Natural Gas Health Tip

The founder and director of the Dallas Environmental Health Center, Dr.William I. Rea, MD states that, "Of 47,000 patients, the most important sources of indoor air pollution responsible for generatng illness were the gas stoves, hot water heaters, and furnaces." (Chemical Sensitivity: Sources of Total Body Load, Vol. 2, 1994, CRC Press, Inc., p. 706).

Is Your Natural Gas Stove, Firelace, Water Heater and Furnace Affecting Your Health?

Gerald Ross, MD, American Academy of Environmental Medicine's President writes that, "Traditionally, natural gas is a pollutant chemial that can worsen both classical allergy and chemical sensitivity." He further stales, patients with complex allergies and sensitivities will have only limited success with their treatment programs if they are living in a home that has natural gas..." (1/3/97). In his frequent lectures in Nova Scotia, Dr. Ross has demonstrated the role of chemical stress factors such as pollutants like natura gas in causing or worsening a wide variety of illnesses associated with compromised immune systems. The Lancet, (a British Medical Journal) recently published research findings that further supportig this and link use of natural gas appliances to asthma and other respiratory health problems (The Lancet, Vol. 347, February 17, 1996, pp. 412, 426-431.) Increased risk was documented for asthma attcks, waking with shortness of breath, reduced lung function and airway obstruction. The published advice of leading medical practitioners treating environmental illness is that combustion sources, paticularly natural gas, are a significant contributor to illness.

The Bottom Line:

Lifestyle is a major factor contributing to our overall health and wellness. We have stressed tha the nerve system is compromised by physical, chemical and emotional stress beyond our ability to adapt. Clearly, a cleaner, less toxic environment would be of great benefit to all of us.