How many Exxon Valdez Oil Spill cleanup workers 

are coming down with

Rheumatoid Arthritis?

 

I met an Exxon Valdez Oil Spill cleanup VECO worker July 6, 2003 who was in her mid 30's

that reported she came down with Rheumatoid Arthritis as did a child of another worker:

 - as well as a child of a worker when the child was born @ 6 months after the mother's job ended

... when the child was 9 years old



Says an MSN article:  "The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not fully understood. In some people, a genetic abnormality may increase the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. One or more of these genetic abnormalities may make it more likely that the body's immune system will attack the tissues of your body's joints. It is possible that a bacteria, virus, or some other foreign substance may trigger this immune response.

The abnormal immune response causes ongoing inflammation of the tissues lining the joint, a breakdown of cartilage, and loosening of the ligaments and tendons supporting the joint. Ongoing inflammation also causes the membrane lining the joint (synovium) to grow into a thick, abnormal tissue called pannus. These processes result in destruction of the cartilage, underlying bone surrounding the joint, ligaments, and tendons, and eventually lead to deformed joints.

 
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More Information:

 

Source:  http://content.health.msn.com/content/healthwise/193/61896

Is the immune system compromised for those workers exposed to 2-butoxyethanol of the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill cleanup? 

Could even the oil cause this same response?  Any helpers out there?

www.valdezlink.com/compromised.htm

Requesting permission from MSN to post

Will have to write - As no e-mail address seems to be available

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This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.

July 7, 2003

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Immune system

The immune system is the body's natural defense system. A healthy immune system recognizes foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses, as being different from body tissues. It then attacks and destroys them. When working properly, the immune system allows the body to fight off infections.

The immune system is also responsible for allergic reactions and allergies, which may occur when the immune system overreacts to a substance called an allergen (such as pollen, mold, chemicals, plants, and medications).

The body's immune system consists of:

  • Special proteins called antibodies. Antibodies attach themselves to foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses, and allow other immune system cells to attack and destroy them.
  • Special types of white blood cells produced by the lymphatic, or lymph, system. When the body is fighting an infection, the lymph nodes may swell or become hard or tender.
  • Many chemicals and proteins that help kill bacteria or viruses or remove unknown substances from the blood or tissues.

The health of the immune system can be affected by many factors, including age, medical conditions, and medications. If the immune system is weakened or impaired by disease or medications, the person will be at higher risk of infections.

Sometimes the body responds to its own tissues as if they were foreign substances. This is called an autoimmune response. *

 

* Note... this must be what is happening in hemolytic anemia caused from 2-butoxyethanol

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July 7, 2003

October 13, 2003 - Posted & revised