various toxic exposures in NYC (was Re: Andy

[Guest guest]

>I have a few friends in the NY city area, and all are feeling somewhat

>sick right now. Though the EPA has said there's no worry, I wonder what

>effect 220 stories of florescent lights crashing to the ground and

>releasing mercury will have on the health of my friends and loved ones

>there? I know there are other things for them to worry about asbestos,

>lead, PVC's, vinyl chloride, too many nasties!!

>

>Any advice for my friends and loved ones to keep from getting really

>sick from this??

>

>Thanks,

>

Dear ,

I wish I know with more certainty what to say. But I'll go ahead and

say the general stuff and the stuff I'm not real sure about anyway.

1. drink a lot of water. This is just a good general detox think, IMO.

Although it doesn't help if the water is poisoned.

2. I think for mercury take selenium. This is the " I'm not sure "

thing! Andy said " the protective effect of selenium is well known.. "

in email recently. I think it that means " protective " for current

exposure but not a chelator (?). I asked how much to take and

he said " You take 200 - 500 mcg of selenomethionine per day

(not selenite). This is an adult dose and should be weight adjusted

for children. The selenium captures and passivates some free

mercury. "

3. vitamin C. another good general thing to do.

4. activated charcoal. This is a VERY effective detoxifier of

many things--- I would take it if I had ANY kind of food

poisoning, or unknown toxic exposure. I don't know if it is

good for asbestos or not. But it won't hurt, and will probably

help with some things. It will turn your poop black, of course

(since it is a black chalky powder).

For the mercury, saunas would also probably be helpful. (Don't

force yourself to stay in too long.) Saunas might also be a

bit relaxing--- which is a goot thing! To the extent it is

appropriate for you to advise your friends, I would also counsel

all manner of things that reduce stress and promote relaxation!

[My list includes: breathing essential oils; soothing music;

progressive muscular relaxation [you can buy tapes for this];

" rescue rememdy " (a homeopathic stress reduction formula--made

from flowers); limiting exposure to news (especially the

mainstream news that tends to repeat the headlines over and over);

aerobic exercise; yoga; B vitamins (or " stress forumlas " );

extra vitamin C; getting enough sleep; steam rooms, saunas,

hot baths; relaxing herbs; stretching; swimming; jacuzzi]

I'm sure you and your friends could come up with many other ideas.

Whatever steps we can take to stay healthy from WHATEVER hazards

is good. Right now the " bit I can do " is looking kinda small

compared to the " stuff I have no control over " . Still, I'll

take it. It often turns out to be more effective than I expect.

best,

Moria