks to replace the water lost from sweating. "This is crucial, even if you don't feel thirsty," said Georgia Lauritzen, Utah State University Extension nutrition specialist. She said water is your best choice for fluid replacement. Electrolyte drinks are not necessary. "Stay away from overly sweet drinks and drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and some soft drinks," she said. One way to monitor water loss is to weigh yourself before and after exercising. Any weight lost after exercise will be because of water loss and should be replaced to within one pound of the "before" weight, she said. money only to those organizations J.R. in they know are legitimate. Peoria Dear Peoria: You did and I thank you. 1 uYxru" 1 $1995 - !26-67- 79 Se1 We Offer Quality Service on all Makes and Models. & FREE BALLOONS Stitching Corner Repairs Professional Scissor Sharpening Full Line of Olfa Products Full Line of YLI Thread Glngher Scissors Guterman Thread FOR THE 482 N. Freedom Blvd., Provo 374-120- 0 KIDS! REGISTER TO WIN A $899.00 PFAFF 939 SEWING MACHINE Fill out the entry blank and bring it by during our grand opening week and you could be chosen the winner of this Hobbymatic 939 extra, with DUAL FEED. This machine has exclusive walking foot, 18 stitches, 25 year warranty and we will give you FREE LESSONS! The DUAL FEED handles quilts, matches patterns and stripes and can sew anything from fine tricot to 12 layers of denim! NAME re- ceived a $100 cash scholarship. Miss Millard and her attendants will preside over the Millard County Fair scheduled for Aug. and other events. She will also compete for Miss Utah State Fair later this summer and for Miss Utah 1991 next summer. Emcee for the pageant was Mark Van Wagoner, from KMGR radio in Salt Lake City. Entertainment was provided by celebrity Impersonator Jeff Olson, also of Salt Lake City. Pageant director was Jan Robi-soAlso on the committee were Cathy Sheridan, Julene Withers, Iris Speakman, Verlene Phillips, Methodist Church, Seattle Dear Rev. Aleona: Thanks for the comeuppance. I've been called on the carpet for this by other readers and I shall make an effort to shake the old habit. Ann Miss Millard Terresa Nickle to compete in '91 Miss Utah the talent competition each tto .chemicals , is quite another matter. ... If physical doctors can't find anything physically wrong with them, it must be within the realm of the psyche." Some credible, neutral organizations have given at least some credence to a' physical basis for the disorder. The Environmental Protection Agency, in a report to Congress on indoor air pollution, urges financing for research on chemical sensitivity. The Congressional Research Service calls chemical sensitivity one of the consequences of poor indoor air quality. And the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development has ruled that people with envi- - Choking is common to children ADDRESS PHONE No Purchase Necessary. Must be present Sat. Aug. 18th, 1990 at 1:00 pm to WINI 23-2- 5, n. Tammy Beckstrand, Shari Sandra Dutson, Sherry . Ash-wort- h, Lew- is, Linda Rowley, Crystal Olsen, Dan Speakman, Wesley Heward and Scott Nickle. GRAND OPENING COUPONS S SCISSORS by GINGHER 1 1 Buy one and receive a second pair or equal or lesser value 1 1 1 1 E. FREE! Offer Expires Aug. 31, 1990 lyDBDaDDBaanaaQpanaD GUTiRMAN : Thread i Buy one get one FREE! 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