Gary Gruber

Tollem Causem: Xenobiotics, Heavy Metals, and Vaccinations

Abstract

(A thesis submitted to the Faculty of the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Naturopathy and accepted this 30th day of April, 2004.)

Until the early 20^th century major causes of morbidity and mortality were infectious influences such as pneumomnia, tuberculosis and small pox.  As the industrial revolution progressed, improved living standards reduced the incidence of infectious influences.  The environment, however, has become extremely hostile to living organisms.  As a result, mortality and morbidity due to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis have surpassed the infectious diseases of the past.  In this review paper, these diseases of the 21^st century are shown to be caused by xenobiotics, heavy metals, and vaccinations.

 

Chapter 1

Introduction

The fundamental philosophy of naturopathic medicine is Tollem Causum.  That is, treat the cause in order to remove the obstacles to cure.  Obstacles to cure are defined as “blocks to the self-healing capacity of the organism” (1).   Once the obstacle to cure is removed, the body will naturally restore homeostasis.  Dr. Henry Lindlahr stated it very simply, “All that the physician can do is to remove obstructions and establish conditions within and around the patient so that “the healer within” can do his work to the best advantage.” (2)

Early in the 20^th century Lindlahr established a working model for natural medicine.   He identified three primary requirements of the cell.  To the extent that 1) innervation, 2) nutrition, and/or 3) drainage of the cell are impacted then disease will ensue. (2, 28)  With respect to innervation, anything that “obstructs the nerve connection of the cell with the sympathetic nervous system and central nervous systems lowers the vitality of the cells, tissues and organs and of the organism as a whole, and interferes with the transmission of afferent and efferent nerve impulses.” (2,28)  For nutrition of the cell it is necessary that there is “normal composition of blood, lymph, and other fluids of the body.” (2,28)  Lastly, “accumulation of waste and morbid matter interfere with drainage” (2,28) of the cell thereby effecting its normal function.  He goes on to list that “accumulations of waste material, morbid matter and poisons (pathogens) are caused by lowered vitality, faulty diet, over-eating, use of alcoholic and narcotic stimulants, drugs, vaccines, antitoxins, and by suppression of acute disease, by poisonous drugs, ice and surgical operations.” (2, 28 – 9).  If Lindlahr were alive today he would most certainly add to his list of contributors to normal cell dysfunction xenobiotics, heavy metals, and vaccinations.

The main conflict between traditional and conventional (allopathic) medicine during the first half of the 20^th century concerned how to treat infectious diseases.  This is not surprising since the primary cause of death during this period was attributed to respiratory and infectious diseases. (3)  According to Lindlahr “Modern medical science is built upon the germ theory of disease and treatment…it has been assumed that bacteria are the direct, primary causes of most diseases…human beings are at the mercy of these invaders…Basing their prophylaxis and treatment on this idea, the slogan is “kill the bacteria (by poisons antiseptics, serums antitoxins, etc) and you will cure the disease”. (2, 36)  Lindlahr rebutted that “The proper thing to do, therefore, is not to try to kill the germs, but to remove the morbid matter and disease taints on which they subsist and which they are capable of reducing to suitable forms for elimination through the organs of depuration.” (2, 37)  Despite his important contribution to the science of medicine, Lindlahr’s model was generally ignored in favor of the allopathic model along with the widespread usage of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals.

The allopathic model seemed to have great success and by 1950, respiratory and infectious disease fell below cancer as the cause of death.  Yet at the same time death from cancer had increased quite dramatically, that is, the number of deaths had doubled. (3)  Today, heart disease, cancer, stroke, and even diabetes mellitus have replaced influenza and pneumonia as the leading causes of death in the U.S. (4)

A recent article in the Herald Tribune alluded to some of the facts that point to environment influences as the leading cause of disease and death:

• More than 85,000 synthetic chemicals have been introduced in the past 50 years for industrial, farming and other uses, yet more than 90 percent of them have not been tested for their effects on human heath.
• Studies have linked 46 chemicals to mammary tumors in animals, according to the National Toxicology Program.
• Studies suggest that fewer than half of breast-cancer cases can be explained by known risk factors. American women have a one in eight chance of developing the disease, up from one in 22 in the 1940’s. (5)

This paper will review the past and current literature on the influence of xenobiotics, heavy metals, and vaccinations as the cause of chronic disease in the 21^st century.

Chapter 2

Review of Literature

Xenobiotics

Studies have shown that residues of the pesticides and herbicides that are used in farming are in the food supply.  In one study of seasonal vegetables, 100% of the samples were contaminated with organophosphates, organochlorines, synthetic pyrethroids and carbamates. (6)  Pesticides used on summer crops will impact the winter food supply despite no usage of chemicals on the winter crops.  This means that the soil becomes contaminated and provides a secondary source of pesticide residues. (7)  Another study also indicated that contamination of the land with herbicides will impact the food for many years.  In this study, food samples were taken from farms, fish and game where agent orange (dioxin) was sprayed 30 – 40 years prior to the sampling.  Dioxin residues were found in the samples of food. (8)

In the U.S. it is estimated that the typical adult consumes 0.3, 5.5, and 1 μg/day of chlorpyrifos, malathion, and p.p’ – DDE, respectively. (9, 148)    The acceptable daily exposure of these pesticides is 10, 20, and 20 μg/kg body weight/day. (9, 148 - 9)  However, in this same study it was shown that 35% of the time there was a combination of these pesticides in the same sample.  (9, 148)

Despite a ban on the usage of pesticides such as dichloro(diphenyl)trichloroethane (DDT) researchers are finding measurable blood plasma levels which are thought to be the result of residues in food from contaminated soil. (10)   Also, it was found that detectable levels of pesticides were increasing despite the fact that the pesticides were no longer used in agriculture, indicating a persistency of the pesticide residues. (11)

As early as 1978 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been conducting annual studies of the U.S. food supply.  The TDS (Total Diet Study) is designed to monitor the U.S. food supply for levels of toxic contaminants including pesticides. (12)  According to an analysis of the TDS, “Average food ingestion exposures for the whole population exceeded benchmark concentrations for arsenic, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls, when nondetects were assumed to be equal to zero.” (13)  In a study of 32 specific pesticides in two cities within the U.S., dietary exposure was greater than inhalation. (14)

The Center for Disease Control has conducted a series of surveys for purpose of assessing the exposure to chemicals by measuring the chemicals or their metabolites in human specimens such as blood or urine.  The Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals (SNRHEEC) presents exposure data for 116 environmental chemicals.  Out of the 116 chemicals, 36 of them are pesticides, herbicides, or pest controls.  Included in the organochlorine pesticides are two subcategories, hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorophenol, which were banned from use in the 1970’s and 1980’s. (15)  The following table summarizes the results:

Category	Total Number Assessed	Number of Chemicals with Detectable Levels
Organophosphate pesticides: Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolites	6	6
Organophosphate pesticides: Dialkyl Phosphate Metabolites	6	2
Organochlorine pesticides	11	8
Carbamate pesticides	6	3
Herbicides	4	1
Pest repellents and disinfectants	3	4

Of the 36 chemicals tested, 24 of these chemicals were at detectable levels.

Styrene-7,8-oxide is a base chemical for many products.  It is used in cosmetics, perfumes, surface coatings, agricultural, biological chemicals, and the treatment of fibers and textiles. (16, 2)  Based on studies with animals, styrene is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” and is regulated by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous substance. (16, 1 & 3)

In the food industry, styrene is a very common material used for containment of prepared and raw foods.  Because of its toxicity, styrene migration from containers to foods has been well-studied.  In one studied it was found that fat content and storage temperature played an important role in styrene migration. (17)  However, that does not preclude the migration of styrene in alcohol and water, whether hot or cold.  (17)  Liquid foods have been shown to absorb styrene. (20)  Absorption of styrene was shown to be proportional to the square root of the time of exposure.  (21) Styrene migration is also found when foods are cooked in polyester cookware. (18)  Plastic containers that are designed for usage in microwave ovens were tested and shown not only to release styrene but also compounds such as methylbenzene, ethylbenzene, 1-octene, and 1,4-dichlorobenzene.  (19)

Exposure to styrene is both by food and inhalation.  Particularly at risk to exposure are cigarette smokers.  In one study intake of styrene from food was estimated to average 9 μg in the daily diet of people in the U.S. (22)  In another study it is estimated that

daily styrene exposure from food and inhalation is 18.9 to 55.2 μg/person  and annual exposure of 6.7 to 20.2 mg/person.  (23)

Another chemical that has been widely studied is Bisphenol  A.  This chemical is used to manufacture polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resins for a variety of commercial applications.  Polycarbonate plastic is used in water bottles and food containers where as epoxy resins are used as a thin coating on the interior surface of metal food and beverage cans.  Composite resins containing Bisphenol A are also found in dental sealants and dental composites.

According to a report from the Bisphenol A Group Industry (“BAGI”), the U.S. FDA conducted a study that showed migration of Bisphenol A from polycarbonate water bottles into water that had been stored for 39 weeks.  The amount found was 0.1 to 4.7 part per billion. (24, 4)  Another report from BAGI stated that migration from can coatings was studied and showed Biphenol A was detected in food and beverages simulants. (25, 2 – 4)  Bisphenol A is also detectable in the saliva of patients who have dental composites or sealants.  (26, 2 – 3)

Phthalates are chemicals used in plastics, personal care products, solvents, and medical products.  “As a result, phthalates may be ingested in medications and foods.” (27, 7)  Soil and water contamination are also secondary sources of ingestion. (15, 81)

While several of the main studies concerning the migration of phthalates are reported in Japanese, a few studies in English have shown phthalate migration into food.  In one study, factory workers using PVC gloves contaminated prepackaged foods.  Cooked chicken in the packages were shown to contain the least amount of phthalates before cooking and the most phthalates after handling. (28)  Phthalates were also found in baby food, infant formula, and diet food samples. (29)  In another study, phthalates were shown to migrate from pie carton windows, plastic caps or lid seals, and aluminum foil-paper laminates. (30)  There is a “good correlation between the plasticizers found in the printing ink from the film (i.e. plastic) and those in the food.” (31)  All foods whether cooked or raw, containing fat or not, when packaged in whole or part by plastic, are potential sources of phthalates. (32)

In a cohort study of pregnant women in New York City and Krakow, Poland, it was determined that inhalation of phthalates was an important route of human exposure. (64)

All seven of the phthalates that were tested in the National survey were detectable according to the SNRHEEC. (15, 81)

Most fossil fuels are inefficient and produce by-products of combustion.  The chemicals of incomplete combustion are called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (“PAHs”).  PAHs are pervasive in all industrial countries.

Incomplete combustion of wood and fuel for residential heating is the primary source of PAHs.  Exhaust from gasoline and diesel motor vehicles, open fires, coal tar and pitch, creosote, industrial smoke and soot are just a few of the exhaustive number of sources of PAHs.  (33, 3)

While air pollution is the primary route of PAHs exposure to humans it is interesting that inhalation is not the only source of PAHs.  PAHs are detectable in smoked and charcoal-broiled foods, vegetable oils, cereals, flour, processed foods and beverages. (33, 4)  Various PAHs have been measured in drinking water as well as fresh and sea water. (33, 4)  Measurable levels of PAHs have been taken from soil.  The contamination may be the result of intentional or unintentional deposition. (34, 235)  Because water and soil is a deposition site for PAHs, both fish and aquatic plants have shown measurable amounts of PAHs. (34, 241)  Cigarette and cigar smoke have been common sources of PAHs. (34, 271)  Also, PAHs contamination in foods are the result of preservation and processing procedures. (35)  Due to its fat content, breast milk has been found to be contaminated with PAHs. (36)

It is estimated that the daily exposure to PAH’s is: air, 0.207μg ; water, .027μg ; food, 1.6 – 16μg. (34, 273)

In the SNRHEEC, 14 metabolites of PAHs were screened.  According to the study, 12 of the 14 PAH metabolites were detechtable in urine. (15, 49)

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are naturally occurring, elemental substances of the earth.  Metals such as mercury, cadmium, and arsenic are naturally released into the environment by wind, erosion, and volcanic activity.  Anthropogenic exposure to these metals is the major source of toxicity in the industrialized nations.  (37, 38, 39)

It is estimated that anthropogenic cadmium emissions is ten times the emissions from natural sources.  Some anthropogenic sources include metal production, industrial applications, fertilizer production, waste incineration, and fossil fuel combustion. (38)  For example, it was estimated that 55,433 pounds of cadmium was released into the environment by manufacturing facilities in 1996. (38, 247)  Once airborne, cadmium gets deposited in soil and becomes a contaminant for the entire food chain.  “Cadmium is taken up and retained by aquatic and terrestrial plants and is concentrated in the liver and kidney of animals that eat the plants.” (38)  There is some evidence that cadmium concentrates in animals at the top of the food chain, like beef and poultry.  (38, 254)  According to the FDA Total Diet Study in 1986, all vegetables, all grain and cereal products, all meat, fish, poultry, all fruits contained cadmium.  Exposure to humans, therefore, is not only by inhalation, but also by food and water. (38)

It is estimated that the typical American diet includes 0.23 mg/week of cadmium. (38, 264)  Human accumulation of cadmium is not limited to the kidney and liver, but it is estimated that 70% of the cadmium concentrates in these organs.

Tobacco smokers expose themselves to approximately twice the daily intake of cadmium than nonsmokers.  This exposure estimate is based on smoking one pack of cigarettes per day. (38, 264)

According to SNRHEEC, all age groups have measurable amounts of cadmium in blood and urine. (15, 13)

According to estimates 60,770 pounds of arsenic was released into the environment in 1997. (37, 246)  Such anthropogenic sources of arsenic include, mining, pesticide, fossil fuel combustion, and garbage incineration.  (37, 243)  Water, soil and air are the major reservoirs of airborne arsenic.  As a result, diet is the largest source of exposure. (37, 244)

The major sources of dietary arsenic are seafood, rice, mushrooms, and poultry.  The average dietary exposure to arsenic is estimated to be as much as 20 μg/day.

Another major source of exposure to arsenic is drinking water.  Various samples of public water supplies throughout the U.S. have shown 99% have arsenic contamination.  Despite treatment of water supplies, tap water was shown to contain 2.4 μg/liter. (37, 263)

Smokers have greater daily intake of arsenic than nonsmokers.  Each cigarette averages 1.5 μg of arsenic. (37, 274)

It is estimated that the daily intake is as follows: water, 0.1 – 11.0 μg; air, 0.0003 – 0.6 μg; food, 0.02 – 0.6 μg. (37, 276)

Studies of levels of arsenic in human tissue and urine have shown detectable levels including hair, fingernails, breast milk, liver, lung, spleen. (37, 280 – 81)

Mercury is found in the environment in three valance states and three forms:  1) elemental (metallic), 2) inorganic complexes, and 3) organic complexes. (39, 379)  While naturally occurring in nature, mercury is mainly distributed throughout the environment by anthropogenic processes:  mining and smelting, industrial processes, combustion of fossil fuels, production of cement, and commercial/municipal incineration. (39, 379)

Due to anthropogenic processes it is estimated that current mercury levels in the air are 3 to 6 times higher than the preindustrial era. (39, 386)  It is estimated that 2,000 to 4,500 tons of mercury is released into the atmosphere each year mainly from mining, smelting, and other anthropogenic processes. (39, 389)

Mercury has been measured in ground water and surface water in and around 714 hazardous waste sites throughout the U.S. (39, 395)   Effluents from municipal waste treatment facilities containing mercury have been measured in sediment of major rivers. (39, 395)

Soil contamination by mercury in the atmosphere is minimal compared to the various applications of fertilizers that contain mercury (including recycled sewage sludge). (39, 396)

The aquatic food chain is a source of human exposure to mercury.  Plants, fish, and other water creatures easily absorb the organic form, methylmercury. (39, 401)  It has been shown that accumulation of methylmercury is magnified in higher levels of the food chain. (39, 401)  Bioconcentration of methylmercury is not limited to freshwater species, but is found throughout salt water species as well. (39, 402)

The indoor environment was found to be a source of mercury contamination due to latex paint. (39, 410)

In the U.S.D.A. Total Diet Study conducted in 1982 – 1984, 129 of the 234 food items contained detectable amounts of mercury.  Seafood was the major food source. (39, 417)  In one study of selected species of fresh water fish from the northeastern state, tissue samples exceeded the FDA action level. (39, 423)  Studies have shown detectable mercury levels in the muscle, liver, kidney tissue of marine mammals such as whales, seals, and walruses. (39, 425)

Indirectly, fish meal used as food for poultry and cattle was found to contain mercury. (39, 417)   A study of raw foods like grain, vegetable, and fruits were shown to contain detectable amounts of mercury. (39, 417)

There are various consumer and medicinal products that contain mercury such as skin creams, herbal remedies, laxatives, tattooing dyes, finger paints, artists paint, and make-up paints. (39, 428)

While food, air, and consumer products are primary sources of mercury, “recent animal and human studies, however, have also shown that the uptake, distribution, and rate of excretion of elemental mercury from dental amalgams are also major contributing factors to mercury body burden in humans.” (39, 431)  The estimated daily average intake of mercury is: elemental, 3.9 – 21 μg; inorganic, 4.3 μg; organic 2.9 μg.  (39, 432)  Depending on the number of dental amalgams that a person has, his average daily exposure may be as high as 28 μg (potentially 1g per year).

According to SNRHEEC there were detectable levels of mercury in all samples of urine and blood for all ages. (15)  Multiple studies have shown mercury in human breast milk. (39, 444)

Vaccinations

As early as the fifth century B.C.E. there were medical records showing the use of infectious materials to prevent or reduce disease. (40, 8)  In 1672, smallpox exudates was applied to an intention cut made in the patient’s skin. (40, 10)  In 1778, Edward Jenner combined cowpox from bovine sources and “horse-grease” from infected horse hoofs to make a vaccine.  In 1806, Robert Willan published a study on the cowpox vaccination as a prophylactic against smallpox. (40, 11)  Such is the beginning of the modern era of vaccinations.

Despite its theoretical promise of immunity from disease, it was recognized as early as the 1800s that vaccinations were not always effective at preventing infection. (40, 19)  The concept of “herd immunity” was born from the experience that percentages of populations in excess of 90% showed resistance to polio, measles, and pertussis.  Compulsory immunization laws were enacted in the United States throughout the 20^th century.  As of 1995, all fifty states required the diphtheria, rubella, measles, and polio vaccines. (40, 147)

Chapter 3

Discussion

In the Second National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) states “The measurement of an environmental chemical in a person’s blood or urine does not by itself mean that the chemical causes disease.  Advances in analytical methods allow us to measure low levels of environmental chemicals in people, but separate studies of varying exposure and health effects are needed to determine which blood or urine levels result in disease.”  Despite publishing the big picture on human exposure, the CDC has failed to correctly analyze the results of this study.  The fact is, the majority of the U.S. population has a combination of various detectable levels of the 116 chemicals that were tested.  The human body has become a soup of toxic chemicals.  In the 1982 National Human Adipose Tissue Survey, the Environmental Protection Agency reported 11 out of the 17 target volatile organic compounds were detected in greater than 50% of the sample.  The toxic chemicals styrene, DDT, xylene and ethylphenol were detected in 100% of the tissue samples.  Five other chemicals including benzene and toluene were found in 96% of the samples.  (41, 5)  This Adipose Tissue Survey also points to the fact that many of the chemicals tested in the CDC survey are not found in the blood and urine, but rather, in intracellular and intercellular compartments.

Dr. William Rea at the Environmental Health Center in Dallas, Texas has developed five principles that should be considered when analyzing the environmental effects on the process of disease.  He states:

1. “Medical technology lags about 100 years behind environmental technology, and this hampers us in diagnosing and treating diseases caused by noninfectious processes;
2. Total body load refers to the sum of all the incitants that the body has to handle in order to function; it is the total of the pollutants in air, water and food;
3. An individual comes into contact with a potentially harmful substance but sustains no apparent harm because there is no immediate reaction. This occurs if he is exposed daily or more frequently.  However, should he then avoid the substance for four days he becomes unmasked.  If he now takes the suspect substance into his body, there will be an immediate and clearly definable reaction if the substance is, in fact, harmful to him;
4. Often an individual is initially stimulated and feels the substance is not harming him but actually doing him good. However, after a period of time, be it minutes, months, or years, his body’s defenses break down and he develops disabling withdrawal symptoms;
5. Each individual possesses a finite number of enzymes quantitatively different from the next. One person may have a superabundance while the next may have too few to fight off pollution.” (42, 1 – 3)

In one study, 12 cardiac patients were exposed and tested against air, water, and food pollution once they reached a symptom-free status.  A great effort was taken to eliminate and control all chemical toxins from the environment during the testing procedure.  In 10 of the 12 patients, cardiac arrhythmias were reproduced along with other signs and symptoms of cardiac disease.  Blood abnormalities were detected in the complement and t-lymphocytes.  Commercially prepared foods were tested.  Each patient was challenged with common materials that are found in the home and work environments. (43)  This study demonstrated that hydrocarbons, pesticides, and herbicides in food, water and air caused inflammation.

Ten patients with nonspecific vasculitis were studied to determine environmental triggers of the disease.  The test environment was free from inhaled and ingested contaminations and each patient was cleared of signs and symptoms before testing.  Each of the ten patients had vasculitis reproduced with various combinations of inhalants and foods.  Of note was that these patients had different susceptibilities to different combinations.  After ingestion or inhalation substances were removed, the patients returned to an asymptomatic state. (44)

Ten patients with recurrent nontraumatic thrombophlebitis and pulmonary embolism were tested against common foods and odors.  Each patient was asymptomatic before testing because of the environmentally controlled environment.  Depending on the patient’s susceptibility to the various inhalants, significant changes in pulse rates were recorded. (45)  Increases in pulse rates demonstrated that certain chemicals were stressors in some patients and not others (and visa versa).

There is a correlation between pesticides and brain functioning.  In a study of forty patients, it was shown that a decrease in blood pesticides inversely affected the performance on psychological tests for brain function. (46)

In a study of 23 patients it was shown that chlorinated pesticides and chemical solvents inhibited or stimulated the autonomic nervous system.  Sympathetic fibers were inhibited while parasympathetic fibers were stimulated.  The researchers concluded that there was a relationship to autonomic nerve function and total body load. (47)

After fasting for four days in a “sterile environment” a patient with vasculitis and immune deficiency (based on T-lymphocyte count) had his symptoms reversed.  The patient had an acute exacerbation of his signs and symptoms when he was exposed to chlorine, formaldehyde, phenol, and natural gas.  A second patient with signs and symptoms of cystitis was cleared after 5 days in an environmental control unit.  Symptoms were reproduced after exposure to chlorine, phenol, and natural gas.  (48)

Twelve patients with exposures to pesticides, solvents, plastics, and hydrocarbons were studied.  Such exposures resulted in inflammatory diseases such as colitis, arthritis, bronchitits, sinusitis, asthma, and vascular headaches.  Although each patient was subjected in their work environment to only one of the aforementioned toxins, it was found that these patients became intolerant to many other substances at relatively low levels.  The signs and symptoms were relieved after a period in a clean environment, but low doses of the test substances reproduced the symptoms.  (49)

In a study of 134 patients who were diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities, 114 of the patients had detectable blood levels of PAHs.  On average three PAHs were detected in each patient. (69)

In a study of workers involved in the manufacturing of polyvinyl chloride it was found that long term exposure to a vinyl chloride monomer lead to increasing concentrations in the patients.  The researchers concluded that angiocarcinoma of the liver was associated with this toxicity.  More importantly, the researchers also concluded that this toxicity was responsible for other vascular tumors.  (50)

Ninety patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and multiple chemical sensitivities were study for correlations between the syndromes.  The researchers were unable to distinguish either demographic or clinical factors among the patients.  (51)  Similarly, Gulf War veterans correlated chronic fatigue syndrome with multiple chemical sensitivities in 15.7% and 13.1%, respectively, of the patients who are members of the Gulf War Registry. (52)

A 4 year old child with failure to thrive was associated with a milk allergy during infancy.  The disease progressed to asthma, allergic symptoms, sinusitis, headaches, fatigue, and rashes that were associated with exposure to chemicals, foods, and allergens.  The child was given a diagnosis of multiple chemical sensitivities. (56)  Despite normal bloodwork including peripheral eosinophil count and serum IgE, the patient demonstrated significant inflammatory responses to xenobiotic exposure.

Pesticides and herbicides have many affects on the immune system:

1) Mercury containing insectides have direct cytoxic effects on cells; 2)Dysregulate complement by forming IgG and complement complexes; 3) Suppression of suppressor T-cells; 4) Alteration of phagocytic activity of neutrophils: 5) Deregulate basophils preventing histamine release and anaphylaxis; 6) Suppress skin whealing capacity for immediate antigen reactions; 7) Alter receptor sites for hormones; 8) Alter and damage sodium pump.  (53)  In a study of 200 multiple chemical sensitivity patients, symptoms were reproduced simply by chemical inhalation.  Patients had depressed T and B cells and also showed symptoms of depression, impaired memory, impaired concentration, lack of energy.  Brain function improved when pesticide levels were decreased. (53)  Similarly, 60 patients with hypertension, porphyria, vasculitis and multiple sclerosis were studied.  It was noted that there was greater frequency of immune abnormalities with patients whose disease process associated with pesticides had progressed. (53)

The relationship between maternal pesticide ingestion and infant immunity was studied in 47 infants.  The researchers implicated pesticides in the alteration of the production of TNF – α .  The researchers found that suppression of this cytokine would lead to autoimmune diseases and increased susceptibility to infections. (54)

Farm workers with chronic exposure to pesticides had measurable deficits in cognitive and psychomotor function.  These deficits were noted despite a history of pesticide poisoning. (55)

Chronic exposure to pesticides were shown to inhibit the mitochondrial complex I.   The researchers concluded that chronic exposure to pesticides can produce Parkinson’s disease. (61)

Insectidides have been shown to shown to cause neurobehavior diseases in adults as a result of in utero exposure.  In one study it was shown that the organophosphate insecticide chlorpyrifos elicits long-lasting changes in serotonin recepetors during embryonic development. (66)  In a related study, the researchers observed that in utero exposure to chlorpyrifos effected “cell signaling cascades that are vital to cardiac and hepatic homeostasis.”  They concluded that such effect had “potential implications for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders that may emerge long after the end of the pesticide exposure.” (68)

In one study, styrene was shown to have high estrogenic activities in the MCF-7 human breast cell as well as competively binding to the human estrogen receptor.  (57)  Also, metabolites of styrene were shown to demonstrate estrogenic activity. (58)

The plastic monomer bisphenol A which was found as a food contaminant in lacquer coated cans was shown to have estrogenic activity on human MCF-7 cells. (59)  Unpolymerized and degraded forms of bisphenol A were shown to have estrogenic activity. (60)

In one study it was found that polychlorinated biphenyls (“PCBs”) antagonize the steroid and xenobiotic receptor.  The researchers concluded that exposure to PCBs may “inhibit the detoxification of steroids, bioactive dietary compounds, and xenobiotics.”  (67)

187 women from Manhattan who were pregnant at the time of the World Trade Center collapse were studied.  It had been reported that multiple toxic chemicals were released into the atmosphere.  It was found that 8.2% of the babies were in the 10^th percentile for birth weight as compared to 3.8% of the control group.  The researchers believe the difference may be due to in utero exposure to PAHs. (62)  Phthalate exposure in utero has been shown to shorten the duration of pregnancy. (65)

In one study the sperm of 168 patients was studied in relationship to phthalate exposure.  The researchers stated that in relation to phthalate toxicity “a constant steady state may be reached because of chronic and repetitive, low-level exposures from dietary ingestion and from many commonly used products.  The researchers concluded that phthalates are associated with DNA damage to sperm. (63)

There is a great deal of information concerning the toxicity and systemic effects of heavy metals.  A complete disclosure of toxicity is well beyond the scope of this paper.  The following is an overview of three pervasive metals which are found in air, food, and water.

Mercury is probably the most damaging heavy metal.  Mercury has been shown to effect the following systems: 1) respiratory, 2) cardiovascular, 3) gastrointestinal, 4) hematological, 5) musculoskeletal, 6) hepatic, 7) renal, 8) dermal, and 9) immunological.  The developmental toxicity in fetus’ associated with oral exposure is very well-documented.  The effect is mainly neurological and may range from delays in motor and verbal development to severe brain damage. (39, 220 – 301)  Mercury has been shown to inhibit the growth of nerve fibers. (79)  Researchers found that mercury arrests cell growth by disrupting nerve cell microtubules, an important organelle for nerve cell structure. (80)

There may be a relationship between depression and mercury toxicity.  Mercury has been shown to disrupt neurotransmitter metabolism.  In one study with rats, mercury inhibited the activity of monoamine oxidase in various brain tissues. (81)  The inhibition of MAO activity may upregulate cell production of MAO necessitating synthetic MAO inhibitors (i.e., pharmaceuticals) to reduce symptoms of depression.

Many animal studies concerning the relationship of low-dose exposure to inorganic mercury and autoimmune diseases have shown that inorganic mercury “accelerates and exacerbates” the disease process.  In order to make this correlation to humans, a group of researchers grafted lupus-like tissue to otherwise healthy mice.  Prior to grafting these mice were exposed to low levels of inorganic mercury.  It was found that the mercury significantly worsened the disease and resulted in premature mortality.  The researchers concluded that “these results are consistent with the hypothesis that low-level, nontoxic inorganic mercury preexposure may interact with other risk factors, genetic or acquired, to promote subsequent autoimmune disease development.”   The researchers proposed that the mechanism of mercury may not induce autoimmune disease but may “lower the threshold” for when an infectious or toxic agent in encountered.  (70)

Researchers of an in vitro human study of the autoimmune disease rheumatitis found that heavy metals, including mercury, decreased DNA content in the cell culture with corresponding inhibition of collagen production. (75)

Mercury is very toxic to the immunologic system.  Researchers found that the important cell of phagocytosis and antigen presentation was inhibited by apoptosis.  It is believed that mercury increases cellular oxidation by potentiating reactive oxygen species. (76)  Similarly, mercury was shown to cause T-cell apoptosis an important cell for viral immunological reactions. (77)  Mercury induced T-cell death by inhibiting the function of the cell mitochondria thereby shutting down the source of energy for metabolism. (78)

Chronic inhalation or oral exposure to cadmium affects mainly the kidney.  Cadmium that is not metabolized initially damages the renal tubules.  Cadmium in or itself has not been shown to be the cause of kidney failure, however, diseases that are a result of renal dysfunction have been studied.  Cadmium effects vitamin D metabolism which has been shown to decrease bone density leading to osteomalacia.  Cadmium exposure has also been shown to increase blood pressure having an affect on the cardiovascular system.  Because of cadmium’s affect on the kidneys and vitamin D, the corollary effect on calcium metabolism has been shown.  Cadmium has been shown to induce anemia because in competes with iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.  A few studies have shown neurological and neuropsychological effects of cadmium.  The information regarding other systems is very limited yet there are many animal studies showing the effects of cadmium on the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and reproductive systems. (38, 165 – 188)

Chronic oral exposure to arsenic has been shown to seriously damage the cardiovascular system.  Blackfoot disease and Raynaud’s disease are various manifestations of arsenic toxicity.  The risk of death from cardiovascular disease is increased with chronic arsenic exposure.  Exposure has been shown to contribute to arrhythmias and other changes in the electrocardiogram.  Symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea due to irritation of the gastrointestinal mucosa from chronic arsenic exposure.  Oral exposure of arsenic has been shown to cause anemia, hemolysis and leukopenia.  Chronic exposure to arsenic also cause hepatic swelling and tenderness.  The triad of hyperkeratinization of the skin, wart formation and hyperpigmentation with spots of hypopigmentation has been linked to arsenic exposure.  Peripheral and central neuropathy is common with arsenic exposure.  Chronic exposure to arsenic has been shown to affect the developing fetus.  Congenital malformations, low birth weight, and spontaneous abortion are observed “particularly where the populations were exposed to a number of other chemicals.” (37, 174)  Studies show that exposure to arsenic increase the risk of cancer, including lung, skin, liver, bladder and kidney. (37, 164 – 190)  In one study researchers associated chronic arsenic exposure with squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, Bowen disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and angiosarcoma of the liver. (71)

In one study of low dose exposure to arsenic it was shown that arsenic complexed with glucocorticoid receptors which caused altered nuclear function.  The researchers concluded that “arsenic may represent a new class of endocrine disruptors that may act by altering downstream receptor function rather than by direct competition of hormone binding.”  The result is inhibition of the mechanism that suppresses tumor growth. (72)

Researchers found an inverse relationship between serum arsenic levels and antioxidants.  The  researchers concluded that “persistent oxidative stress in peripheral blood may be a mechanism underlying the carcinogenesis and atherosclerosis induced by long-term arsenic exposure. (73)

The relationship of hypertension to arsenic exposure was studied in vitro with human aortic endothelial cells.  It was shown that arsenic inhibited endothelial nitric oxide synthase thereby decreasing nitric oxide relaxation of arterial cells.  The researchers concluded that “an impairment of vasomotor tone due to arsenic exposure may be a contributing factor in the development of cardiovascular disease.” (74)

According to the Centers of Disease Control vaccines have been an “amazing success story.”  They explain that:

“Up through the early 1920's, diphtheria killed over 10,000 people every year.  Since vaccinating children against diphtheria in the 1930's and 40's, it is rare for a doctor even to see a case of diphtheria, much less have a child die from it. In 1962, the year before measles vaccine was introduced almost 500,000 cases of measles were reported in the U.S.  Ten years after we started vaccinating there were about 32,000 cases, and ten years after that there were fewer than 2,000.  In 1998 and 1999, only about 100 measles cases were reported each year.  Until the middle of the 20th Century, smallpox was one of the most devastating diseases the world has ever known.  Millions died from it every year.  In 1967, the World Health Organization declared war on smallpox with an intensive, worldwide vaccination campaign. Twelve years later, smallpox was wiped out. gone from the Earth forever. Parents in the 1950's were terrified as polio paralyzed children by the thousands.  Then, using the Salk and Sabin vaccines the fight against polio is nearly won, and soon it will join smallpox as nothing but a bad memory.” (82)

 

The CDC recommends 25 or more vaccines before the age of four. (83)  However, the war against infectious disease may have nothing to do with vaccinations but rather improvements in standards of living which include better sanitation and waste disposal, cleaner water, fresher foods, and migration from crowded living environments.  (40)  The argument for or against vaccinations based on its efficacy may be difficult to reconcile because of poor statistics, but research is showing that there are short and long term effects of vaccinations other than control of infectious diseases.  Vaccinations are shown to cause cancer, autoimmune and immune dysregulation diseases, neurological disorders, allergies, and respiratory diseases.

The link between the polio vaccination and cancer is an ongoing investigation that may be more of a detective story.  Researchers have found a simian (i.e., monkey) virus is the cause of brain and bone cancers. (84)  Yet researchers do not know the route of exposure to the virus. (85) Nevertheless, it has been reported that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that the polio vaccine had been contaminated with foreign DNA and African green monkeys were imported for the production of the polio vaccine. (86)

The autoimmune disease, Guillain Barre Syndrome, was found to be caused by the influenza vaccination.  The researchers hypothesized that the development of the  autoimmune disease was the result of either molecular mimicry or nonspecific activation of the immune system.  More importantly, chicken protein from the preparation medium was implicated in the immune response. (87)

In one study on childhood allergies and allergic reaction, the researchers found evidence that pertussis and diphtheria/tentanus antigens elicit IgE antibody formation. (88)  Similarly, a cohort study found that hay fever was less common in children who contracted the measles infection than those who had been immunized with the measles vaccination. (89)

Autism has been linked to a number of vaccines.  In one study of measles, mumps, rubella it was found that antibodies to these viruses caused an autoimmune reaction to brain tissue as seen in autism. (90)

In a study of veterans with Gulf War Syndrome, the researchers discovered viral transmutation in the patients’ genetic material similar to the residues found in the oral polio vaccine. (91) (92)  This discovery has enormous implications for many diseases, the causality of which has yet to be linked to vaccines.

Chapter 4

Summary and Conclusion

This paper has considered various types of toxic xenobiotics and heavy metals, their route of exposure to humans and surveys of detectable levels in urine, blood and fat.    It is impossible to avoid exposure to any of these influences because they are commonly found in air, food, and water as though they were all found in nature.  Industrialization has substantially increased the environmental load of heavy metals to the point that children in the most remote areas of the world are born with defects due to in utero toxicity.  Vaccinations were included with these environmental influence because by their very nature they are introduced into the body and are not naturally occurring. Vaccinations are only being studied for the short term effects, yet there is some very good evidence of long term causality with cancer, autoimmunity, and genetic mutation.

In the case of xenobiotics, the chemicals are generally fat soluble.  In a very interesting study, the levels of organochlorine concentrations of athletes were compared with obese individuals.  The researchers concluded that “Large adipose tissue compartment such as observed in obese individuals is associated with increased levels of circulating organochlorines, whereas leaner sedentary and trained persons have a lower plasma concentration of these compounds.” (94)  It can be hypothesized that the body, in its infinite wisdom to protect itself, is sequestering toxic chemicals into adipose tissue.  This mechanism may explain the tendency of Americans toward carbohydrate loading in their diet in order to build adipose tissue.  Unfortunately, the result has lead to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. (93)  Or, it is only a matter of time before the total body load is so great that circulating xenobiotics overload the system causing multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome.  Finally, the influence of so many different xenobiotics circulating in the lymphatics may ultimately cause cancer.   In a recent study of cadavers and surgical patients, the researchers showed a very high correlation of pesticides and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. (95)

Under the Naturopathic model of medicine, removing the obstacle to cure requires physicians to treat their patients primarily for detoxification of xenobiotics and heavy metals, and advise patients against the use of vaccinations.

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by Gary Gruber

Naturopathic Physician's Oath

I dedicate myself to the service of humanity as a practitioner of the art and science of Naturopathic medicine.

I will honor my teachers and all who have preserved and developed this knowledge and dedicate myself to supporting the growth and evolution of Naturopathic medicine. I will endeavor to continually improve my abilities as a healer through study, reflection, and genuine concern for humanity. I will impart knowledge of the advanced healing arts to dedicated colleagues and students.

Through precept, lecture, and example, I will assist and encourage others to strengthen their health, reduce risks for disease, and preserve the health of our planet for ourselves, our families, and future generations.

According to my best ability and judgment, I will use methods of treatment which follow the principles of Naturopathic medicine:

• Primum Non Nocere - First of all, to do no harm
• Vis Medicatrix Naturae - To act in cooperation with the Healing Power of Nature
• Tolle Causam - To address the fundamental cause of disease
• Tolle Totum - To heal the whole person through individualized treatment
• Docere - To teach the principles of health living and preventive medicine

I will conduct my life and the practice of Naturopathic health care with vigilance, integrity, and freedom from prejudice.

I will abstain from voluntary acts of injustice and corruption.

I will keep confidential whatever I am privileged to witness, whether professionally or privately, that should not be divulged.

With my whole heart, before this gathering of witnesses, as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, I pledge to remain true to this oath.

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by Gary Gruber