can toxic chemicals damage my DNA?

Hello,

A genetic specialist would be able to tell you if toxic chemicals would have an effect on DNA.

What are you specifically trying to determine? If you can provide me with details, I may be better able to asnwer your question.

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I worked in a leaded gasoline oil refinery in 1974 & my right hand's fingertips went numb & my dr had a nerve conduction test done then ('74) & indeed there were delays in my right arm.

Now I'm 63 & triplegic, in an electric wheelchair.

I'm looking for a test that would see if the initial exposure to benzene, ethylene, lead etc. can seen on my DNA.

I have other signs of lead poisoning - sperm lack motility, some psychochemical-specific thinking problems,etc.

I don't know who to ask to test me.

Thanks,

Richard

Hi Richard,

Thanks for getting back to me. It appears your symptoms may be related to conditions which caused exposure on your job.

Have you discussed your situation with a personal injury attorney? Although a monetary settlement would never match having good health once again, I am willing to bet that you may be awarded compensation as a result of your medical condition.

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what kind of genetics specialist - what & where would I find one?

I trying to claim that my disability status right now (Kurtzke 8) was caused by this exposure.
I've got tons of other evidence, but need a CSI - TV show like testor. I know there are such places, but don't have the key search words to google.

yes yes yes I know that- millions

but what kind of test? I need a more specific answer - my neurologists think I'm nuts but they don't have a better (or any, really) answer.

Have you consulted an attorney? They have medical experts that they perform testing and provide evidence to show your claim is warranted. There would be no need to track a doctor down on your own, the attorney would orchestrate the details for you.

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I live in Vancouver, BC Canada, & attorneys I have contacted estimate around $100,000 in fees.

I have named Gulf Oil as the causative employer although I was working for an industrial cleaning company, cleaning their refinery here in Canada.

"Follow the money."

In my claim, I gave Gulf Oil's address in Delaware, USA, because they are the parent company.    


Are you aware of any similar claims or problems in the USA, which is where I assume you are?

Or any class action suits?

You are earning more than $15 but you really haven't given me anything I didn't know.

I m typing this with my left index as that is the only limb that works.

I'm just seeking justice.

You finally provided me information that I have found useful to provide you with some assistance. The legal systems works differently here in the US. Give me a chance to perform some research, please check back. Gulf oil is now owned by Chevron. I have several friends that work there, as the headquarters are in San Ramon, CA where I live. Let me see what I can find out.

It goes withiut saying that there are health risks associated within the industry.

http://www.aip.com.au/health/ohs.htm

http://annhyg.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/47/3/201

Edited by Two_Westies on August 12 2006 at 8:31pm

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Relist:
U guys r really good - & so much hangs on your info!

Relist: I still need help.

Here is some more info:

http://www.acdlabs.com/download/docs/gap.pdf

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still reading............but this is a test I can have done on me, right?

Yes, you can certainly be tested, bring the article to your doctor.

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Relist: I still need help.
But:

THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
G920, Detwiller Pavilion
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority – UBC Hospital
2211 Wesbrook Mall
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
V6T 2B5

Telephone: 604 822-5670
Fax: 604 822-7362
E-Mail: sadovnik@infinet.net

richardlong@telus.net                                      & nbsp;              October 5, 2006
:

Dear Mr. Long:

Re: MS & Genetic Testing

I was forwarded the following email via Vanessa Kay, Administrative Assistant
UBC Bioinformatics Centre:

“I'm writing from the UBC Bioinformatics Centre, where we received a call from a disabled man with MS seeking genetic testing to help him put in a Worker's Compensation claim.

Richard Long believes that his disability was caused from working with leaded gasoline in the 1970's. He believes that a genetic test will show damage to his DNA. He's looking for a place to do these tests, so he can get his Workers' Comp claims through.

He has heard of software that performs this kind of test, but can't find a lab to do the testing. The Vancouver General Hospital suggested he find a lab using the following DNA testing software:

Genetic Activity Profile 2000 EPA/IARC. The running title is EPA/IARC GAP 2000

I have asked around at the Bioinformatics Centre, but this is outside the area of our researchers' expertise, and we do not do testing here.

Richard's email is richardlong@telus.net Any information you can provide him would be welcome.”

I would like to address your questions.

As you probably know, there has been a lot of ongoing work trying to identify a gene (or genes) responsible for susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) and even the progress of MS. These studies have all been done on large groups of persons with MS, comparing them to groups of affected and unaffected biological relatives as well as to “control” affected and unaffected groups from the general matched populations. To date, nothing has been identified that is proven and replicated in different populations and studies. What this means is that there is no test available, either commercially or on a research basis, that can look at the DNA of a person with MS and identify whether or not that person’s DNA has any changes or “genetic damage” that can be related to the MS. Thus, the “Genetic Activity Profile 2000 EPA/IARC. The running title is EPA/IARC GAP 2000” is not appropriate in any way for your situation.

Epidemiological studies on MS have been conducted over a long period of time and again; no specific toxin has been identified. Thus, there are no data to link your MS with your work exposure to leaded gasoline.

Unfortunately, I cannot provide any additional information to help with your case. My suggestion is that you work closely with the physician managing your MS as he/she is the best informant about your ability, necessary to put in any claims. The physician will base the opinion on various aspects of disability including, but not limited to, mobility, vision, mood, and fatigue. If you are involved with a social worker, he/she may also be of help to you.

Please contact me if I can answer any further questions. Unfortunately, while we are learning more about MS, the puzzle is still a long way from being solved.

With best wishes,
Sincerely yours,


A. Dessa Sadovnick, Ph.D.
Professor
Department of Medical Genetics & Faculty of Medicine (Division of Neurology)
UBC
&
Principal Investigator
Canadian Collaborative Project on Genetic Susceptibility to MS

Relist: I still need help.