Posted by Pat on 3/28/03

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In another post I described what Meggs calls Chemical
Irritant Asthma.

I am unaware of whether or not Meggs was referring to RADS:
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome, which was described
by Brooks in 1985 and is caused by a massive exposure to
chemicals, which leads to airway sensitization. From that
point on, low level exposures to common chemicals -
perfumes, detergents, etc - result in airway constriction.
This is a known, accepted and recorded phenomenon of
sensitization, resulting in chemical intolerance of the
airways. In the second edition of their scholarly book,
Ashford and Miller put forth the argument from logic that if
such sensitization can occur in the airways due to chemical
exposure, then why could not such sensitization occur in the
Central Nervous System [AKA, MCS]? (See Ashford and Miller's
book, 2nd edition, pg. 9) [taken from my essay at
http://www.ecolivingcenter.com/articles/mcs.html]

GULF WAR SYNDROME:

As far as I know, the role of potentiation in RADS has not
been researched. The analogy of such to GWS-- but within
CNS-- (which is the same analogy made above) has also been
overlooked, while "stressed" is inappropriately applied. The
data are clear: A psychogenic perspective is unjustifiable.
The genetic linkage to PON1 fits perfectly within the NO/CO
model(s), as the combatants had been administered
pyridostigmine bromide. Biological data (specifically on NO)
also help explain PTSD in vets.

"Psychological" and "psychogenic" are not always
interchangeable. One is emotionally descriptive, while the
other refers to emotional etiology. The "contrary"
literature cited by "skeptics" describes the psychological
aspect of GWS, and does not support a psychogenic view due
to the biological data that explain the psychological aspect.

I will answer any questions on the above information,

~ Pat

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