Dr. Dunstan of Australia presented an interesting paper on the relationship of toxic chemical exposures to infection – specifically asking if toxicity was related to CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome). He pointed out that one year after DDT was introduced into the United States in 1945, the rate of polio doubled. Similarly, in 1950, when Israel introduced the use of DDT, the rate of polio increased in their country from two cases per month to 150 per month. Laboratory studies of CFIDS patients confirm a significant increase of organochlorine pesticides, especially hexachlorobenzene in their tissues. These findings are in agreement with our total experience that susceptibility to infection is increased whenever the body’s total stress load is increased and this includes the total body burden of toxic chemicals. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination. Reference: Dunstan RH, McGregor NR, Roberts TK, Butt H. Biochemical and microbiological anomalies in chronic fatigue syndrome: the development of laboratory based tests and the possible role of toxic chemicals.