Environmental Wellness

According to the National Academy of Science, environmental exposure to toxins accounts for more than 28% of childhood developmental disorders. Yet, are we really exposed to that many chemicals daily? Since the end of WWII more than 80,000 new chemicals have entered our environment. Of these chemicals over 3000 are produced in quantities exceeding one million pounds yearly and used regularly within our daily lives. The Centers for Disease Control have found that 200 of these chemicals are found in all Americans due to our frequent and continual exposure. Less than 20% of these 200 commonly used chemicals have studies identifying their affect on child development. The impact of these chemicals on our ourselves and our children is relatively unknown. In fact, 15 of these 200 are known neurotoxic chemicals and thought to be related to many neurological and behavioral conditions. 

One might question how we are regularly exposed to this many questions. These neurotoxic chemicals are sprayed on our lawns and school play yards, used for cleaning our homes and schools, and consumed in the foods we eat.

One of the greatest exposures of these chemicals to children comes from pesticides. In the United States alone, over 1.2 million pounds of pesticides — about one fourth of the entire world’s pesticide supply — is sprayed on foods and lawns, exposing child at their homes, schools, hospitals, daycares, or even public parks/gardens. It is this regular exposure that places us and our children at risk for behavioral health concerns.

Aside from chemical exposure, children are sensitive to other types of pollution — EMF and geopathic stress. EMF or otherwise known as electromagnetic field stems from the combination of a magnetic field and the electrical potential surrounding all devices that conduct electricity. People are regularly exposed to them via cell phone and computer use, cell phone and mobile towers, voltage power lines, copy machines and a host of other electricity producing items. Whereas geopathic stress is due to exposure to the naturally occurring electromagnetic fields produced from a underground streams, fault lines, underground cavities or other geological features.   Although one is man-made (and is potentially more harmful) and the other is natural, both can greatly impact behavioral health. Children and teens are particularly sensitive to these frequencies and with expose can start presenting a variety of physiological symptoms or even changes in behavior.

Light and Sound pollution can also greatly affect individuals with behavior health concerns. For some individuals, exposure to fluorescent light or jarring, high pitched, and irritating noises can exacerbate symptoms. Because we are so frequently exposed to these irritants on a daily basis, it is infrequently associated with behavioral health conditions. Yet, as demonstrated through clinical research on Irlen syndrome 12-14% of the general population is sensitive to environmental stimuli such as light. Individuals with behavioral health concerns are impacted at a greater rate. For example it is suggested that about 33% of all individuals with Autism experiences light sensitivity and can benefit from treatment for Irlen Syndrome. Not all individuals are born with type of sensitivity. It is estimated that about 55% of individuals who experienced concussions, head injuries or whiplash experience this type of environmental sensitivity.

At Auvita Alliance:

• We take a detailed environmental history looking at exposures to any sources of chemicals, geopathic stress, and EMFs.
• We assess for light sensitivity with a Pre-Assessment for Irlen/ Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome (SSS) and if needed complete an Irlen Screening Assessment
• We develop a plan to help you reduce if not eliminate exposures to these environmental stressors.