Here is the call to action: Share, comment, contact or message via socials sources for any and all natural items and materials! A thorough allergy test solved a mystery that has been developing over a lifetime with positive results on two little entries. A mystery that involved much deliberation, trial and error, and scrutinization of ingredients. In fact, the allergist almost didn’t tell me about one, as she didn’t know what it was! But I always ask for my own copies of test results. The offenders: Benzoic acid and carba mix. Just two results. Chemicals. Simple. Just avoid two things. Not so bad…right?

I’m allergic to my kitchen floor. Seriously. I’m told its vinyl. The soles of my feet will feel like they’re burning and just wearing socks doesn’t provide enough buffer.

I’m allergic to my steering wheel. I kid you not. It’s so odd to me, that I spent weeks with redness, irritation and a burning sensation on my hands before I put on cotton gloves. Every time I drive.

Just the other day I finally cut the fingertips off pink cotton gloves to use with my phone and computer. What chemical or material are in those devices that irritate, I don’t know, but I’m assuming it’s one of the two! I’m wearing them now. Rogue from X-Men might be my new Halloween costume.

A quick introduction:

Benzoic acid is a benzene-based organic compound produced from toluene, and commonly used as a preservative, anti-fungal and plasticizer. Various forms include parabens, sodium benzoate, potassium benzoate, alkyl benzoate, and many others. It’s used to make the active ingredients in Benadryl and the flu shot. Other uses may include common sodas, processed foods, pesticides, synthetic materials – plastic, polyester, nylon, polyurethane, vinyl, PVC, silicone, foam, resins, film, polymers, kevlar, and jewelry stretch cord – medicines and ointments, glue, body care products, lotions, soaps, shampoos and conditioners, nail polish, flooring materials, detergents, fragrances, some wines from countries like the US, paints, coatings, and the list could go on. Feel free to comment on other uses you know of! Yes, I have to read or research the ingredients of everything I pick up every time I buy it, in case they’ve changed.

Carba mix is a term for a trio of chemicals – diphenylguanidine, zincdibutyldithiocarbamate, and zincdiethyldithiocarbamate – used as a rubber accelerator. It’s applications include: latex, natural and synthetic rubber (shoes, hoses, rugs, tubes, gloves, gaskets, etc), elastic and elastic thread, mattresses, foam cushions and pillows, plastic, polyurethane, neoprene, stretch cord, glue, adhesives, paints, fungicides, pesticides, agricultural chemicals; and medicines, due to its ability to penetrate cell membranes. The last leads me to wonder about my autoimmune disorders when professionals describe my immune system as “attacking otherwise healthy cells.” Even before that allergy test, my perspective has always included confidence in my immune system, that if it’s attacking a cell, it has a valid reason. I’ve survived two bouts of encephalitis, one case being West Nile, and my immune system kicks ass. I’m appreciative of having it work so well, and now I try to interpret its various signals and messages. Over all, I’ve noticed some things will bother me instantly, some with repeated exposure.

Exasperated, though, I started to say I’m “allergic to the world,” but I quickly stopped myself short: It’s not really much of the actual natural world I’m allergic to. This distinction is important to remember and renews my inspiration and goal, and our challenge: To wear clothing, shoes and accessories, have a home and its furnishings, be as completely natural as possible, when plausible. I understand my transportation and kitchen appliances will not be, unless I use a horse and a fireplace. Oh, I do like both, but so far my mission is “as natural as possible.” But I am also an engineer’s daughter and believe in the power of the human spirit, so I include the auto makers in my challenge! You can do it!

This leads to the call to action – send, comment or message links, tips, DIYs, stores, and locales with natural items! If you or someone you know has similar needs or interests, we can connect and create a community.

Home furnishings and decor, furniture and flooring, building materials and paints; containers and storage, jars without gaskets; glues and adhesives; clothing, bathing suits, bags, accessories and shoes. The last one is a particular challenge, as they often contain natural or synthetic rubber, vinyl, plastic and adhesives. Even alternative income and employment ideas, as the environments of typical workplaces and businesses contain excluded items and furnishings, and are actively worsening my reactions

. Repeated exposure to allergens and irritants can worsen reactions and autoimmune disorders.

Especially for clothing: all natural and without elastic. Natural materials include cotton, linen, flax , hemp and silk; rayon is made from cellulose and seems just fine. Note that even many clothing items advertised as natural or organic still have an elastic waistband or spandex, both of which are excluded, along with latex and synthetics such as polyester, nylon and neoprene. It is a challenge.

Especially of concern for me is dance wear, yoga and workout clothing. I used to wear leggings and sports bras, both of which are excluded. So I now need alternatives! There is a woman on Instagram who does amazing yoga in traditional clothing from India. I would love to go there and visit other communities to learn about the construction of their garments. And obtain some!!!

This does takes a commitment and a combination of problem solving, innovation and creativity, resourcefulness and consistently renewing a positive attitude. My challenge goal is to build a new home from the ground up, completely free of materials that use those chemicals. I look forward to the day when I can wake up, tie on a cotton sarong and top, breathe freely, and walk barefoot on the floor.