Acute Ozone Poisoning (Recovery)--Six Month Anniversary

If you have been following my blog, you know I have been quite active lately. I've traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway recently; I've toured the Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Read the details by going backwards on this blog. ~~ This is brief because I want to document that I have made a recovery from acute ozone poisoning. Many people have read about my experience and I desire to encourage them with news that I am feeling fine.

I love HubPages.com !!

Confession: Until February 9th, I rarely spent any extended length of time on the Internet. I would do an occasional search but it didn't take long to find info on (example) Map Search, or Allergy, or Asthma. Now I confess that I am addicted to searching for information, and exploring various links (I spend hours each day on the 'net). It has opened up exciting new possibilities. Recently I discovered numerous complaints about Dotless Domain. Yesterday I spent hours reading complaints about StoresOnline. During the searches I found HubPages.com. It was "love at first sight"!! Effortlessly (yesterday), I published my acute ozone poisoning article on HubPages. This morning I edited the article and then (out of curiosity) did a Google search. My article was at the top of the Google search!! I almost couldn't believe what I was seeing!!

Glance up to the top of my blog and read the words I used to describe myself when I created my blog on November 30, 2008. I've been writing for decades.... How awesome to find a location where I can publish articles. I love HubPages.com !!!!
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Postscript (3/27/09): Oops!! My "hub" was quickly removed from their site because they considered it "too commercial." I don't know how to revise acute ozone poisoning without all the links.

How to Survive Allergy Season

By Alice Daniel, Special to LifeScript;
Published March 20, 2009

Ugh, that sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes and maddening post-nasal drip, drip, drip. You need allergy relief. But with aisles of products in the drugstore, how do you know which is right for you? We turned to the experts for answers…

Trying to decipher drug labels can clog your brain even more. You’ll see products containing antihistamines or decongestants. Some combine both – and others throw in a pain reliever as well. Do you need one? Two? All? Here’s what you need to know: ... Click here for the entire article. I've extrapolated information regarding the "natural approach."

Home Remedies
What if you want a more natural approach?

Some allergy sufferers swear by sinus rinses that irrigate and moisturize your nasal passages.

“Saline rinses may actually be safer than medications because there are no side effects and you don’t have to think about how the rinse will react with other medications you’re taking,” Kinzy says.

Rinses involve a saline solution poured into your nose through a teapot-like device called a neti pot, available at most health-food stores. NeilMed is one popular kit with packets of saline powder and a neti pot.

“If you have a lot of allergies, rinse daily,” she says.

You’ll also find supplements and foods that will naturally fight allergies. Among Cohen’s recommendations:

Quercetin: This strong antihistamine is found in supplements and some foods, including capers, apples, green tea, and many red-skinned fruits and wine. Follow label directions, or take 200 to 500 mg one to three times daily, Cohen says.

Bromelain: It’s found in pineapples and dietary supplements, and is “fantastic for reducing inflammation and allergies.”

Mullein tea: “The herb is known to ease respiratory disorders like bronchitis, asthma, chest congestion and allergies. It helps to thin mucus,” Cohen says. You can find it in most health-food stores. Steep it in water for five minutes before drinking, about once or twice a day.

Aloe vera juice: Cohen loves this juice, which has a mild antihistamine effect, “plus dozens of other wonderful healing effects on the body. It’s also very affordable.” Her recommendation? “Lily of the Desert brand because it is certified organic and it is ‘whole leaf,’ so it has all the aloe nutrients.” Drink about 2 ounces daily, straight (it’s tasteless) or mix with other brands.

German chamomile: This is a powerful anti-inflammatory and “a wonderful essential oil to use if you have allergies,” she says. Steam your face with hot water containing a few drops of the oil.

Spirulina: “Spirulina sparks the production of your body's natural fighter cells, such as T cells, B cells, macrophages, and anti-cancer 'natural' killer cells,” Cohen says. “If it can regulate immune function then allergy symptoms should alleviate too.”

I've skipped several paragraphs but you can read them by clicking here.

Asthma should never be treated with over-the-counter medications. If you’re having any trouble breathing or you feel like an elephant is standing on your chest, see a doctor immediately.

The upshot? You don't have to sneeze your way through life. Although feeling better may require a few stabs at different treatments, you will be able to shut down your body’s waterworks.

Check out our (LifeScript) Allergies Health Center.

Lorraine here: Yes, after many months suffering with an allergy, or asthma, I found the answer. However, I am still very interested in the subject and continue to read articles, and check web links. So many articles, and recommendations, revolve around prescription drugs, and over-the-counter remedies. I was encouraged to see that the author included home remedies. ~~~ I represent a company that sells nutritional supplements. Please check MaxGXL and Max N-Fuze at my web site.

Acute indoor ozone poisoning from EcoQuest ozone generator

I'm humbled, and gratified, by an email I received today. Another person has suffered from acute indoor ozone poisoning and was encouraged when they found my earlier documentation. I speculate that there are many individuals suffering from exposure to "too much ozone" and their health care professionals have not made the connection. If you are reading this message--and missed the earlier publications--here are three links to investigate: (1) My compiled documentation, (2) a complaint with Consumer Affairs, and (3) a complaint with RipOffReport. Someone who identified themselves as an "employee" added a rebuttal to my RipOffReport saying "Read the manual." Believe me, I did read the manual!! I'm a voracious reader and I'm extremely conscientious about products I sell!! On 3/18/09, "John" added a comment at the Consumer Affairs web site.

RipOff Reports

I believe I've opened "Pandora's Box." Until recently, I rarely ventured down the "information super highway". Several months ago, my search was brief for information about allergies. The desperate need to regain my health forced me (Feb. 9th) to spend extended hours researching asthma (and sub-sequently ozone poisoning). Now I can't tear myself away from the Internet; I'm constantly searching.... A couple of days ago I found complaints about EcoQuest on RipOff.com . "Yes" I added my experience to their web site. I earnestly wish there were some way that I could reach into the homes of senior citizens (like myself) and caution them with "Caveat Emptor" (buyer beware).
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Coincidentally (previously unknown to me), at 3:30 PM, 2/26/09 (still searching the 'net), I found that Hunter, of Portland, Tennessee, cautioned the customers (on 5/28/08) with those same words.

"What became EcoQuest International began as Alpine Industries and was owned by Mr. William Converse, the one who developed the technology in his home basement. It is my opinion that Mr. Converse was an honorable man who sought to help people. On a much smaller scale, he was successful for several years. It was when Michael Jackson assumed control and changed the name to EcoQuest International that seems to have begun the long list of tragedies we read about here on RipOff Reports.

I was a dealer with EcoQuest for 4 years and actually made a very modest profit at first. Then came the failed machines and the ridiculously expensive shipping and handling charges for returning a machine for even warranted repairs.

Because I am a man of character and honor, I absorbed those charges rather than insist my customers bear that burden. On many of those units sold, I refunded my customers' money whether or not the unit was still under warranty. That's why I now have a closet full of non-working EcoQuest Air Purifiers that I refuse to sell, even on Ebay.

There are other 'problems' associated with most affiliations with EcoQuest, but I'm sure most who have fallen victim to the scheme need no reminder. The best advice I can offer to anyone considering an EcoQuest business or product is 'Caveat emptor', Let the buyer beware."

Hunter
Portland, Tennessee, U.S.A.
Comments from RipOff.com .

Lorraine here: Cross my heart... when I published my blog about 9:30 this morning, "Caveat Emptor" came from my anguish. Reading the words, at 3:30 this afternoon, was an affirmation that my hours of research, and documen-tation, are extremely important. I suggest that the viewer read the many complaints at RipOffReport.com and ConsumerAffairs.com .

My Acute Ozone Poisoning Experience Published on Consumer Affairs web site.

An edited version of my acute ozone poisoning experience has been published on the Consumer Affairs web site (with 2/21/09 date). I failed to mention in that narrative that I also wore an EcoQuest Fresh Air "Buddy" Personal Air Purifier on a cord around my neck when I left my apartment (because I believed it helped my labored breathing).

Furthermore, I've proofed and edited a document that contains the details regarding my ozone poisoning. Eleven printed pages in length, you should be able to view it in total by clicking Indoor Ozone Poisoning from EcoQuest Ozone Generators.

Just Say No To Ozone Air Cleaners!

BEWARE OF HOME AIR PURIFIERS MARKETED AS OZONE PURIFIERS, OZONE AIR CLEANERS, OZONE MACHINES, OZONE HOME AIR PURIFIERS, AND NEGATIVE ION OZONE GENERATORS

Ozone Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences [from Home-Air-Purifier-Expert.com]

Lorraine here: I've become compulsive about researching information regarding ozone poisoning. I wish I had located this on Feb. 9th rather than Feb. 22nd, because all the details are wrapped up in one neat presentation.

First Aid for Ozone Poisoning

I am so impatient; I want to feel healthy again!! So I've spent more time (hours!!) on the Internet researching recovery from ozone poisoning. (See my Feb. 9th blog.) It has been ten days since I diagnosed my illness (and turned off the generators), and I'm still extremely exhausted. The following first excerpt isn't very encouraging.

Handbook of Compressed Gases by Compressed Gas Association, page 566.
First Aid: Ozone poisoning should be treated symptomatically. This may include bed rest, analgesics to relieve pain, and antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. Severe cases may require hospitalization and exhibit the following symptoms: dyspnea, cough, choking, tachycardia, vertigo, lowered blood pressure, cramps and chest pains. Recovery after severe acute ozone toxicity is slow. Up to 10 to 14 days of hospitalization may be required. Minimal residual symptoms may be present for up to nine months but the victim should completely recover. [Dyspnea: difficult or labored respiration; per Merriam-Webster.]

The following is the first paragraph of a very long, very scientific article. Read the entire article here.

Ozone
This chapter [chapter 9, pp. 184-213] summarizes relevant epidemiologic and toxicologic studies of ozone. Selected chemical and physical properties, toxicokinetic and mechanistic data, and inhalation exposure levels from the National Research Council (NRC) and other agencies are also presented. The committee considered all that information in its evaluation of the Navy’s current and proposed 1-h, 24-h, and 90-day exposure guidance levels for ozone. The committee’s recommendations for ozone exposure guidance levels are provided at the conclusion of the chapter with a discussion of the adequacy of the data for defining them and the research needed to fill remaining data gaps.

There are hundreds of references to ozone when I do a Google search. This one is amusing because it involves growing marijuana and is titled What are the dangers of Ozone? I confess to correcting several spelling errors--and grinning ear-to-ear that this straight-laced old lady connected with an article about marijuana.

What is Ozone? Ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere, and at relatively low concentrations. Ozone is the earths main defence against harmful UV rays emitted from the sun. At low concentrations, ozone is harmless, but at high concentrations it can cause problems in certain situations. Ozone is used in the cultivation of cannabis to destroy the tell-tale odors given off by the plants. Ozone is created in 'ozone generators' which can be bought at grow shops, and some household related shops. Car exhaust is the main producer of ozone at ground level. It's molecular structure is similar to that of oxygen, but the third oxygen atom is unstable, and readily detaches from the ozone molecule and 'attacks' any structure that will accept an oxygen atom. This can be harmful to some organic substances. It's not only organic substances that are affected by ozone. Nearly everything that gets in its way will be destroyed! It is highly corrosive, and can affect everything from metals to rubber. If this gas is so toxic that it corrodes metals and rubbers, just image what it does to your lungs!.. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.]
* Ozone is a colorless gas
* It is a naturally occurring gas
* It does not have an obvious odor (although some say it smells like fresh rain, or purified air)
* Ozone is a toxic gas
How does it affect me, and what are some symptoms of over-exposure to ozone?
Short exposures of relatively high amounts of ozone (found in some grow rooms) can cause problems such as:
* Pains in the chest
* Throat irritation
* Coughing
* Shortness of breath
Although short exposures to ozone may cause problems, these should clear up over time. Prolonged exposure to high concentrations of ozone can cause severe damage to the lungs and other parts of the respiratory system, and over time may have irreversible effects. The more ozone a person inhales, the more damage is done to their system, and the less chance there is of recovery. People with asthma are advised to avoid prolonged exposure to ozone, as it may cause an 'asthma attack' or flare up problems with their respiratory system. As an example to the severity of ozone 'poisoning', the New York State Ozone Advisory will issue a warning to people if the level of ozone is above 0.08 ppm for more than 8 hours at a time. 0.15 ppm is intolerable for even short periods. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.]

What can I do to prevent over-exposure?
Your ozone generator should not [be] pumping ozone directly into the room. If you are using an ozone generator, use it in conjunction with your ventilation system. This way, no concentrated amounts of ozone are present in the grow room, but instead having all the ozone flow in the exhaust tubing to clean the air as it leaves the grow room. Put your ozone generator inside your exhaust ducting - most generators are round tubes with 4/6/8" diameters, designed to work inline with your grow room air exhaust system. Some generators have a control that regulates the output levels. (The generator functions at 100% output, but this rheostat cycles the on/off cycles, much like a microwave). This method is the safest and most effective way to use your ozone generator, but for added advantages, if you divert some ozone back into the grow room it will help kill airborne substances such as spores, moulds, etc., to help keep your grow sterile and clean. If your generator is pumping ozone directly into your grow room you will need to have a strong ventilation system to help keep the levels of ozone from building up to dangerous levels. Having the exhaust air vented outside is the best solution. Avoid spending excess amounts of time in your grow area if you are using an ozone generator. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.] Concentrations (according to various controlling bodies) should not exceed concentrations of 0.10 ppm for more than a few hours at a time. It is also understood that these concentrations and below are not suitable for controlling odors. This means that if your grow room has an odor problem, and you are using an ozone generator, it is highly likely that you are exposing yourself to harmful levels of ozone. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine.] If you run your ozone generator on HIGH in a relatively unventilated area, you can easily reach levels of 1ppm, which is 10 times higher than the maximum recommended level.

Ozone alternatives
In general, DO NOT USE AN OZONE GENERATOR UNLESS THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER SOLUTION TO YOUR ODOR PROBLEM! Do not think of an ozone generator as an easy way to control odors, because you could be putting your own personal health at risk! Cheaper types of ozone generators may use crappy materials in their design, which can cause more problems. The corona discharge method is particularly bad, as the cheap alloys used can give of dangerous oxides. The smell from this may have a 'metallic' scent to it, so keep that in mind when purchasing an ozone generator (or making one, which is not recommended). As a rule, the materials used in an ozone generator should be as unreactive as possible, such as steel, gold and silver. There are some alternatives to ozone as an odor controller, the main one being the 'UV ionizer' and the 'carbon scrubber' which uses activated carbon to remove odors. These options may not be as effective as ozone in some situations.

Lorraine here: There seems to be no end of information on the Internet regarding the health hazards of ozone generators. I'm feeling extreme guilt because I didn't do research earlier. I believed the information provided to the distributors by EcoQuest International, Greenville, Tennessee. I've lost count of the number of units I have sold. I have an inventory that I am now reticent to sell!! Here is another web site with an article titled The Hazards of Ozone & Ozone Gas Generators, by Daniel Friedman, © Copyright 2009.

OZONE HAZARDS - an Overview of the Hazards of Indoor Ozone Gas
Exposure to a level you can smell or exposure to ozone over long periods at levels greater than 0.05 ppm for 24 hours at a time is likely to be dangerous: [2], [3] Health hazards to humans and animals occur and can be severe at ozone levels used for indoor cleaning purposes.

At least some people can smell levels of ozone down to 0.05 ppm. This odor-detection level is already half-way to the recommended limit. If you are generating ozone indoors, even at "low" levels a problem may be present. People become desensitized to odors in a short time, perhaps 20 minutes. So if you do not smell it, the ozone level could still be hazardous.

Problems associated with ozone gas exposure include: [4]
Lung irritation and infection.
Breathing pain, coughing, wheezing, difficulty when exercising.
Permanent lung damage.
Aggravation of pre-existing asthma
Increased risk of lung illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia
Reduced breathing capacity
We elaborate on these ozone hazards and cite exposure standards for ozone at OZONE AIR PURIFIER WARNINGS and at STANDARDS FOR OZONE EXPOSURE.

Skipping down to later paragraphes.

Results of some controlled studies show that concentrations of ozone considerably higher than these standards are possible even when a user follows the manufacturer’s operating instructions.

There are many brands and models of ozone generators on the market. They vary in the amount of ozone they can produce. In many circumstances, the use of an ozone generator may not result in ozone concentrations that exceed public health standards. But many factors affect the indoor concentration of ozone so that under some conditions ozone concentrations may exceed public health standards.

In one study (Shaughnessy and Oatman, 1991), a large ozone generator recommended by the manufacturer for spaces "up to 3,000 square feet," was placed in a 350 square foot room and run at a high setting. The ozone in the room quickly reached concentrations that were exceptionally high--0.50 to 0.80 ppm which is 5-10 times higher than public health limits.

In an EPA study, several different devices were placed in a home environment, in various rooms, with doors alternately opened and closed, and with the central ventilation system fan alternately turned on and off. The results showed that some ozone generators, when run at a high setting with interior doors closed, would frequently produce concentrations of 0.20 - 0.30 ppm. A powerful unit set on high with the interior doors opened achieved values of 0.12 to 0.20 ppm in adjacent rooms. When units were not run on high, and interior doors were open, concentrations generally did not exceed public health standards (US EPA, 1995).

The concentrations reported above were adjusted to exclude that portion of the ozone concentration brought in from the outdoors. Indoor concentrations of ozone brought in from outside are typically 0.01- 0.02 ppm, but could be as high as 0.03 - 0.05 ppm (Hayes, 1991; U.S. EPA, 1996b; Weschler et al., 1989, 1996; Zhang and Lioy; 1994). If the outdoor portion of ozone were included in the indoor concentrations reported above, the concentrations inside would have been correspondingly higher, increasing the risk of excessive ozone exposure.

None of the studies reported above involved the simultaneous use of more than one device. The simultaneous use of multiple devices increases the total ozone output and therefore greatly increases the risk of excessive ozone exposure. [Bold, color emphasis by Lorraine. Remember, I had two units going at the highest setting recommended for "up to 3,000 square feet." My apartment is probably less than 1,000 square feet.]

Grateful for small blessings !

Truthfully, I had hoped for a speedy recovery after diagnosing my illness. I'm still sick--although I didn't sit on the back seat of the Church. I used lozenges to suppress the onset of a coughing spell. If you haven't already... please read Monday, February 9th "blog."

The first day of the rest of my life !!

~~~~ FIRST, PLEASE READ MONDAY, FEB. 9TH.
I'm so grateful to be able to type this message because, by the grace of God, I am not in the local hospital. I've just returned from a walk (3:15-4:45 PM) where I was almost attack by a large dog. Walking on a paved street, as I was adjacent to a home, the dog started barking and burst through the aluminum storm door with such impact it sounded like a bomb exploded (seriously!!). I expected to be mauled but the lady owner was right behind the dog and pulled it away!! PTL!! I went out "for a breath of fresh air" and got my heart pumping too!! Yes, I determined today that I would force myself to W-A-L-K and I-N-H-A-L-E and seriously approach recovery from ozone poisoning. -- This morning I walked to the laundry room several times doing two loads of laundry. -- The apartment door was open for about seven hours to "air out" my contaminated, humble abode. I'm exhausted, but so grateful for an answer to my health problem. Now I can focus on getting well.

===== Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 8:30 PM =====
A storm moved in so I didn't want to walk in the cold and wind. I'm coughing less... but I don't want to risk aggravating my labored breathing. I'm still taking the MucinexDM as an expectorant and cough suppressant. I didn't need eye drops for my previously insanely itchy eyes!! The front door was open for several hours (I wore a sweater to keep warm). I ironed yesterday's laundry and put away. I did more research on the Internet. I walked to the mailbox--and visited with a neighbor.

===== Thursday, February 12, 2009, 3:30 PM ======
I walked briskly for twenty minutes in a cold wind (it would have been warm except for the cold wind [ha!].) Earlier in the day I shopped for a few things (including a birthday card for my brother [see December 5, 2008].) Gratefully, I slept very well last night--and hated to get up this morning. My breathing is easier; I have less mucus and fewer coughing spells (fewer, but occasional and wrenching). I'm forcing myself to "do" although (honestly) my deepest desire is to crawl back into bed!! My mind is saying "do" while my body says "no." The front door is open (and I'm sitting here wearing a sweater and coat). C-O-U-N-T-I-N-G-- M-Y --B-L-E-S-S-I-N-G-S !! (Did you hear about that tornado that ripped through a community in Oklahoma??)

====== Friday, February 13, 2009, 10:30 AM ======
Still counting my blessings!! Now the grief of a plane crash near Buffalo, New York (without the miraculous ending of the plane landing on the Hudson River). I had a "rest less" night because I (intentionally) did not take MucinexDM when I went to bed (I don't like to take OTC or prescription drugs). Coughing..., itchy eyes..., I guess my body is not going to make an overnight recovery from the ozone poisoning!! I'm feeling guilt because so many things I should be "doing" and I haven't an ounce of energy!! Here's a question we'll never be able to answer: How much worse would I have been if I had not been taking MaxGXL (glutathione) and Max N-Fuze (nutritional supplement)?? Would I have eventually died if I hadn't found the answer on Monday??

===== Saturday, February 14, 2009, 10:30 AM ======
I slept very well last night--and didn't get up until 9:30!! "Inch by inch it's a cinch." Although recovery is slow, I know I'm feeling better BECAUSE I made an appointment for a hair cut (while extremely sick, I didn't care how long my hair grew). My stylist ask all the "How are you; what have you been doing?" questions. After hearing my story, she told me she had been suffering a bronchial infection since December and is on doctor-prescribed antibiotics. She knows I don't take prescription drugs and asked if there's any natural antibiotic. "Yes, Goldenseal" was my answer. Moments later I was in my local health food store buying Goldenseal. (I preceived that I have an infection requiring an antibiotic.)

I'm thrilled about the steady progression of information I'm receiving and the variety of sources (as I "doctor" myself). First: I read, and reread, about allergies in Prescription for Nutritional Healing (subtitle: A Practical A-to-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs & Food Supplements) by Phyllis A. Balch. Second: I made two trips to my far-away Holistic Medical Doctor for an expensive allergy test (and was told I had no allergies). Third: Less than two weeks ago, on NBC-TV "The Doctors", a segment about asthma (and truthfully I seldom watch "The Doctors"). So I read about asthma in Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Fourth: On Friday, February 6th, I asked the ladies at my local health food store if they could recommend a local medical doctor. They did... and I drove to the office immediately--only to learn that the doctor has a long waiting list. Fifth: My desperate search, and remarkable discovery, is documented on Monday, February 9th, when I researched asthma on the Internet. (There may have been another "step" along the information path. Those five came to mind as I write this at 11 AM Saturday morning. What a sweetheart of a Valentine's gift!!)

Never give up, n-e-v-e-r- -g-i-v-e- -u-p, NEVER GIVE UP!! Our body is a marvelous self-healing machine if we give it the right ingredients. I choose to follow a vegan diet; I take nutritional supplements. Best of all I believe in "the Great Physician," the Lord Jesus Christ, and I read the Bible (life's unequaled instruction manual). I'm not suggesting that the reader follow my example (to self prescribe and self diagnose). Remember, I have over thirty years experience following holistic health so pieces come together (like a jigsaw puzzle). Suddenly I had an urge to "preach" about holistic health but I'll sign off saying "e-mail me, or phone me, if you want a friend on your journey to recovery."

====== Sunday, February 15, 2009, 3:30 PM =======
Grateful for small blessings!! Truthfully, I had hoped for a speedy recovery after diagnosing my illness. I'm still sick--although I didn't sit on the back row of the Church. I used lozenges to suppress the onset of a coughing spell.

===== Tuesday, February 17, 2009, 10:30 AM ======
Is it good or bad that I just want to sleep? (I didn't get up until 9.) Is my body healing? Thankfully, less coughing, fewer sneezes, no itchy eyes!! But, oh, so tired!!

==== Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 11:30 AM =====
Didn't get up until 9:30. I haven't an ounce of energy!! I haven't been able to get outdoors for a walk because of inclement weather.

===== Thursday, February 19, 2009, 11:30 AM =====
I'm not complaining!! As promised, this is a running report regarding my recovery. I've just returned from two hours away from the apartment (a trip into town). I'm utterly exhausted!! I had a "rest less" night (maybe four hours total sleep). I won't walk because a cold wind after rain yesterday and last night. Zero visibility due to fog at 6 AM, and 43 degrees (not that I was "outside" at that hour, but I was awake watching the TV news).

====== Friday, February 20, 2009, 4:30 PM ======
Wide awake at 2:30 AM after only three hours of sleep!! I'm not inclined to take a sleeping pill!! I've spent the day trying to get connected to the Internet--and succeeded at 3 PM. The first e-mail message I opened has a dozen Maxine cartoons--and I appreciated the fact that I'm still able to laugh. See my Feb. 20th "blog."


===== Saturday, February 21, 2009, 4:00 PM ======
A better night's sleep. An hour walk in the middle of the afternoon as I combined grocery shopping and a little exercise. Returned home exhausted!! Now I'm enjoying a cup of all natural Good Earth (brand) Chai Vanilla Decaf tea. Yum! Something I've failed to document previously: I'm always cold; I think my body thermostat is not functioning properly. I'm warm in bed, under several comforters.

====== Sunday, February 22, 2009, 5:00 PM =======
Feeling better. Went to Church. Edited a document (re: Ozone Poisoning) that I will publish to the Internet.

===== Monday, February 23, 2009, 10:00 AM =======
I'm proofing, and editing, a document titled Indoor Ozone Poisoning from EcoQuest Ozone Generators. When it has all the corresponding "links" I will publish it to the Internet. I feel I owe it to the public to add my voice (as a nondescript private citizen) to the professional articles already available. See February 23rd blog.

===== Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 11:30 AM =======
Over twelve hours yesterday making certain the article was as close to perfect as humanly possible. Three hours this morning, and (although complicated) I believe I have published to the Internet.

==== Wednesday, February 25, 2009, 5:00 PM ======
With a heart, and mind, full of thankfulness, I'm pleased to report that I had a good night's sleep, AND six hours away from the apartment. I lingered a long time in Panera, reading a newspaper (with an infrequent cup of coffee); I shopped at Circuit City (going out of business sale); and I bought groceries at Sam's Club. Then I browsed a Thrift Shop with everything half-price. (I've always believed that Value Village had reasonable prices!! The store was packed with customers whereas Sam's parking lot was almost empty, and the patrons were few.) I'm tired but not "exhausted" as with many previous trips away from the apartment. I'm wanting to share my thankfulness with the reader. I appreciate the fact that you followed my narrative (and hopefully prayed for my recovery)!!

======= Monday, March 9, 2009, 9:30 AM ========
Today is the four week anniversary of my search for a solution to my health problem (see Feb. 9th). I'm so happy to report that I am feeling much better!! No more coughing, sneezing, and itchy eyes!! Occasional mucus but I no longer use the saline sinus rinse. I'm not using over-the-counter remedies, or prescription drugs; I'm using nutritional supplements and Goldenseal (natural antibiotic). As weather permits, I force myself to walk in the neighborhood. (Now I carry a long piece of pipe; see Feb. 10th, above.) Despite my lingering constant fatigue, exercise should restore my energy?!?! I appreciate the prayers, and messages expressing concern (with suggestions). Thank you!!

======= Monday, March 23, 2009, 9:30 AM ========
On this six-week-anniversary (recovery from acute ozone poisoning) I want to direct you to the very brief movie called "Finding Joy." Approximately three minutes of inspiring photographes, and beautiful music!! After you watch that... come back and click to experience the "Bless You" movie. Let me explain: I'm "finding so much joy" now that I'm feeling reasonably healthy again!! I feel so "blessed" and I want to extend those blessing to you. ~~ This past week I tackled a mountain of receipts, and statements, as I prepared my Turbo Tax Income Taxes. It is ready to e-File!! Two weeks ago that would have been physically and mentally impossible. I sincerely appreciate all the prayers for my recovery, and best wishes received.

Asthma and allergy

Just a note because I'm spending the day researching asthma on the Internet. I read about allergies, and asthma, previously (on the Internet) but that's as far as I went. So far, today, (after an hour) I'm very discour-aged because all the infor-mation is sponsored by pharmaceutical companies selling their prescription drugs. Allergy remedies from the health food store have not alleviated my suffering. What's a gal to do??
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(Much later.) E-U-R-E-K-A !! (That means "I found it!") I "knew" the problem was in my apartment; I attributed it to the cat I adopted six months ago (and subsequently sent to a new home). Yes, I believe I was allergic to the cat!! So I accelerated the advertised benefits of ionization and ozone by setting my EcoQuest purifiers at their highest level. Not just one air purifier, but two, at their highest level!!!! Read what I found on the Internet.

Ozone air purifiers: Can they improve asthma symptoms?

Question: My daughter has asthma. Would she benefit from an ozone air purifier in her room?

Mayo Clinic asthma and allergy specialist James Li, M.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer: Despite manufacturer's claims, ozone air purifiers don't remove particles from the air that may trigger asthma attacks. In fact, inhaled ozone can make asthma worse. [Bold color emphasis by Lorraine.]

Ozone generators sold as air purifiers intentionally produce the air pollutant ozone. The ozone molecule contains three atoms of oxygen. Two of these atoms form the basic oxygen molecule. The third atom can detach from the ozone molecule and reattach to molecules of other substances. This changes the chemical composition of the other substances—and forms the basis of manufacturer claims that ozone "purifies" the air. But inhaling ozone, even in small amounts, can irritate the lungs. [Bold color emphasis by Lorraine.] Specific effects may include throat irritation, coughing, chest pain and shortness of breath, as well as an increased risk of respiratory infections.

Some ozone air purifiers are made with an ion generator or "ionizer" in the same unit. You can also buy ionizers as separate units. Ionizers remove particles from the air, causing them to attach to nearby surfaces or to each other and settle out of the air — but they may generate unwanted ozone. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are more effective in removing allergens from the air, without posing any ozone concerns.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ I did all the right things, for all the right reasons: Vegan diet, filtered water, nutritional supplements, purified atmos-phere. I'm an EcoQuest distributor; I sold many air purifiers!! I believe in the effectiveness of the units!! I never suspected that "they" were the cause of my illness. Remember my comment about returning from the three day bus trip "feeling better"?? ~~~ Extenuating circumstances: If I had been employed...(and out of the apartment part of the day); if winter weather hadn't forced me indoors, etc., etc. The sicker I got the less I left the apartment!! Some days I didn't even walk to the mailbox. I spent the day at the computer--less than ten feet from the purifier cranking out maximum ozone. ~~~ "Yes" I have turned off the air purifiers and will keep the reader posted about my recovery. P.S. I'm not critical of the EcoQuest purifiers; I just experienced "too much of a good thing." To add insult to injury--"too much of a good thing"--there were times, when I was away from home, that I wore a Fresh Air "Buddy" Personal Air Purifier on a cord around my neck. I believed it was helping my labored breathing!!
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(Much, much later.) Indoor air purifiers produce dangerous levels of ozone.

Indoor air purifiers or ozone generators may pose a serious health risk to people who may be affected by ozone. A study revealed that running the air purifier at the top setting produced an ozone presence in the room that was the same as a stage one smog alert [bold color emphasis by Lorraine] which means that people are advised to avoid the outdoors. Even a medium setting on the purifier produce ozone levels above the California state standard. Of bigger concern is that air purifiers are particularly targeted at people with asthma and other respiratory problems but the ozone generated can make symptoms worse by damaging cell linings in nasal passages and lungs. High ozone levels can cause symptoms such as pain when breathing deeply, coughing and chest tightness. The purifiers claims to remove bacteria, mold and chemical contaminants and thus may benefit asthmatics are misleading. Source: summary of medical news story as reported by YubaNet.
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(8 P.M.; still researching.) A sad story regarding ozone poisoning . Totally unrelated to previous, and following, excerpts.

Ozone: Health Hazards and Precautionary Methods
7. The acute toxicity of ozone to man has long been recognised and is well documented. The symptomatic and clinical effects of ozone at various concentrations are summarised in Table 1. Ozone is irritant to mucous membranes of eyes and respirator tract, and high concentrations can cause pulmonary oedema.
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Handbook of Compressed Gases by Compressed Gas Association, page 566.
First Aid: Ozone poisoning should be treated symptomatically. This may include bed rest, analgesics to relieve pain, and antibiotics as prescribed by a doctor. Severe cases may require hospitalization and exhibit the following symptoms: dypsnea, cough, choking, tachycardia, vertigo, lowered blood pressure, cramps and chest pains. Recovery after severe acute ozone toxicity is slow. Up to 10 to 14 days of hospitalization may be required. Minimal residual symptoms may be present for up to nine months but the victim should completely recover.