I stumbled upon this TEDx talk which targets Chlorine Dioxide, calls it snake oil, states it is bleach, and further states that in 2019 there were 16,521 cases of Chlorine Dioxide poisonings reported.
First, let’s get the facts straight.
Chlorine Dioxide is not Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach).
Second, if you want a good starting point on a great collection of real information, start with Dr. Pierre Kory’s research: The History Of Howard Alliger - Pioneer Of Chlorine Dioxide Therapies .
Third, the statements and figures in this TEDx talk are completely false. He is misrepresenting and referencing data that Allison Lardieri, a pharmacist at the FDA (allison.lardieri@fda.hhs.gov), published: https://lymescience.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/FDA-Harmful-effects-of-chlorine-dioxide-exposure.pdf which states: “We report an analysis of the American Association of Poison Control Centers (AAPCC) National Poison Data System (NPDS) cases of CD-associated exposure (involving Miracle Mineral Solution) from 55 U.S. Poison Centers between January 1, 2000-March 31, 2020. Narratives for 53 CD exposures were obtained; all cases were followed to a known outcome. An average of five exposures were reported annually (range 3–9) since 2011.”
Finally, what is his motivation for attacking Chlorine Dioxide? He is Executive Director of the Clinic for Autism Research, Evaluation and Support (CARES) at Texas State University.
The point I want to make here is that Chlorine Dioxide is showing promise in health, but it is lacking large scale studies to establish what it can be used for and how to best use it… safely. What we don’t need is people making TEDx talks that are contorting reality and running interference for something that holds promising potential.
Given that we are lacking good studies, the FDA document is also making claims that are jumping to conclusions based on the following: “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently issued a consumer warning for CD products with misleading health claims and reports of adverse effects (gastrointestinal symptoms, dehydration, hypotension) . Published case reports also describe CD toxicities including methemoglobinemia, hemolyticanemia, toxic irritant dermatitis and Kikuchi Fujimoto disease.”
Arnold J, Rushton W. The mineral miracle disaster: accidental poisoning after use of 28% sodium chlorite solution resulting in methemoglobinemia and mild hemolytic anemia. North American Congress of Clinical Toxicology (NACCT) Abstracts 2018. Clin Toxicol. 2018;56(10):912–1092.
De Asis Alcantara Nicolas F, Mesonero RP, Molera VM, et al. Irritant contact dermatitis from ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’. JAm Acad Dermatol. 2016;74(5):AB92.
Loh JMR, Shafi H. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease presenting after consumption of ‘Miracle Mineral Solution’ (sodium chlorite). BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014:bcr2014205832.
Burke D, Zakhary B, Pinelis E. Acute hemolysis following an over dose of Miracle Mineral Solution in a patient with normal glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase levels. Chest. 2014;146(4):273A.
Williams SR, Dawling S, Seger DL. Severe hemolysis in pediatric case after ingestion of Miracle Mineral Solution. Clin Toxicol. 2009;47(7):702–765.
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Methemoglobinemia: A blood disorder where hemoglobin is converted to methemoglobin, which cannot carry oxygen effectively.
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Hemolytic anemia: A condition where red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced.
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Toxic irritant dermatitis: Skin inflammation caused by direct chemical damage (not allergy).
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Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A rare, self-limiting lymph node disorder with fever and swollen nodes, often mistaken for lymphoma. Cause: Unknown; thought to involve an abnormal immune response, possibly triggered by viral infection or autoimmune predisposition. Course: Usually resolves spontaneously within weeks to months.
There is a lot of effort to spread fear, uncertainty and doubt. So far, I have not found a case of a single death due to Chlorine Dioxide.
Personally, I’m not interested in trying it to treat or cure anything with it, but I would be abhorred if these efforts directed against it would take it away from us in being studied properly. The marketing of it as a product “MMS” is probably doing some damage if claims are made without proper large studies.
The problem is people using it and guessing how to use it. That’s the problem that needs a solution.