I have ALWAYS tested my apartments or offices before making complaints beyond the personal level. I would state that something bothered me, but would test to determine the source and if others aside from myself might be adversely affected. I have done this perhaps eight times now, with consistent positive findings of an enormous array of highly dangerous toxicants including:
I have used three different labs and two different toxicologists. I have learned not to use local state (NY) labs since learning from one of the lab folks that the health department of NY will refuse renewal of certifications to labs who are "pesky." A "pesky" lab finds positive results in situations which are not convenient for the state to acknowledge. NY also denies permits to many blood analysis labs which test for toxins/metabolites of poisons. For instance, one cannot be tested in NY for any fat cell retention of toxins, for pyrethroid poisoning (although they are used to combat WNV.)
My collection methods were in two forms: baseboard swipes using alcohol pads to collect residues from suspected baseboard spraying of pesticides and running brand new carbon filters from air purifiers over a period of three to seven days, 24/7. All samples were subsequently shipped to the lab for analysis. Anyone can do this. The financial investment is beyond many people, but is far cheaper than paying penalties for broken leases and a failure to document injuries which cause disability etc. Analysis can cost anywhere from $150 to $600 depending upon number of samples sent and the form of toxicant to be analyzed. One can also have professionals come in and do direct air sampling but that is tougher and does not permit long term accumulation of material, representing only a snapshot in time.
These results led to my having credibility with landlords and employers in my illnesses correlated with exposures in those locales, provided bases for medical diagnoses which are accurate, provided bases for litigation. I am suing for my major injury back in 1999 which ended my career. It also allows for dissemination of information to the public and media so no questions of malingering or psychogenic illness will be supported. It also prevented me from being sued, when I had to leave apartments soon after moving in.
I hope we can all develop a good list of labs, chemists and toxicologists to use as resources and then circulate that on our own email lists. Only acceptance of toxicology as a branch of medical science to protect the public's health, will alter medical practices and municipal policies of denial and inaction. -And all available without prescription!
Toxicology Lab. ETI Environmental Lab, 4730 Mountain Road, Suite 21, Pasadena, MD 21122 (410) 437-4100 Fax:(410) 437-5400 Robert Simon, Ph.D. ETIRKS@aol.com USPS Mailing address: ETI Environmental Lab, P. O. Box 2410 Pasadena, MD 21123