Environmental Health:
First-Hand Solutions to Second-Hand Reactions
by Gloria Gilbère

Every action creates a reaction—it’s no different when we expose ourselves to the barrage of toxic substances in today’s modern chemical-laden world. The following quiz will test your knowledge of some of the consequences discovered as a result of a toxic overload by chemicals both ingested and from environmental pollutants.

1. Reoccurring migraine-type headaches are often associated with the consumption of __________, which is used as a flavor enhancer.

a.		cayenne pepper
b.		sea salt
c.		monosodium glutamate
d.		citric acid

2. True or False: Reactivity to new non-organic mattresses can be eliminated or greatly reduced for highly allergic individuals by wrapping them in aluminum foil, which is found in building supply stores under the name Foil Barrier Cloth (commonly used to wrap the outside of buildings for insulation).

a.		true
b.		false

3. Symptoms of multiple allergies can manifest when toxins are “dumped” into __________ faster than they are neutralized.

a.		the lungs
b.		the liver
c.		the heart
d.		the colon

4. Reoccurring sinus and ear infections in children are a common second-hand reaction to:

a.		new paint that contains volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
b.		new carpeting that is non-organic.
c.		the use of fragranced air fresheners, especially in children’s bedrooms.
d.		all of the above.

5. Air cleaners that produce ionized air have been known to cause __________ infections because they dry the mucous membranes.

a.		fungal
b.		candida yeast
c.		bronchial
d.		all of the above

6. When bronchial congestion exists, __________ has been found to act like a magnet, attaching to the phlegm and facilitating easy expulsion.

a.		mullein
b.		ginger
c.		rosemary
d.		chamomile

7. When exposed to toxic mold, the overall toxic load of the body can be reduced by leaving the contaminated space, cleansing the colon, and supplementing with a full-spectrum __________ blend to support immune function.

a.		probiotic
b.		vitamin
c.		herbal
d.		juice

8. When there are symptoms of food-poisoning or gastrointestinal distress from seafood or tainted water, supplementation with __________ may be helpful because it makes the GI tract alkaline and therefore inhospitable to food and water borne bacteria.

a.		red wine
b.		white vinegar
c.		apple cider vinegar
d.		honey

9. When removing mold from the interior of buildings, it is strongly recommended to use protective gear that includes:

a.		a filtered mask.
b.		rubber gloves.
c.		eye protection.
d.		all of the above.

10. Of the nutrients listed below, only __________ has not been found effective in supporting overall immune function when used during and after travel.

a.		colloidal silver nasal spray and oral supplementation
b.		baking soda
c.		high doses of vitamin C
d.		probiotics