We are exposed to mould and mould spores throughout our day in our natural environment. This does not mean that if you find mould that you should not take basic precautions such as gloves and a mask, but the concern is greater for people with compromised or suppressed immune systems where exposure can lead to problems with allergic reactions or infection. The type and concentration of mould and the method of exposure will have an effect.

Secondhand smoke exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer. Approximately 3,000 lung cancer deaths occur each year among adult non-smokers in the United States as a result of exposure to secondhand smoke. Secondhand smoke is also linked to nasal sinus cancer. Some research suggests an association between secondhand smoke and cancers of the cervix, breast, and bladder. However, more research is needed in order to confirm a link to these cancers.

No immediate symptoms. Based on an updated Assessment of Risk for Radon in Homes, radon in indoor air is estimated to cause about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year in the United States. Smokers are at higher risk of developing Radon-induced lung cancer. Lung cancer is the only health effect which has been definitively linked with radon exposure. Lung cancer would usually occur years (5-25) after exposure.

The information that exists on ricin poisoning in humans is extremely limited. Much of what we know about ricin poisoning comes from animal studies and only a few human cases. However, enough information exists on ricin poisoning by ingestion (swallowing) to say that it is extremely unlikely that the onset of signs and symptoms of ricin poisoning by ingestion would occur more than 10 hours after exposure.

You might want to visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Web site where you will find information on commercial and industrial pollutants and toxic substances.

with any surgery, pain, infection, swelling, and bleeding are possible, but very few patients experience serious problems. Your surgeon may prescribe medications for these effects. Retinal detachment also occurs in a few people. Be on the lookout for excessive pain, vision loss, or nausea, and report these symptoms to your eye surgeon immediately.

Yes, the malnourishment and purging associated with Anorexia often cause other significant health problems. People with Anorexia are often diagnosed with anemia, cardiovascular (heart and blood circulation) problems such as hypotension (low blood pressure) and irregular heart beat (arrhythmia), tooth decay from repeated vomiting, poor kidney functioning, and osteoporosis (a decrease in the size and strength of bone).

There are three exposure routes for asbestos fibers: (1) inhalation via the respiratory system (2) ingestion via the mouth associated with asbestos fibers in drinking water and (3) skin contact. Asbestos has been known to cause a number of disabling and fatal diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural plaques. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos; therefore, all exposure to asbestos should be avoided.

In order to be exposed to PAHs at the school, you must come into direct contact with the contaminated soil (for example, touching the soil, eating soil particles on hands or food, or breathing airborne soil particles). Several PAHs have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals and in people after long periods of exposure at high levels. Studies in animals have also shown that PAHs can cause harmful effects on skin, body fluids, and the immune system.

According to a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences, arsenic in drinking water causes bladder, lung and skin cancer, and may cause kidney and liver cancer. The study also found that arsenic harms the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as heart and blood vessels, and causes serious skin problems. It also may cause birth defects and reproductive problems. NRDC analyzed data compiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on arsenic in drinking water in 25 states.

Microwave is NOT ionizing radiation. It should not be confused with the much more energetic ionizing radiation like x-ray or radioactive radiation. Therefore, the main effect of microwave exposure would be heating of tissue and thus you may be able to feel the leakage if there is any. In fact, a great deal of research has been ongoing in recent years, showing that controlled heating with microwave energy at 2450MHz have therapeutic effects and can be used for treating a variety of ailments.

Molds can cause many health ailments. The most common symptom associated with exposure to elevated levels of fungal spores or mold is Allergies. Other symptoms are; asthma, edema, bronchiospasms, pulmonary emphysema, candida vaginitis, thrush, infections in the human skin, nails, eyes, nose, sinuses, tongue, throat, esophagus, and the entire digestive tract and fungal related ear infections. Molds can also be acutely toxic to the liver, brain, kidneys, lungs and heart.

The answer to this question is the subject of ongoing scientific and policy debate. We do know very high levels of dioxin in blood (hundreds to thousands of times higher than people normally experience) increase the likelihood of developing chloracne, a temporary skin condition which can be severe in some cases. Scientists convened by WHO reviewed the animal toxicity data on dioxin in a recent report (Food Additives Contam., 17: 223-240, 2000).

Some symptoms might include a runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, and respiratory complaints. Symptoms often resemble those of allergies and asthma.

The time it takes for a person who has been infected with HIV to seroconvert (test positive) for HIV antibodies is commonly called the "Window Period". Recent studies show that a test taken at least 12 weeks (3 months) after the last possible exposure to the virus provides highly accurate results. Based on those studies, many testing clinics in California and other places use a 3 month window period.

The most common HIV tests look for antibodies to the virus. CDC states that most people infected with HIV will have detectable antibodies within 3 months of exposure to HIV, the average being 25 days. Rarely, it can take up to six months. Testing early has many benefits. People who know whether they are infected or not can take precautions to protect themselves and others in future. HIV-infected individuals can benefit from early treatment.

Simvastatin (Zocor®) is a well-tolerated drug taken by millions of people worldwide. A few people (about 1 in 100) may develop elevated liver enzymes. For this reason, we will perform a blood test before you start simvastatin to make sure that your liver enzyme levels are normal and we will periodically check your liver enzymes as part of your participation in AIM-HIGH. Stomach upset may occur. If this persists or worsens, let your AIM-HIGH doctor know promptly.