Toxic Heat

As winter settles in and temperatures drop many families opt for cozying up next to a real fire in their homes. Most people will "recycle" wood and burn scraps from old fences, children's swingsets, decks and picnic tables. This is a very toxic practice.

Pressure-treated wood is treated with a chemical called CCA (chromated copper arsenate) to protect it from damage from sun. mould, insects, and water. CCA leaches from the pressure-treated wood and has shown to be present as a residue on the surface of the wood, in the soil and ground water around the structure, and in the ash from previously burning household fires. Note that pressure-treated wood manufacturers must now claim whether or not their product has been treated with CCA and whether or not it contains arsenic.

Arsenic is a known human carcinogen and is frequently associated with lung, skin and bladder cancer. Symptoms of arsenic exposure can include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can also result in decreased production of red and white blood cells which may cause fatigue, abnormal heart rhythm, blood-vessel damage resulting in bruising, and impaired nerve function. One of the early warning signs of arsenic poisoning is a "pins and needles" sensation in hands and feet. Other signs and symptoms include skin thickening, fluid accumulation (resulting in puffiness) especially around the lower eyelids, face and ankles, diarrhea, garlic breath, perspiration, excessive salivation, generalized itching, oral inflammation, sore throat, runny nose, excessive tearing, numbness, skin inflammation, hair loss, weakness, and loss of appetite. Arsenic can also cause a range of neurological effects, including headaches and vision problems. It can cause noticeable behavioral changes, most commonly aggression or depression.

Early treatment of arsenic poisoning whether acute or chronic low-grade exposure is critical. Arsenic levels can be safely assessed in patients aged 2-102 years old at Ocean Wellness by Dr. Jolene Kennett, ND through a urine sample following a treatment called chelation provocation. For more information call 604.986.9355.