Posted by deborah (64.230.87.159) on January 20, 2003 at 01:51:31:
In Reply to: CCA Use in the NWT Canada posted by Neil Phillips on January 19, 2003 at 14:00:50:
: I have lived in the NWT of Canada for over 20 years, and most of that time I did carpentry work. I was exposed to CCA materials often. As well, I worked at Giant Mine in Yellowknife for some years, where they used a process that refined the gold but produced ARSENIC as a by-product. Back in the '70s in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada, they did test on people (took their head hair) to find out if people were over-exposed to ARSENIC I am now wondering if this exposure will have a long term effect on my health. I am now in a position that I purchase materials containing CCA. I will no longer be accepting these items. There are other alternative materials out there, and that is what I will be purchasing. I don't want other people possibly becoming effected by CCA. Any comments from other people will be greatly appreciated.
Hi Neil,
First of all I would like to explain that arsenic testing in urine is only reflective of a dose that has been taken in , in the last few days. The body eliminates ¾ within a few days and stores ¼ of each dose in the bones , brain and tissue. Therefore this dose that accumulates in people in constant exposure is never truly measured.
Hair samples can show what is taken in for about six months to a year. As arsenic is cumulative in it’s effects , it is very important to avoid any more exposure
A chelation treatment followed by urine collection can give a better reflection of body burden.
Other things that can be done to help push these metals from our bodies is anything that heats up the tissue and causes sweating. Exercise, hot pads, saunas, hot baths etc.
It is also important to drink lots of clean water to flush the tissues and to eat pesticide free foods as the body is already under stress.
There are long term effects and short term effects from the chemicals in this wood. One thing that often happens is mineral depletetion as these metals displace the minerals in your body and that in itself can bring on health problems.
If you would like data on the effects of arsenic you can email me directly as it is copyrighted material that I can not web post.
Also there is a genetic predisposition that makes some people more prone to damage from arsenic.
I believe that the human spirit is the strongest weapon that we have in fighting the problems that confront us, so a positive attitude goes a long way in overcoming even arsenic poisoning.
Take care Neil, thanks for caring about others and please keep safe.
Deborah