Firefighters are often exposed to toxic compounds in the course of
their work. Such was the case for a group of firefight-ers responding to a fire
involving transformers filled with PCBs. Several of these men became ill
following the fire.
Neurophysiological and neuropsychological tests were conducted on 14 of these
firefighters six months after the fire. This battery of 22 tests demonstrated
that the firefighters who had been involved with the fire were significantly
impaired in both memory and cognitive functions when compared to co-workers
from the same department who had not participated in fighting this fire.
(Scores for 13 of the 22 tests were significantly worse in the exposed
firefighters.)
|
|
Following treatment with the detoxification method developed by
Hubbard, significant improvements in 6 of the 13 tests originally showing
impairment were noted. (60)
These firefighters were also tested for peripheral nerve damage. Five of the 17
firefighters tested showed significant peripheral neuropathy. All showed
improvement following treatment with the Hubbard method, with two of the five
returning to normal range. (61)
Many people have experienced adverse health effects after exposure to compounds
whose identity is unknown. The detoxification program has been shown effective
in alleviating symptoms in such patients. In one study, the selected patient
population reported symptom profiles prior to treatment that were in alignment
with chemically exposed individuals reported by other authors (not
statistically different). Following treatment, their symptom profiles had
improved significantly and were now not significantly different from a healthy
population. (62)
|
| 5. Summary
|
This body of peer-reviewed literature substantiates the
effectiveness of the Hubbard program in reducing levels of foreign compounds
stored in fat and in improving the symptom profiles of chemically exposed
individuals. Health benefits of this program are not limited to symptomatic
improvements. In the case of documented impairments in neurological function,
these impairments were shown by two independent approaches to be significantly
improved by detoxification treatment.
This program has proven to be a safe and effective addition to clinical
practice. As the quantity and variety of chemicals employed in our society
increase, it can be expected that this program will become increasingly
relevant.
|
| Compiled August, 1991 by the Foundation for
Advancements in Science and Education
|