Environmentally acquired illness

Environmentally acquired illness (EAI) refer to illnesses caused by mold/biotoxin exposure, Lyme and other persistent infections, toxic chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, air pollution/smog, dust, and other irritants found in the environment. Unhealthy indoor air and persistent infections are the two primary causes of EAIs. Food, plants, animals, smoke, or electromagnetic fields can also be involved in causing mild to severe responses to the environment.

Millions report various adverse health effects when being exposed to pesticides, new furniture, carpet or clothing, as well as lower levels of chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, fragrances and everyday products. Synthetic fragrances are not only used for perfumes, candles and air fresheners, but also personal care products such as laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, shampoo, soap, lotion, hair spray, shaving cream, deodorant and many more.

Although EAI is not an accepted diagnosis in standard health care, the illnesses it can cause, such as mast cell activation syndrome or allergic asthma are.

EAIs include

 * Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS) (also called mold illness or biotoxin illness),
 * Persistent Lyme disease and other infections caused by Bartonella, Babesia, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), mycoplasma and others,
 * Mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), and
 * Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), among many others.

How do environmental toxins make people sick?
"Exposure to triggers such as environmental toxins and infections can cause chronic inflammation in multiple body systems. These triggers cause damage to the immune system, the brain, the heart, the lungs, and many other body systems. Exposure to triggers is cumulative and can, over time, cause debilitating chronic illness and even death. An important part of the treatment of all EAIs is to reduce exposure to environmental triggers and to help the body to expel toxic buildup through detoxification. Treatment of EAIs is more likely to be successful if the patient and physician can identify the specific triggers affecting the patient’s health. EAIs are interconnected. For example: a person with biotoxin illness is likely to become more sensitive to chemicals and develop multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Likewise, a person who suffers from chronic Lyme disease is likely to become more sensitive to mold and other toxins found in water-damaged buildings. Some people who have become ill from exposure to one set of triggers may become sensitive to wi-fi exposure."
 * About EAI – Environmentally Acquired Illness

Learn more

 * The International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness (ISEAI) has further information: Patient Resources, About EAI, Find a Professional, Educational Videos & Podcasts