Florist Exposures to Pesticides and Chemical Injury
I have recently visited several websites looking for possible answers to what I am experiencing health wise. Although I am finding enough repeat information on MCS, which my newest doctor has roughly (not definitely) diagnosed, I see nothing aimed at the floral industry, or floriculture, the field in which I have worked for five years. To give some history, for the last two to three years, I have had symptoms of an autoimmune illness, possibly lupus, and these symptoms have worsened over time. Until April 22, I was not ordered off work. Modern medicine had not been able to help me. I now have a homeopathic doctor, and am seen weekly to try and assess what the root of my problem is. I realize now that I have been exposed to DDT, Dursban, and many other chemicals, most which are outlawed in this country, and have been in close contact with them for the duration of my career as a florist. Over the past three to four years, foreign flowers have become more and more popular. They have ideal growing seasons in Thailand, Mexico, the Netherlands, Holland, etc. Foreign growers also produce larger flowers, presumably due to chemical use, which the consumer would buy over the American grown flower. For example, California grown roses are often smaller, with more thorns, shorter vase life, and a more flimsy stem. Ecuador, however, have gargantuan roses that are grown and treated for less thorns, larger heads, more petals, thicker stems, etc. Go into your local florist and ask if they carry South American roses, the answer more often than not is 'yes'.
I have been off work for a month now, and some of my symptoms have subsided, however the corporation that I work for wants me back at work ASAP and I can't prove that chemicals have anything to do with my illness. My diagnosis is "unknown". I went to my current doctor after Easter, because my family and I noticed a pattern, around every holiday I get sick. Starting in November, when the cold months roll in, and more of our product is imported, I get respiratory problems, profuse nose bleeds ( but I have no problem with my nose), migraines, rashes, including the maylar rash associated with lupus, dizziness, memory loss, etc. the list goes on. I have been managing with this company for three years, and they expect me to return soon, but I don't want to put my life at risk. I have several friends that have cancers that I have worked closely with and wonder if it is due in part to chemicals. Lukemia, ovarian cancer, tumors, and other health problems plague people I work closely with.