Appendix: A Review of Scientific Literature Supporting the Detoxification Method Developed by L. Ron Hubbard

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HUMAN DETOXIFICATION STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN ------ SEPTEMBER 11 & 12, 1997

I. Contamination With Synthetic Chemicals

III. The Detoxification Program Developed by L. Ron Hubbard

IV. Studies Regarding the Detoxification Program Developed by L. Ron Hubbard

STATEMENT BEFORE THE PRESIDENTIAL SPECIAL OVERSIGHT BOARD FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE INVESTIGATIONS OF GULF WAR CHEMICAL & BIOLOGICAL INCIDENTS THE HONORABLE WARREN B. RUDMAN, CHAIRMAN November 20, 1998

More Studies

 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN ------ SEPTEMBER 11 & 12, 1997

o PRESENTATION ABSTRACT o

Anatoly F. Tsyb, M.D., Ph.D.,
 Academician Director,
Medical Radiological Research Center
 Russian Academy of Medical Sciences
 Obninsk, Russia

The danger of self-destruction that has accompanied scientific and technical achievements in physics, chemistry, biology and medicine is perhaps the main paradox of the 20th century.

While atomic power offers solutions to fields ranging from energy production and medical care, it also produced the disasters at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and the largest industrial radiation accident in all history -Chernobyl.

Over the period from 27 April to mid-August 1986, about 116,000 members of the public were evacuated from their homes in the region around the Chernobyl facility. Increased amounts of radioiodine and radiocesium were registered in milk, meat, vegetables, and other foodstuffs at very large distances from the site. Radioactive material released to the atmosphere was widely dispersed and eventually deposited over a wide area of the surface of the Earth. Measurable levels of activity were found over practically the entire northern hemisphere.

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As a specific feature of the Chernobyl accident, the existence of two main radiological factors in affected population should be considered.

First, the radioiodine released delivered radiation doses to the thyroid gland. Iodine was absorbed into the bloodstream, generally by foodstuff ingestion and also by inhalation from the initial radioactive clouds. This material concentrated and accumulated in the thyroid gland resulting in damage to the gland. These absorbed doses were anticipated to be particularly high as compared with those for other organs, especially in children. The thyroid gland appeared to be a so-called "radioindicator of radiation action" in this period.

Second, the chronic intake of radionuclides, primarily cesium, over a period of many years has resulted in the continuous irradiation of internal organs with low doses. While the effects of these chronic exposures had been extensively studied earlier in animal experiments, this is the first time when science has been faced with the effects of such a vast range of low doses from incorporated radionuclides in man.

Medical consequences of the accident may be classified as follows:

1. Acute radiation effects: A total of 237 occupationally exposed individuals (nuclear plant personnel and fire fighters) were suspected to be suffering from clinical syndromes attributable to radiation exposure and were hospitalized. Acute radiation syndrome was diagnosed in 134 cases.

Of these 134 patients, 28 died as a consequence of radiation injuries.

2. Longer term radiation effects: These effects include a highly significant increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer among those persons in the affected areas who were children or adolescents in 1986, and thyroid cancer and leukemia in liquidators.

3. Longer term health effects not directly attributable to radiation exposure: There are flare-ups of chronic diseases, various psychosomatic disorders, suicides and other similar complaints among the exposed populations.

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The most pressing areas of investigation, posed by Chernobyl to scientists, can be summarized as follows:

1. epidemiological and clinical studies of long term effects induced by low doses of internal exposure;

2. investigations into the toxicology and pharmokinetics of radionuclides and the development of new methods for their elimination;

3. improved clinical diagnosis and treatment of psychological consequences among the exposed population and emergency workers;

4. countermeasures for radiation protection of the population, including a system of regular examination and medical rehabilitation of persons living on the contaminated territories.

In spite of the difficulties of the transitory period in Russia’s economics, between 1992 and 1995 the Government delivered the financial support equivalent to $3 billion (US) for measures aimed at alleviating the Chernobyl consequences. The World Health Organization, the European Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency, UNESCO, the governments of several countries, and international humanitarian foundations all provided scientific, technical and financial help for Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Chernobyl is a tragedy for people. At the same time, this tragedy has opened opportunities for more complete studies of the health effects of radiation and to develop techniques of assessment and prognosis that are important for all mankind. A significant portion of the electric power all over the world is producing at nuclear power plants. Large population groups are receiving increased radiation exposure due to the widespread effects of radiation sources in medicine, radiation accidents, and previous nuclear weapon tests. Investigation of the health consequences of Chernobyl has resulted in higher medical preparedness for possible future accidents, as well as in better understanding of the nature of the biological effects of ionizing radiation. These lessons and experience will be used by all mankind.

We are looking for new approaches to medical rehabilitation of persons affected by radiation as a result of the Chernobyl accident. That is why we support scientific research into detoxification in Russia. In addition, we strongly believe that the data obtained by our scientists will be also useful for other problems covered by this Conference.

I. Contamination With Synthetic Chemicals

Human exposure to toxic chemicals has dramatically increased in the last century. Millions of compounds have been formulated and some 70,000 are now in commercial use. The environmental persistence of many of these compounds is cause for concern. In addition, many of these synthetic compounds accumulate in biological organisms ("bioaccumulation"), storing in bone, fat, or another compartment of the body.

Hundreds of these compounds are found in U.S. citizens, with many present in each of us (1). In addition to commercial compounds, many drugs—both pharmaceutical and so called recreational—can remain in the body for an extended time. Drugs such as LSD (2,3), PCP (4), cocaine (5), marijuana (6) and diazepam (7) are found in fat. These drugs can be retained for extended periods, especially under conditions of chronic use (5,8-11).

Adverse health effects have been shown for some of these compounds. Health effects from most compounds have not, however, been studied in detail. Further, the health effects from combinations of chemicals are unknown. It is clearly preferable to have low levels of foreign compounds rather than high.

While we still do not fully understand the bio-active mechanisms or the kinetics of many toxic substances, physicians have known for centuries that health problems can ensue as a result of accumulations of xenobiotics (foreign chemicals) and have looked for ways to safely and effectively reduce body burdens.

Ramazzini, in his 1713 work, Diseases of Workers, notes that writers of works on poisons at that time "advise, in general, remedies that have the power of setting the spirits and blood mass in motion and of provoking sweat" (12), a recommendation which aligns well with current knowledge of the kinetics and metabolism of foreign compounds.

Approaches to handling bioaccumulation of harmful chemicals depend on increasing the rate of removal of these compounds. This is accomplished by either altering the compound to a non-toxic form or by enhancing the rate of elimination.

This philosophy has been applied in many ways. In acute poisoning, purging is a key means of removing the toxic compound before adverse effects arise. For this reason, a strong purgative is included in the highly toxic pesticide, paraquat.

Ingestion of compounds known to bind to the contaminating compound has been used in some cases. This increases the rate of removal of the toxic compound because it cannot be reabsorbed as it passes through the intestine. In this manner,

cholestyramine was successfully used to reduce levels of Kepone (13), and Prussian blue was used to reduce levels of radio-active cesium (14).

A fasting technique has been used to enhance the mobilization of fat-stored compounds. This approach resulted in improved symptoms in 16 PCB-exposed Taiwanese patients (15), although the levels of PCBs in the blood of these patients increased.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA) has been used for many years in the treatment of lead toxicity. EDTA binds to lead and other compounds in the blood, the resultant complex then being eliminated. (16,17)

Reduction of fat-stored chemicals must be aimed at mobilizing chemicals from fat stores, distributing the mobilized chemical to routes of elimination, and increasing the rate at which these routes are utilized. This is the design behind the detoxification procedure developed by Hubbard.

III. The Detoxification Program Developed by L. Ron Hubbard

This program was designed to mobilize and enhance the elimination of fat-stored xenobiotics. The Hubbard program was specifically developed to reduce levels of drug residues but has proven to be applicable to the reduction of other fat stored compounds. The program has gained widespread support due to its effectiveness and the fact that it is well supported by the medical literature. Each component of the program is in alignment with current research on the mobilization of fat stores and the facilitation of toxin elimination.

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The components of this program are:

Fat is stored throughout the body, with significant deposits not only in adipose tissue but in cellular reserves, membranes, etc. Exercise is aimed at both promoting deep circulation in the tissues and enhancing the turnover of fats.

Numerous studies have shown that exercise promotes the circulation of blood to tissues (18) and also promotes mobilization of lipid from storage depots (19-24).

Mobilization of fat stores is accompanied by mobilization of the toxins stored in the fatty tissue (25-27).

Mobilization of chemicals is not desirable if routes of elimination are not enhanced. Chemicals are excreted through many routes including feces, urine, sweat, sebum, and lung vapor.

The purposes of the sauna aspect of this program are twofold.

Heat stress is a means of increasing circulation (28) and of enhancing the elimination of compounds through both sweat and sebum. It is documented that methadone (29), amphetamines (30), methamphetamines and morphine (31), copper (32), mercury (33), additional metals (34) and other compounds appear in human sweat. Enhancement of this elimination route is a key purpose of the sauna aspect of this program.

In addition to an increase in sweat production, increased body temperature results in heightened production of sebum, the material produced by the skin's sebaceous glands (35). In patients exhibiting "chloracne," a specific skin disorder caused by chemical exposure, the causative compounds may be detected both in adipose tissue and in sebum of the skin (Though not a major route of elimination for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), PCBs may be found in sebum of exposed individuals (37). Both the concentration of PCBs and the quantity of sebum produced have been shown to increase during the detoxification program developed by Hubbard (38).

Niacin

Effects of specific vitamins are utilized as well. Niacin has long-term effect of reducing the mobilization of fatty acids (39). However, the initial reduction in mobilized fatty acids following a single dose is followed by a transitory increase free fatty acid mobilization (40,41).

Mobilization of free fatty acids by other mechanisms has been shown to result in concurrent mobilization of the fatstored chemicals (26,27). This also appears to occur during this detoxification program. The increased turnover of fat results in mobilization of fat-stored chemicals and the opportunity to eliminate them from the body.

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Polyunsaturated Oils

One means of excretion of chemicals is through the bile.

However, such bile excretion results in elevated levels of chemicals in the intestine, providing an opportunity for reabsorption of these compounds (42,43). It has been known for many years that addition of unsaturated oils to the diet can increase the excretion rate of certain compounds. This is due either to blocking the reabsorption of the chemical or to altering the rate at which the compound is excreted (45).

Supplementation with unsaturated fats also affects the content of the stored adipose tissue (45). Apparently, as the stored fats are mobilized and restored, the dietary supplements replace some of the mobilized fats so that an exchange is effected.

Vitamin Supplementation

Vitamin and mineral supplementation is included for several reasons. Replacement of vitamins and minerals lost through sweating is one reason. Correction of any deficiencies is necessary as well.

Extensive sweating is a component of this program. As significant levels of vitamins and minerals appear in sweat, their loss through sweating could create deficiencies were they not replaced.

Deficiencies may already be present. Specific vitamin, mineral and amino acid deficiencies are known consequences alcohol and drug abuse, due either to poor nutrition or to action of the drugs themselves (46-48). PCB poisoning in animals has been shown to result in a significant decrease vitamin A in the liver and serum (49,50).

Further, research in animals has demonstrated that vitamin deficiencies retard the metabolism of drugs (51). Changes nutrient levels, with consequent adverse effects on metabolism, may occur with other chemicals as well.

Supplementation with vitamins is anticipated to assist the individual in several ways. Such supplementation will certainly assist in correction of nutritional deficiencies. It might also be expected to aid in the metabolism of chemicals.

This is a logical necessity during any extended period of sweating. In addition to liquid supplementation, sodium, potassium, calcium-magnesium solution and cell salts are taken on an individual basis. Patients undergoing this detoxification program are monitored to ensure signs of heat exhaustion or salt depletion do not appear.

E. Regular diet supplemented with plenty of fresh vegetables:

This program is not a dietary program. The only change in diet required by patients on this program is that they eat plenty of fresh vegetables. This ensures that bowel movements remain regular.

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F. A properly ordered personal schedule which provides the personwith the normally required amount of sleep:

The detoxification program is intensive. The mobilization and elimination of stored chemicals can put a stress on the individual's body. Therefore, it is imperative that individuals ensure that they are well-rested during the program.

IV. Studies Regarding the Detoxification Program Developed by L. Ron Hubbard

An initial study of 103 individuals demonstrated the safety of this program. Medical complications associated with the program occurred in less than 3 percent of the individuals and were minor in nature. There was one case of pneumonia, one of ear infection, and one case of diarrhea during the approximately three weeks of program delivery. Reductions in blood pressure and cholesterol were benefits of the program.

The program also resulted in improvements in psychological test scores. (52)

This program is designed to mobilize and eliminate fat stored chemicals. During any such program in which xenobiotics are deliberately mobilized from fat stores, it is important that elimination keep pace with this mobilization process.

Otherwise it is possible that mobilization will result in heightened blood concentrations of the mobilized compounds.

Blood levels of chemicals were monitored in a study of electrical workers conducted by Schnare & Robinson (53). They showed that blood levels of both PCBs and pesticides were fairly consistent over the course of treatment. Thus, elimination of compounds appeared to keep pace with their mobilization during this study.

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B. Results of Detoxification

The detoxification method developed by Hubbard has been shown to reduce levels of several fat-stored chemicals. Studies of this method have focused on individuals who have accumulated fat-soluble compounds through either occupational or environmental exposure.

In 1983, Roehm reported reductions in DDE and PCBs and clearing of symptoms in a Vietnam vet with a range of symptoms (54).

A 1984 study demonstrated statistically significant reductions of from 10.1 to 65.9 percent for sixteen fat-stored compounds.

The compounds tested included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and chlorinated pesticides. The study population had been specifically exposed to PBBs approximately 10 years prior to treatment.

Reductions in PBBs were 58.7 percent (p<0.05) when treated with the Hubbard method. (55) According to independent evaluation, the chemical levels for PBBs had not reduced during the five years prior to treatment (56).

In a controlled study, electrical workers exposed to hexachlorobenzene (HCB), PCBs and other compounds, were treated with the Hubbard method. Statistically significant reductions of 30 percent for HCB and 16 percent for PCBs were observed. These reductions were stable at follow-up observations 3 months subsequent to treatment. (53)

Further documentation of PCB reduction was reported in the case of a female factory worker from Yugoslavia. Her excessive PCB levels (102 mg/kg in adipose and 512 µg/L in serum—approximately 50 times higher than the general population) were reduced by 63 percent in adipose and 49 percent in serum following treatment. In addition, a spontaneous breast discharge containing PCBs ceased during treatment.

This woman’s symptoms also improved over the course of treatment. (38)

Improvements in this woman led to a controlled study of a group of male co-workers. Again, reductions in PCB levels were observed and improvements in symptoms noted for the group treated with the Hubbard method (57,58).

As the number of toxic chemicals in the workplace increases, it is sometimes difficult to identify the exact nature of a toxicant. Such was the case for a woman exposed to both the residues trapped in filters from the exhaust stacks of an oil fired electrical generator and the contaminated water used to clean these filters. She became ill following six months of such exposure and was unable to work. During treatment with the Hubbard method a black substance began oozing from her pores. This abated late in treatment. Both her objective and subjective complaints were reduced following treatment and she was able to return to work. (59)

Firefighters are often exposed to toxic compounds in the course of their work. Such was the case for a group of firefighters responding to a fire involving transformers filled with PCBs. Several of these men became ill following the fire.

Neurophysiological and neuropsychological tests were conducted on 14 of these firefighters six months after the fire.

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This battery of 22 tests demonstrated that the firefighters who had been involved with the fire were significantly impaired in both memory and cognitive functions when compared to co-workers from the same department who had not participated in fighting this fire. (Scores for 13 of the 22 tests were significantly worse in the exposed firefighters.)

Following treatment with the detoxification method developed by Hubbard, significant improvements in 6 of the 13 tests originally showing impairment were noted. (60)

These firefighters were also tested for peripheral nerve damage.

Five of the 17 firefighters tested showed significant peripheral neuropathy. All showed improvement following treatment with the Hubbard method, with two of the five returning to normal range. (61)

Many people have experienced adverse health effects after exposure to compounds whose identity is unknown. The detoxification program has been shown effective in alleviating symptoms in such patients. In one study, the selected patient population reported symptom profiles prior to treatment that were in alignment with chemically exposed individuals reported by other authors (not statistically different).

Following treatment, their symptom profiles had improved significantly and were now not significantly different from a healthy population. (62)

This body of peer-reviewed literature substantiates the effectiveness of the Hubbard program in reducing levels of foreign compounds stored in fat and in improving the symptom profiles of chemically exposed individuals. Health benefits of this program are not limited to symptomatic improvements. In the case of documented impairments in neurological function, these impairments were shown by two independent approaches to be significantly improved by detoxification treatment.

This program has proven to be a safe and effective addition to clinical practice. As the quantity and variety of chemicals employed in our society increase, it can be expected that this program will become increasingly relevant.

Compiled August, 1991 by the Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education.

2. Axelrod J, Brady RO, Witkop B and Evarts EV (1957) The distribution and metabolism of lysergic acid diethylamide. Ann NY Acad Sci 66:435-444.

3. Stolman A (1974) The absorption, distribution, and excretion of drugs and poisons and their metabolites. In: Progress in Chem Tox, Vol. 5, A Stolman, ed., Academic Press, pp 1-99.

4. James SH and Schnoll SH (1976) Phencyclidine: Tissue distribution in the rat. Clin Tox 9:573-582.

6. Rodger L. Foltz, Ph.D., Personal communication.

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7. Friedman H, Ochs HR, Greenblatt DJ and Shader RI (1985) Tissue distribution of diazepam and its metabolite desmethyldiazepam: A human autopsy study. J Clin Pharmacol 25:613-615.

8. Dackis CA, Pottash ALC, Annitto W and Gold MS (1982) Persistence of urinary marijuana levels after supervised abstinence. Am J Psychiatry 139:1196-1198.

9. Martin BR (1982) Long-term disposition of phencyclidine in mice.  Drug Metabolism and Disposition 10:189-193.

10. Weiss RD (1988) Protracted elimination of cocaine metabolites in long-term, high-dose cocaine abusers. Amer J Med 85:879-880.

11. Cone EJ and Weddington Jr. WW (1989) Prolonged occurrence of cocaine in human saliva and urine after chronic use. J Analytical Toxicol 13:65-68.

12. Ramazzini, B (1713) Diseases of Workers, New York Academy of Medicine, History of Medicine Series, Vol. 23, Hafner Publishing Co., New York, 1964.

14. Ricks R et al. (1989) The Radiological Accident in Goiania, Unipub Publications, Lanham, MD. (Reported by Hixson JR in Medical Tribune, Thursday, September 22, 1988)

15. Imamura M, Tung T-C (1984) A trial of fasting cure for PCB poisoned patients in Taiwan. Am J Ind Med 5:147-153.

16. Chisolm Jr. JJ (1968) The use of chelating agents in the treatment of acute and chronic lead intoxication in childhood. J Pediatrics 73:1-38.

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17. Wedeen RP, Batuman V and Landy E (1983) The safety of the EDTA lead-mobilization test. Env Research 30:58-62.

19. Friedberg SJ, Harlan Jr. WR, Trout DL, Estes Jr. EH (1960) The effect of exercise on the concentration and turnover of plasma nonesterified fatty acids. J Clin Invest 39:215.

20. Carlson LA and Pernow B (1961) Studies on blood lipids during exercise.  J Lab and Clin Med 58:673-681.

23. Taylor AW, Shoemann DW, Lovlin R and Lee S (1971) Plasma free fatty acid mobilization with graded exercise. J Sports Med 11:234-240.

24. Wirth A, Schlierf G and Schetler G (1979) Physical activity and lipid metabolism. Klin Wochenshri 57:1195.

25. Findlay GM and de Freitas ASW (1971) DDT movement from adipocyte to muscle cell during lipid utilization. Nature 229:63.

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26. de Freitas AS and Norstrom RJ (1974) Turnover and metabolism of polychlorinated biphenyls in relation to their chemical structure and the movement of lipids in the pigeon. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 52:1081-1094.

28. Seba DB (1990) Thermal chamber depuration: A perspective on man in the sauna. Clinical Ecology 7:1-12.

29. Henderson GL and Wilson BK (1973) Excretion of methadone and metabolites in human sweat. Res Comm Chem Path & Pharmac 5:1-8.

30. Vree TB, Muskens ATJM, and Van Rossum JM (1972) Excretion of amphetamines in human sweat. Arch Int Pharmacodyn 199:311-317.

31. Ishiyama I, Nagai T, Nagai T, Komuro E, Momose T and Akimori N (1979) The significance of drug analysis of sweat in respect to rapid screening for drug abuse. Z Rechtsmed 82:251-256.

32. Sunderman Jr. FW, Hohnadel DC, Evenson MA, Wannamaker BB and Dahl DS (1974) Excretion of copper in sweat of patients with Wilson's disease during sauna bathing. Ann Clinic Lab Sci 4:407.

35. Abe T, Mayuzumi J, Kikuchi, Arai S (1980) Seasonal variations in skin temperature, skin pH, evaporative water loss and skin surface lipid values on human skin. Chem Pharm Bull 28:387-392.

36. Kimbrough RD (1974) The toxicity of polychlorinated polycyclic compounds and related chemicals. CRC Critical Rev Toxicol 2:445-499.

43. Parker RJ, Hirom PC and Millburn P (1980) Enterohepatic recycling of phenolphthalein, morphine, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and diphenylacetic acid in the rat. Hydrolysis of glucuronic acid conjugates in the gut lumen. Xenobiotica 10:689-703.

44. Moore RB, Anderson JT, Taylor HL, Keys A and Frantz ID (1968) Effect of dietary fat on the fecal excretion of cholesterol and its degradation products in man. J Clinical Investigation 47:1517-1534.

45. Shepherd J, Stewart JM, Clark JG and Carr K (1980) Sequential changes in plasma lipoproteins and body fat composition during polyunsaturated fat feeding in man. Br J Nutr 44:265-271.

46. Bonjour JP (1980) Vitamins and Alcoholism. Internat J Vit Nutr Res 50:215-230;307- 338; 51:166-177.

48. Roe, DA (1984) Nutrient and drug interactions. Nutrition Reviews 42:141-154.

49. Innami S, Nakamura A, Miyazaki M, Nagayama S and Nishide E (1977) Further studies on the reduction of vitamin A content in the livers of rats given polychlorinated biphenyls. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 22:409-418.

50. Kato N, Kato M, Kimura T and Yoshida A (1978) Effect of dietary addition of PCB, DDT or HGT and dietary protein on vitamin A and cholesterol metabolism. Nutr Rep Int 18:437-445.

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51. Brin M and Roe D (1979) Drug-diet interactions. J Florida M A 66:424-428.

52. Schnare DW, Denk G, Shields M and Brunton S (1982) Evaluation of a detoxification regimen for fat stored xenobiotics. Med Hyp 9:265-282.

53. Schnare DW and Robinson PC (1986) Reduction of human body burdens of hexachlorobenzene and polychlorinated biphenyls. In Hexachlorobenzene: Proceedings of an International Symposium, CR Morris and JRP Cabral, eds., International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, pp 597-603.

54. Roehm D (1983) Effects of a program of sauna baths and megavitamins on adipose DDE and PCBs and on clearing of symptoms of Agent Orange (dioxin) toxicity. Clin Res 31(2):243a.

55. Schnare DW, Ben M and Shields MG (1984) Body burden reductions of PCBs, PBBs and chlorinated pesticides in human subjects. Ambio 13:378-380.

56. Wolff MS, Anderson HA and Selikoff IJ (1982) Human tissue burdens of halogenated aromatic chemicals in Michigan. JAMA 247:2112-2116.

60. Kilburn KH, Warsaw RH and Shields MG (1989) Neurobehavioral dysfunction in firemen exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs):  Possible improvement after detoxification. Arch Env Health 44:345-350.

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN ------ SEPTEMBER 11 & 12, 1997

o PRESENTATION ABSTRAC

As a specific feature of the Chernobyl accident, the existence of two main radiological factors in affected population should be considered.

First, the radioiodine released delivered radiation doses to the thyroid gland. Iodine was absorbed into the bloodstream, generally by foodstuff ingestion and also by inhalation from the initial radioactive clouds. This material concentrated and accumulated in the thyroid gland resulting in damage to the gland. These absorbed doses were anticipated to be particularly high as compared with those for other organs, especially in children. The thyroid gland appeared to be a so-called "radioindicator of radiation action" in this period.

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Second, the chronic intake of radionuclides, primarily cesium, over a period of many years has resulted in the continuous irradiation of internal organs with low doses. While the effects of these chronic exposures had been extensively studied earlier in animal experiments, this is the first time when science has been faced with the effects of such a vast range of low doses from incorporated radionuclides in man.

Medical consequences of the accident may be classified as follows:

1. Acute radiation effects: A total of 237 occupationally exposed individuals (nuclear plant personnel and fire fighters) were suspected to be suffering from clinical syndromes attributable to radiation exposure and were hospitalized. Acute radiation syndrome was diagnosed in 134 cases.  Of these 134 patients, 28 died as a consequence of radiation injuries.

2. Longer term radiation effects: These effects include a highly significant increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer among those persons in the affected areas who were children or adolescents in 1986, and thyroid cancer and leukemia in liquidators.

3. Longer term health effects not directly attributable to radiation exposure: There are flare-ups of chronic diseases, various psychosomatic disorders, suicides and other similar complaints among the exposed populations. The most pressing areas of investigation, posed by Chernobyl to scientists, can be summarized as follows:

1. epidemiological and clinical studies of long term effects induced by low doses of internal exposure;

2. investigations into the toxicology and pharmokinetics of radionuclides and the development of new methods for their elimination;

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3. improved clinical diagnosis and treatment of psychological consequences among the exposed population and emergency workers;

4. countermeasures for radiation protection of the population, including a system of regular examination and medical rehabilitation of persons living on the contaminated territories.

In spite of the difficulties of the transitory period in Russia’s economics, between 1992 and 1995 the Government delivered the financial support equivalent to $3 billion (US) for measures aimed at alleviating the Chernobyl consequences. The World Health Organization, the European Commission, the International Atomic Energy Agency, UNESCO, the governments of several countries, and international humanitarian foundations all provided scientific, technical and financial help for Russia, Belarus and Ukraine.

Chernobyl is a tragedy for people. At the same time, this tragedy has opened opportunities for more complete studies of the health effects of radiation and to develop techniques of assessment and prognosis that are important for all mankind. A significant portion of the electric power all over the world is producing at nuclear power plants. Large population groups are receiving increased radiation exposure due to the widespread effects of radiation sources in medicine, radiation accidents, and previous nuclear weapon tests. Investigation of the health consequences of Chernobyl has resulted in higher medical preparedness for possible future accidents, as well as in better understanding of the nature of the biological effects of ionizing radiation. These lessons and experience will be used by all mankind.

We are looking for new approaches to medical rehabilitation of persons affected by radiation as a result of the Chernobyl accident. That is why we support scientific research into detoxification in Russia. In addition, we strongly believe that the data obtained by our scientists will be also useful for other problems covered by this Conference.

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Source

A. M. Diakova, Ph.D., I. K. Tlepshukov, Ph.D.
Medical Radiological Research Center
Obninsk, Russia.

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Biochemical parameters of blood serum were studied for two groups of patients who underwent the Hubbard detoxification program. For both groups, examinations were performed before the treatment and one day after the conclusion of the course of treatment. In addition, in the second group, biochemical parameters were determined at the midpoint of treatment.

The following stable after-effects of detoxification were registered: an increase of conjugated bilirubin, a reduction of glucose and triglycerol levels, and the reduction of Ggt activity.

The above-mentioned changes appeared in the middle of the detoxification program and continued until its completion.

For the first group, several specific changes were noted: an increase of the amount of albumin in serum; a two-fold increase of KPK-activity, and a reduction of potassium.

For the second group of patients the changes demonstrated an opposite behaviour, which permits the categorization of the results for this group as more successful.

However, for the second group it was noted that the amount of serum in urine was increased (P=0.01). In general, with rare exceptions, all the changes were within the limits of normal physiological levels for each test.

Source

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R.S. Zhaparkhanova, MD,
B.A. Ospanova, MD
Center of Detoxification of Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the detoxification programme has been carried out since January 1996. In Almaty, 88 persons have been treated according to the Hubbard regimen.

Ten of these patients, men between 30-45 years old, were liquidators (involved in cleanup operations) of the accident at the Chernobyl Atomic Power Station (ChAP). Their average doe of received irradiation was calculated as 25-17 ber. Twenty-five percent of the patients were inhabitants of large industrial centers and the Semipalatinsk nuclear tests zone.

Beginning with the first day on the program, after the receipt of B-complex, the Chernobyl liquidators experienced a niacin-induced reaction marked by red patches on the skin and burning pain. Only one did not manifest this redness or other skin reactions, but his restimulations (re-experiencing of physical and emotional sensations associated with exposure), involving all organs and systems were very marked. The programme for him lasted for 33 days.

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Restimulations experienced by the ChAPS accident liquidators manifested as weakness, shortness of breath, headache, giddiness, bad sleeping and depression, marked pains in bones, joints, the backbone and in internal organs, i.e. cardia, liver and kidneys. All liquidators undergoing detoxification programme felt extreme giddiness, shivering, sickness, diarrhea, bone ache and significant discomfort.

Most of the other patients originated from the capital of Kazakhstan, where ecological situation was more favorable. These patients passed the programme of detoxification less suffering from pain, with insignificant manifestations and without expressed reaction caused by niacin.

The most notable peculiarity of the detoxification programme was that 25% of the patients, who lived in the zone of nuclear tests and large industrial centers, had the same clinical showings as the liquidators of the Chernobyl accident. This is evidence of the difficult ecological situation in the industrial centers of Kazakhstan. All of the patients completed the programme successfully. IQ increased by 10 units on average, with the patients reporting a sense of cheerfulness, lightness and renewed energy.

Source

A. E. Kondrashov, Ph.D.,
D.V. Petin, Ph.D.
Medical Radiological Research Center
Obninsk, Russia.
J. G. Barnes,
Certified Health Physicist
Foundation for Advancement in Science and Education
Los Angeles, California, USA

The study on the effectiveness of the detoxification program action on the rate of Cs-137 elimination from the human body was performed in the Medical Radiological Research Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences (MRRC RAMS) in 1996.

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Two patient groups consisting of males aged 20-40 years of age took part in the program.

The first group included 12 persons, the second group contained 18 persons. Of the 30 persons selected for the program, 22 participated in the Cesium screening procedures.

The following measurements were taken during the evaluation. The clothing of all participants was screened for surface radioactive contamination to ensure that anomalous results were not produced by contaminated clothing or personal effects.

Basic radiological measurements for the groups consisted of the following:

o Radiological characterization of food samples provided by the participants

o Daily measurements of Cs-137 in each patient, using the MRRC RAMS whole body counting system (3’’ X 3’’ NaI(Tl) scintillator connected to a Canberra Multichannel Analyzer positioned over the chest).

o Measurements of Cs-137 in each patient, using the MRRC RAMS whole body counting system (3’’ X 3’’ NaI(TI) scintillator connected to a Canberra Multichannel Analyzer positioned over the chest).

According to the scientific literature, Cesium-137 is eliminated from the human body at a predictable rate (consisting of a short-term exponential retention component of about 2 days and a long-termed component of about 100 days). Personnel were not started on the detoxification protocol for approximately 7 - 10 days. As a result, the short-term component was allowed to be removed from the body prior to the start of the program. In addition, the daily WBC measurements could be used to establish a natural elimination rate for each individual for the long-termed component. Any variations in elimination rates induced by the protocol could then be determined by comparison to the pre-detox period. Each patient could then be used as his own control, thus the constitution of a dedicated control group was not required. In addition to comparison to control values determined during the study, comparison to the predicted cesium elimination rates promulgated by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) was used as an additional verification of the cesium elimination behavior.

Group 1 Results

The results of measurement with the WBC facility during the first examination stage showed that, in the majority of patients, the long-term elimination half-life was in good agreement with published data. Evaluation of the data following the completion of the detox program suggests that no significant increase in the elimination rates of Cesium-137 was provided by the detox protocol. The activity of Cesium-137 in urine was found to be in general agreement with the levels that would be expected from natural excretion processes in the body (based on data analysis using the Intake Retention Fraction (IRF) method of NuReg/CR-4884. Though the focus of this trial was on Cesium-137 levels, it should be noted that a number of significant improvements in the physical and mental condition of the participants resulted from the detoxification regimen.

Group 2 Results

It was speculated that the Cesium in the first group of patients had mobilized, but had not been eliminated. In order to further study the behavior of the cesium in the body, the following tests were added to the second test protocol:

It was speculated that a significant amount of cesium had been excreted in sweat.

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Accordingly, Cs-137 content in sweat excreted during the sauna period was measured for the five patients with the largest measured body burden.

Cesium is highly soluble in body fluids, and tends to be retained in the muscles. To determine if the pooling behavior was being affected, five patients in the second group with the highest body burdens had measurments taken of the thigh muscle tissues using a 3’’X3’’ NaI(Tl) scintillator connected to a multi-channel analyzer.

The sampling and counting schedule was also changed in the second group. Three stages were defined and characterized:

Control (about 7 days)

Detoxification (about 14 days)

Post Detoxification (about 1-3 days)

The duration of the first period permitted the partial elimination of the short-termed component of the retained cesium; a longer period would have been needed to fully eliminate this component. Nevertheless, the control data was sufficient to obtain a reasonable estimate of the rate of elimination for comparison to the detoxification stage. These comparisons did not establish a significant acceleration of cesium elimination. Similarly, the counting of the thigh muscles did not reveal a significant mobilization of cesium within the body.

Measurable levels of cesium were found in the sweat samples. While these levels do not appear to correlate with urine levels, there is some evidence to suggest that levels of cesium in urine decrease when increased cesium levels are present in sweat.

As in the first group, significant improvements ere noted in the physical and mental conditons of those who completed the program.

Further Research

All participants in these trials experienced substantial self-reported benefits from the protocol. Yet it appears that the metabolism of cesium is more complex than originally assumed.

Further examination of means to accelerate its displacement are warranted. Previous studies regarding the Hubbard detoxification program have noted an increased rate of elimination of foreign chemicals weeks and even months after completion of the formal protocol. It is unknown at this time whether a similar delayed response might occur in regard to Cs-137.

Source

G. I. Sazhenin, Ph.D.,
E. M. Parshkov, MD
Medical Radiological Research Center
Obninsk, Russia

The functional activity of blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes and integral antioxidative activity of plasma were measured using ultra-weak light fluxes emitted by these biosystems during metabolism chemoluminescence). Comparisons of these cellular behaviors were obtained by testing performed at the beginning, the middle, and upon conclusion of treatment.

For the majority of patients treated with the detoxification method developed by Hubbard (28 males aged from 20 to 40), it was established that the initial levels of antioxidative activity (AOA) and functional activity of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PML), the total amount of blood leukocytes, and the percentage of PML among them were within the limits of normal physiological standards.

For patients with initially deviated levels of the above parameters, detoxification normalized these parameters by the end of the course of treatment.

For almost all patients an increase in the resources of the phagocytic system, an improvement in the antioxidative status of the individual, and increased cleanliness of the internal media were noted. This strongly indicates a general improvement of the organism and an increase in its resistance to environmental challenges as the result of detoxification treatment.

In future studies, testing to estimate disturbances in the oxidative metabolism of the organism and to detect any imbalances of the POL-AOA system in blood serum should include biophysical methods (i.e., chemoluminescence, fluorescence probes, and spectrophotometry).

Source

B. P. Surinov, MD,
 V. G. Isaeva, Ph.D.
Medical Radiological Research Center
Obninsk, Russia

The content of basic types of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, Iga) in blood serum and heterophilic normal antibodies to rabbit red cells were determined at different stages of detoxification using the Hubbard protocol. In addition, thymus function was estimated using thermometry of patients' skin zones physiologically linked with this organ (through the use of a special electronic thermometer developed in Russia).

The results indicate that the program of detoxification improves the condition of the immune system. This improvement appears more distinctly during the course of detoxification. The immune parameters of patients who entered the treatment with a disturbed immunity returned to a normalized condition. Positive effects appeared to continue after completion of the course of treatment. Long-term effects of the detoxification treatment have not been measured.

As the immune system of persons living in contaminated territories needs constant attention, it is desirable to increase the number of patients included in follow-up studies. It should be of interest also to study the long-term effects of detoxification by enlarging the monitored parameters and assessing the frequency of infectious diseases.

Source

E. M. Parshkov, MD,
G. M. Symakova, Ph.D.,
S. F. Trofimova, Ph.D.
I. V. Semenkova, Ph.D,
N. V. Bocharova, Ph.D.
Medical Radiological Research Center
Obninsk, Russia

Measurement of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, TTG) was performed using an immunofluorescence analyser ( "AMERSHAM", England) and Ameriline kits ("Amercard" Kô). ATTG and MAT were measured with the kits "Eritrognost-ThyrGlob" and "Eritrognost-Thyreo", SRK "IMREX" (Obninsk, Russia).

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The test results demonstrated that in patients of the first (18.06.96-18.07.96) and of the second (18.09.96 - 18.10.96) treatment groups, antibodies to thyreoglobulines (ATTG) and microsomal fraction of thyreosytes were within the limits of physiological standards at the time of admission into the MRRC clinic. These parameters did not change during the adaptation period (two weeks).

At the completion of the detoxification program devised by Hubbard, a significant increase of TTG in blood was registered in practically all patients. There was no regular pattern in the changes noted in values of FT3, FT4, ATTG and MAT.

Twenty days following completion of the treatment all measured parameters of the functional state of the thyroid systems had normal values.

In comparing the two groups of persons studied, one can conclude that the stay of patients in the clinic during the 2 week adaptation period (the first group) and during the one 1 week adaptation period (the second group) did not affect the thyroid gland function.

Changes appear to have been induced by the application of the detoxification course of treatment. It illustrates a stability and high adaptation potential of the system.

Taking into account the usage of stable iodine containing substances in the detoxification program, it is hypothesized that the detoxification system directly affects the hormonogenesis of the thyroid gland.

Source

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Sponsor:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Washington, D.C. September 9-11, 1998 160

A.F. Tsyb1,
E.M. Parshkov1,
 J. Barnes2,
V.V. Yarzutkin3,
N.V. Vorontsov3,
V.I. Dedov4

1) Medical Radiological Research Center of Russian Academy of Medical Sciences;
Obninsk, Russia

2) Foundation for Advancements in Science and Education (FASE); Los Angeles, CA

3) Kaluga Regional Detoxification Center; Russia

4) International University of Nature, Society and Man "Dubna"; Moscow, Russia

INTRODUCTION

The Chernobyl disaster resulted not only in the acute exposure of hundreds of thousands of people to various radionuclides, but also in a situation where a significant part of the population now lives permanently in radioactively contaminated territories. Many residents of the areas suffer from chronic stress and radiophobia.1, 2

The situation is exacerbated by relatively high levels of environmental chemical contamination. Despite this, the present health care in the affected areas is aimed mainly at the medical examination of persons and the diagnosis of diseases. Some programs dealing with specific aspects of the problem have been suggested and implemented, with inconclusive results.

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Recently, a treatment modality has been examined which appears to offer the broadspectrum approach necessary to address the range of problems resulting from the Chernobyl incident. The use of the detoxification method developed by L. Ron Hubbard has been described in the literature as a safe and effective means for removal from the body of specific toxic substances accumulated in the process of work activity. Detoxification procedures have been demonstrated to remove various xenobiotics, mainly with lipophilic properties,3,4 and to remove chlororganic compounds.5 A number of case histories6 exist where the detoxification method produced a remission of physical and mental complaints that attending physicians have associated with the relative high radiation doses received by individuals ("liquidators") involved in cleanup work at the Chernobyl site.

In a cooperative effort between the Medical Radiological Research Center of the Russian Academy of Medical Sciences C RAMS) and Human Detoxification Services International (HDSI) of Great Britain, a group of twenty-four males aged 20 to 40 years old underwent detoxification using the Hubbard protocol. Participants were long-term residents of contaminated areas. The purpose of this work was to perform abroad examination of the effects of the human detoxification program as it applies to the removal of to)dc substances, xenobiotics, and radioactive Cesium-137 (Cs-137) from the human body. In addition, an assay of the effects of the method on the physical processes of the body was performed.

DISCUSSION

The Hubbard detoxification program includes a daily regimen of one-half hour of moderate physical exercise (jogging), followed by up to four and a half hours of intermittent thermal procedures (i.e., moderate temperature sauna with periodic cool down). The detoxification regimen includes specific criteria by which the optimum rate of progress of each individual can be monitored and assured. Vitamin and mineral supplementation is administered based upon a standardized dosage scale modified by daily medical supervision and patient reporting of symptoms and perception of general health.

The use of psychodiagnostic testing and daily written debriefs enables the program administrator to establish the rate of progress of the patient and to determine the endpoint of the program more precisely. A typical course of treatment takes approximately two to three weeks.7

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In this study, twenty-four males aged 20 to 40 years old from the Klimovsk District of the Bryansk Region participated. All of the participants were long-term residents of radioactively contaminated areas. The participants were randomly selected from the registry database of individuals with confirmed body burdens exceeding levels of 5,000 kilobecquerel (kBq) of radioactive cesium. For better uniformity of the group, the individuals were selected from a settlement with similar socioeconomic levels.

Because of the requirements for relatively robust Physical activity during the detoxification procedure, participants received preliminary examinations to ensure that they did not have physical or mental conditions that contraindicated participation in the procedure (e.g., oncological diseases, acute infections, mental disorders, decompensated somatic diseases, etc.)Three potential participants were excluded from the program, as they could not meet the above requirements.

In addition to standard physical examination and clinical tests, special examinations were conducted in order to determine various physical responses to the program (i.e., extended biochemical blood tests; cellular and humoral immunity status evaluations, assay of thyroid hormone levels, estimation of antioxidant activity in the blood serum, and evaluation of the functional activity of neutrophils). Diagnostic psychological evaluations (including both objective and subjective evaluations of self-perception, activity, moods, and emotional reactions) were also conducted. When indicated on an individual basis, the participants were provided additionally with echocardiography, ultrasound, dopplerography, rheovasography, fibroscopy, x-ray imaging, caprologic examination, etc. A series of tests reflecting a functional state of the heart, liver, kidneys, and pancreas was conducted. In addition, lipid exchange and microelement metabolism were monitored. In all, twenty-two biochemical parameters of the blood were evaluated. In most cases, the parameters observed varied within accepted normal ranges. The most notable fluctuations were an increase of conjugated bilirub in in blood serum, the decrease of glucose and triglycerides, and the reduction of glutamiltransaminase activity.

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The functional status of each patient's immune system was estimated from the level of immunoglobulins in serum (normal antibodies to rat erythrocytes detected by hemaglutination reaction) and from the determination of the functional state of the thymus gland through the use of a proprietary immunodeficiency analyzer ("Helper").

During the course of detoxification, each patient displayed a pronounced elevation of the intensity of spontaneous chemoluminescence of polymorphonuclear lymphocytes of the blood and increased antioxidant activity in the blood serum. These reactions are considered to be the response to elevated levels of toxins, free radicals, and peroxides in the blood. The most typical effects were such improvements as a decrease in heterophylic antibody titers and the normalization of thymic function. In addition, the positive changes in the immune parameters in patients were confirmed to still be present one year after the rehabilitation treatment.

No significant negative impacts on the immune system were noted. At the end of the detoxification program the level of integral antioxidant activity returned to the initial activity in almost all the patients. A year after the completion of the program, the level of antioxidant activity was found to have increased 2-3 fold over the predetoxification levels. This finding suggests that detoxification may have rehabilitated the immune system, and that these levels reflect the body's now more successful resistance to the chemically and radiologically contaminated environment.

The thyroid system was studied on the basis of measurements of thyroid hormones (FT3, FT4, TSH). Starting from the initial days of the program, the thyroid system was shown to respond by the enhanced secretion of thyroid hormone hypophysis into the blood stream and, respectively, the decrease of free triiodothyronine level and, to a lesser degree, of thyronine. Two explanations of these observations exist. On the one hand, these results may be considered as the development of an acute phase of subclinical hypothyrosis in response to the physical challenges of the program (i.e., exercises, sauna, and high doses of vitamins) with the concurrent release of xenobiotics and other catabolic products into blood. On the other hand, hypothyrosis may also be explained by the extensive "spending" of thyroid hormones in response to the above-mentioned factors.

We believe that the thyroid gland responded adequately to the systemic s induced by detoxification. This view is supported by the fact that the thyroid function had renormalized three weeks after the end of the program and that long-term examinations performed nine and twelve months after the rehabilitation demonstrated that the level of thyroid hormones were within the limits of a normal physiological range.

A series of in vivo measurements of radioactive Cesium-137 were performed on all participants prior to and during the program. Rates computed from these measurements were compared to elimination rates expected from routine physical processes. While Cesium-137 was reliably detected in the sweat of all the patients, an evident acceleration of Cesium-137 elimination was not found. However, an earlier study involving a group of 14 children exposed as a result of Chernobyl did find significant acceleration of elimination.

We suspect that this discrepancy may be attributable to metabolic differences between children and adults, especially with regard to the metabolism of potassium (the pathway which cesium follows in the body.) This would be a fruitful area for further research.

This consultation of the patient's feelings and observations about how he is progressing on the program is a standard feature of the program. During this trial, additional objective testing methods were also utilized. The results of the evaluation of the participants psychosocial states were particularly interesting. Analysis of data reveals a significant (p<0.05) positive change in the psychoemotional status of the program participants. Anxiety decreased from 23.48% to 9.09%, activity and "ability to work" increased from 40.9% to 46.96% and from 60.24% to 80.36%, respectively.

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This correlates with changes in individual status, levels, and ways of adaptation according to SMIL tests and SOC method. Such conditions are interpreted as a reduction of unproductive hypochondriac symptomatics, decrease of anxiety, increase of spontaneity and activity, increased self-confidence, renewed motivation for achievement, an increased "searching activity" and self-sufficiency. Results of the diagnostics of self estimation level showed that in most of the patients, positive changes occurred not only in the objective characteristics of psychological adaptation, but also in the subjective sense estimation of the individual as a person.

No negative manifestations in mental status or organism comfort were noted. No decompensated disorders of major regulatory and life maintaining systems were revealed during the course of detoxification.

Follow-up examinations of the participants conducted at one and nine months after the completion of the program indicated that chronic diseases present at the start of the detoxification study were in lengthy remission, and an improvement in resistance to acute respiratory diseases was noted in a number of patients.

CONCLUSION

There is evidence suggesting that the program revitalizes the immune system and improves the general physical condition of the participant. In spite of its robust regimen, there is an absence of negative health effects. While out of normal range fluctuations of several key biochemical parameters were noted during the process, the deviated parameters renormalized upon completion of the course of treatment.

In addition, the detoxification program devised by Hubbard possesses a powerful psychotherapeutic potential that has been associated with significant improvement in the general health of the participant. Increases in physical and mental endurance, activity level and resistance against stress can be expected. The specific physical processes induced by the detoxification method have not been fully examined at this time. Further research into these areas would be valuable. Nevertheless, it is our opinion that the detoxification method holds great promiise as a general treatment for a number of non-specific symptoms associated with living in the contaminated areas of the Chernobyl disaster.

REFERENCES

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1. Consequences of the Chernobyl Accident for Public Health: Report EURIRC 4519. Regional World Health Organization Office for Europe. Copenhagen, 1995.

2. Surinov B.P., Parshkov E.M., Isaeva V.G., Karpova N.A. Psychosocial Effects In Radioecological Immune Studies. New Technologies in Industry. 1996. Vol 2-3; Pp. 69-74 (in Russian).

3. Root D.E., Lionelli G.T. Excretion of a Lipophilic Toxicant Through the Sebaceous Glands: A Case Report. J. Toxocol.-Gut. & Ocular Toxicol. 1987. Vol. 6, No. 1. Pp 13-17.

4. Tretjiak Z., Root D.E., Tretjak A., et aI. Xenobiotic Reduction and Clinical Improvements in Capacitor Workers: A Feasible Method. J. Environ. Sci. & Health. 1990. Vol. A25. Pp. 73 1 751.

5. Schnare D.W. Ben M., Shields M.G. Body Burden Reductions Of PCBS, PBBs And Chlorinated Pesticides In Human Subjects. AMBIO: A J. Human Environ. 1984. Vol. 13, No. 5-6. Pp. 378-380.

6. Unpublished Data. Human Detoxification Services International. East Grinstead, Sussex, Great Britain.

7. Hubbard, Ron. Clear Body - Clear Mind. Copenhagen: 1990. Bridge Publications.

8. Medical Rehabilitation of Persons Affected by Stress and Negative Ecological Factors. Methodical Reconnnendations. Moscow: 1996. (in Russian)

Source

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- 1 -

Senator Rudman and Members of the Board:

I am very honored to be here this morning, and thank General Sandier of the Reserve Officers’ Association of the United States for inviting me to participate in this hearing on the Gulf War chemical & biological incidents.

I was in active service in the US Air Force for 20 years, retiring in October 1980 as a Chief Flight Surgeon and Senior Pilot. I am Board-Certified in Occupational Medicine and Aerospace Medicine. In addition to my medical training, I received a Master of Public Health Degree from Johns Hopkins University.

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After leaving the military, I started an occupational medicine practice in Sacramento, California in 1981, and have been building the practice since that time.

The challenge for the occupational physician is to provide relief to the injured worker, to rehabilitate him and return him to work. Since 1982, I have been using a detoxification program to treat patients who have been exposed to fat-soluble chemicals, either at work or from environmental sources.

This program, developed by L. Ron Hubbard in 1978, has over the last 15 years been evaluated and used by a growing number of professionals throughout the world who have examined its use in relieving the after effects of chemical exposure and found it to be very effective.

To my knowledge, there is no other peer-reviewed method for reducing the body burden of fat-soluble toxic chemicals. Papers documenting the efficacy of the Hubbard program have been published by such organizations as the World Health Organization, the Royal Swedish Academy of Science, the Society for Occupational and Environmental Health and others. I have included in the packet before you precis of several papers concerning the detox program, a short description of the program, and a reference list.

This detoxification program is not a cure for cancer. It cannot help patients who suffered structural or anatomic damage to their peripheral or central nervous systems. However, to the extent that symptoms can be ameliorated by reducing the body burden of these fat-soluble toxic chemicals, the program can and does help exposed individuals.

Summary: One hundred and three individuals undergoing detoxification with the Hubbard procedure volunteered to undergo additional physical and psychological tests concomitant with the program. Participants had been exposed to recreational (abused) and medical drugs, patent medicines, occupational and environmental chemicals. Patients with high blood pressure had a mean reduction of 30.8 mm systolic, 23.3 mm diastolic; cholesterol level mean reduction was 19.5 mg/100 ml, while triglycerides did not change. Completion of the detoxification program also resulted in improvements in psychological test scores, with a mean increase in Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale IQ of 6.7 points. Scores on Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory profiles decreased on Scales (4-7) where high scores are associated with amoral and asocial personalities, psychopathic behavior and paranoia.

Medical complications resulting from detoxification were rare, occurring in less than three percent of the subjects.  Body Burden Reductions of PCBs, PBBs and Chlorinated Pesticide Residues in Human Subjects, Ambio, Vol. 13, No. 5-6, 1984.

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Summary: A discussion of some of the problems in attempting to diagnose and treat low level body burdens of toxic chemicals. A review of 120 patients who were prescribed detoxification treatment as developed by Hubbard to eliminate fat-stored compounds showed improvement in 14 of 15 symptoms associated with several types of chemical exposures.

Summary: Electrical workers paired by age, sex and potential for polychlorinated biphenyl exposure were divided into treatment and control groups. Adipose-tissue concentrations of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), four other pesticides and 10 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners were determined pre- and post- treatment, and three months post-treatment. At post treatment, all 16 chemicals were found at lower concentrations in the adipose tissues of the treatment group, while 11 were found in higher concentrations in the control group. Adjusted for reexposure as represented in the control group, HCB concentrations were reduced by 30% at post-treatment and 28% three months post-treatment. Mean reduction of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners was 61% at post-treatment and 14% three months post-treatment.

These reductions are statistically significant (f < 0.001). Enhanced excretion appeared to keep pace with mobilization, as blood-serum levels in the treatment group did not increase during treatment.

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Summary: A 23-year-old woman worked at a manufacturing facility, hosing the soot and ash accumulated in the exhaust stack and on the filter pads of an oil-fired generator. She performed this task without protective gear. After six months, she reported feeling ill to the plant nurse. One month later, she was removed from the job, and she remained unable to work for 11 1/2 months because of symptoms relating to toxic chemical exposure. The toxicants were amenable to removal through the sebaceous glands and possibly the gastrointestinal tract by the Hubbard detoxification technique. This was accompanied by remission of her subjective complaints and she was authorized to return to work.

Summary: Seventeen firefighters with a history of acute exposure to polychlorinated biphyenyls, dibenzofurans, and dibenzodioxins were evaluated for peripheral neuropathy.

Neuropathic evaluation was done using the Neurometer®, a transcutaneous nerve stimulation device utilizing a constant sine wave at fixed amperage. Prior to detoxification, five of the 17 had abnormal current perception threshold measurements. Following treatment, all showed improvement. Most strikingly, the current perception thresholds of two patients returned to normal range after detoxification. This finding raises the possibility that damage heretofore thought to be permanent may in many instances be partially reversible.

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Summary: Individuals with a variety of workplace exposures were unable to work or had reduced work capacity. Following detoxification, each was able to return to work. Though the results presented are anecdotal, they confirm previous findings in the peer-reviewed literature (Schnare et al., 1982; Roehm, 1983; Schnare et al., 1984; Schnare and Robinson,

1985; Tretjak et al., 1989) and demonstrate that this approach can be effective in reducing body burdens of toxic compounds and returning individuals to the workplace. Neurobehavioral Dysfunction in Firemen Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Possible Improvement after Detoxification, Archives of Environmental Health, Vol. 44, No. 6, 1989.

Summary: Fourteen firemen were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their by-products at the site of a transformer fire and explosion. Six months after the fire, they underwent neurophysiological and neuropsychological tests. They were re-studied six weeks after detoxification. A control group of firefighters was selected from firemen who resided in the same city but were not engaged in the fire in question. Initial testing showed that firemen exposed to PCBs had poorer neurobehavioral function than the control group.

Significant reversibility of impairment was noted after detoxification. PCB Reduction and Clinical Improvement by Detoxification: An Unexploited Approach? Human and Experimental Toxicology, Vol. 9, 1991.

Summary: A female worker from a capacitor factory, with a history of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other lipophilic industrial chemicals, was admitted for treatment at the University Medical Centre of Ljubljana, Slovenia (then Yugoslavia). She presented with severe abdominal complaints, chloracne, liver abnormalities and a bluishgreen nipple discharge of approximately 50 ml d-1 in quantity. High PCB levels were noted in adipose tissue (102 mg kg-1), serum (512 ug 1-1), skin lipids (66.3 mg kg-1), and in the nipple discharge (712 ug 1-1). After detoxification, PCB levels in adipose tissue were reduced to 37.4 mg kg-1 and in serum to 261 ug-1, respective reductions of 63% and 49%.

Excretion of intact PCBs in sebum, appreciable before treatment, was enhanced by up to five-fold during detoxification. The nipple discharge ceased early in the detoxification regimen. Xenobiotic Reduction and Clinical Improvements in Capacitor Workers: A Feasible Method, Journal of Environmental Science and Health, Vol. A 25, No. 7, 1990.

Summary: Eleven capacitor workers, occupationally exposed to PCBs and other industrial chemicals, underwent detoxification. Thirteen co-workers served as controls. Mean PCB levels prior to detoxification were 28.0 mg/kg in adipose and 188.0 mg/L in serum.

Following detoxification, PCBs were reduced in serum by 42% (p<0.05) and in adipose by 30% for patients without concurrent disease. Patients with concurrent disease had a 10% reduction in adipose levels, while serum levels remained unchanged. Both adipose and serum PCB levels increased in members of the control group. At a four-month follow up examination, these differences were maintained, though the mean adipose PCB values in all groups were higher than at posttreatment.

All patients reported marked improvement in clinical symptoms post-treatment, with most of these improvements retained at follow-up. No such improvements were noted in controls.

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Summary: Many chemicals have neurotoxic health effects of long duration, leading to the conclusion that these effects are essentially irreversible. This paper proposes that the accumulation and persistence of neurotoxic chemicals in adipose tissue may play a role in the prolongation of neurotoxic effects. If this were the case, an approach designed to reduce body burdens of fat-soluble compounds should lead to a similar reduction in neurotoxic effects. Transcutaneous current perception thresholds were measured using the Neurometer device in 48 patients exhibiting neurotoxic effects both before and after detoxification. Following detoxification, marked improvements were noted in both peripheral neuropathy and self-reported patient profiles.

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Summary: Eighteen children from ten families were referred for detoxification. Their chief complaints included environmental sensitivity, headaches, chronic fatigue, allergies, respiratory problems and recurrent infections. In each case, the entire family had become ill following a known change (e.g., application of pesticides, installation of improperly cured carpet) in their environment. The ages of the children ranged from neonatal to 15 at the time of exposure, with treatment ages ranging from 4 to 21. Treatment resulted in improvements in symptom profiles, with at least 89% of the children reporting long-term improvements in their symptoms. Where children have become ill following chemical contamination, treatment with the detoxification method developed by Hubbard is a viable approach.

Summary: Four subjects (three males and one female) admitted to a residential treatment program were selected for study. All met DSM-III-R criteria for cocaine dependence and ingested cocaine by smoking. The duration of their use of the drug ranged from eight months to 18 years, and they reported cocaine use on over 75% of days in the month just prior to treatment. Three reported last use of cocaine within 48 hours of admission; one reported last use 25 days prior to program entry. Urine and sweat samples were collected from subjects every two to three days during detoxification and analyzed by fluorescent immunoassay. Cocaine metabolites were detectable in both sweat and urine of all subjects.

Three of the four subjects showed a measurable increase in sweat or urine cocaine metabolite concentrations at the beginning of detoxification. Two subjects demonstrated negative urine samples prior to detoxification, but demonstrated the presence of metabolites when detoxification commenced.

Summary: Fourteen children living in the plume path of the destroyed Chernobyl reactor underwent detoxification. Each was periodically measured using a portable radiation detection system capable of measuring the characteristic gamma ray emitted during the radioactive decay of Cs-137. (Five such measures over the course of approximately four weeks.) Elimination rates were compared to expected rates of elimination from published studies. Children uniformly eliminated Cs-137 more rapidly than expected, with the exception of two cases in which children were eating contaminated treats from home.

(Rapid elimination of Cs-137 resumed when these items were eliminated from their diets.) A Review of Scientific Literature Supporting the Detoxification Method Developed by L. Ron Hubbard

Human exposure to toxic chemicals has dramatically increased in the last century. Millions of compounds have been formulated and some 50,000 are now in commercial use. The environmental persistence of many of these compounds is cause for concern. In addition, many of these synthetic compounds accumulate in biological organisms ("bioaccumulation"), storing in bone, fat, or another compartment of the body.

Hundreds of these compounds are found in U.S. citizens, with many present in each of us (1). In addition to commercial compounds, many drugs — both pharmaceutical and so called recreational — can remain in the body for an extended time. Drugs such as LSD (2,3), PCP (4), cocaine (5), marijuana (6) and diazepam (7) are found in fat. These drugs can be retained for extended periods, especially under conditions of chronic use (5,8-11).

Adverse health effects have been shown for some of these compounds. Health effects from most compounds have not, however, been studied in detail. Further, the health effects from combinations of chemicals are unknown. It is clearly preferable to have low levels of foreign compounds rather than high.