Everyones getting sick
I am in Long Beach CA. Everyone I know is getting a hacking cough, dry cough and sore throat. Headaches. My brother in law threw up last night for no apparent reason.
My friends up in WA told me the same thing and I hadn't even mentioned the same was happening with us yet.
Anyone else?
If people are reporting
If people are reporting unusual disease-like symptoms at this time (and the emphasis is on unusual), this should be noted for a possible correlation. We should not dismiss personal observation, since it is an important factor in science. Some of the posters seem to know the difference between a "regular" cold and a "strange" one, and this discretionary judgment is of utmost importance, since it allows one to see the normal from the abnormal. Just last week in the supermarket, I saw a cashier who I personally know, with oozing scabs covering her whole face. About a week later, I had something like this on my nose--and I never have seen this before. If it wasn't for Fukushima, I would never make the assumption that it could be radiation. But now, it certainly is a possibility.
everyone sick
I have insomnia... from reading too many articles and posts...does that count?
I'm sure you're concerned about our health
But I don't think this is the forum. I'm across the SFBay from Berkeley and NO ONE I know is sick. Things go around, people are sick all the time and it's easy to start noticing things and making connections when your anxiety level is very high. Please don't use this forum for those questions. There are many more-targeted Web sites about health where you can post. And please don't call me a troll or a shill for nukes. I'm very aware of the dangers this accident poses, but I come here to get factual information about readings, not to discuss colds and sore throats.
I am very sory
I am very sory Everyones getting sick. I wish all well now
newport beach houses
please stop using forum as therapist
When this wonderful forum began the tireless people at UCB were being allowed to measure things and post the results. They were also able to answer many questions articulately at a time when no other agencies would answer any questions. They have addressed important issues like rainwater and why they do the dose comparisons they do. Now the majority of this forum is being used by posters who are expecting these people to be their doctors and therapists. Please stop! These amazing researchers will have no choice but to ignore the bulk of the questions because there are not enough hours in the day to reassure you. When they try to calm you (though it is not their job, they are just compassionate kind people) you don't listen. They love their kids too! If they tell you they let their kids play on the grass, hear what they are saying. If they tell you they drink tap water and shop at the farmer's market, hear them. They want to live too and they, are as of now, not afraid. I thought I was a hypochondriac and worrier but I am out of my league here. They are measuring things constantly so if there were enough radiation here to make people sick or cause funny clouds they will tell us! They are not hiding anything. I am worried that the hysteria taking over this site is going to force these kind and thoughtful researchers to have no choice but to stop answering posts (notice they've had to pull back considerably). We are all concerned and those of us who have children love them and want to protect them. We want more information, that is why we follow this forum. Please try to calm down and let these researchers do what they can to help without asking the world from them.
suggestion: if you see a
suggestion: if you see a forum topic you dont like, dont read it.
Another suggestion
Let's make an effort to keep this a largely scientific discussion, not a therapy/conspiracy network.
You know..
...I hear what you say. As arguably the biggest scaredy-cat here (these last couple of days, anyway) I am trying to scale back my commentary and keep it more on-track, and I am now holding off asking ANY questions of the UCB folks. But I think there's a fairly accurate truth underlying all of this: The sorts of things you're talking about -- expressions of worry; demands for extraneous if not irrelevant information from the narrowly (but deeply) knowledgeable folks at UCB; pleas for personal attention, advice and assistance; the odd freak-out; prognostications of ultimate doom -- are a symptom, if not a direct result of, the absolutely inexcusable, unconcerned, inconsistent, non-transparent, frankly deceptive manner by which the Japanese and U.S. Government and other responsible parties are "managing" this crisis. There is a vacuum of epic and simply unbelievable proportions: Of data, analysis, guidance, and everything else these big, bloated, well-funded governments are supposed to -- in fact, are in theory required to -- provide.
Inefficiency and laxity in the "good" times is one thing -- we all put our feet up on our desks and take a nap in the break room now and again. But this is as potentially severe and damaging, not to mention costly and dangerous, a national emergency as ever we've experienced, certainly in my lifetime (last 4 decades). It would be nice if all the myriad departments, agencies, commissions, panels, organizations, institutes, and experts we have on the payroll could actually be seen to care at this moment, let alone DO anything.
As I've said before, the UCB Lab staff is in at once an enviable, and a difficult position. Their (proven) integrity, commitment, and responsiveness is SO out-of-step with pretty much every other reputable resource available to be contacted directly online, that they will necessarily become something more than "just" a source of information and analysis to many. If a fire broke out at the theater you were attending, and no firemen could be found, but a teenaged custodian at the cinema at least acted as if he or she cared if you got to the exit -- well, wouldn't that lone island of knowledge, concern, and pro-activity draw a panicked, grateful, demanding crowd?
Perhaps a poor analogy, but it's all I got. I agree that we have to keep this forum reasonably on-track -- I am going to try to limit "extraneous" posts from now on, and will instead welcome correspondence directly with me at RichardFCromackJr@gmail.com. I, too, want these folks to be able to do their work -- and do NOT want to burden them with hyperventilating histrionics any more than I already have. They didn't sign on to provide adult day care, psychiatric therapy or family-physician services.
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
Feeling Sick.
I've also been sick, but if it was the radiation wouldn't pretty much everybody be sick or showing symptoms? If people in Japan 50 miles away from the plant aren't showing any signs of radiation sickness, what are the chances of us getting physically ill? Only one or two of my friends are sick right now. It does seem focused on the throat.
My symptoms started with 3 days of dizziness, then a really sore throat, watery eyes, clear runny nose, pretty much like hay fever, except I've never had hay fever or allergies before and I work in the garden everyday. Now about a week into it and my main problem is the throat. I can't talk, lost my voice, coughing, which sometimes makes me vomit, and lots of thick mucous. Definitely a weird type of sickness, I've never lost my voice before either. Feels like laryngitis. I really don't think this is from any radiation, but I figured I would add this to the forum just in case it's useful down the line.
Personally I'm not that worried, but I also don't take chances and have been only drinking and using RO water with carbon filtration and eating more than my normal amount of miso soup and kombu seaweed.
I would be more concern if everybody around me was sick, but all my friends are out feeling great and enjoying the weather, while I'm laid out at home.
My wife and I are in the
My wife and I are in the East Bay and have been battling nasty colds for the past month. I caught mine from her then she caught it again from me and now I have it again from her. It seems to go from a sore throat and runny, congested nose to a hacking cough with lots of phlegm that lingers for a while. I don't believe this has anything to do with Japan, though, because it started the week BEFORE the earthquake. Hope that helps ease your minds a bit.
I've never been the
I've never been the hypochondriac type.
My throat has been rough for more than two weeks now. It isn't the kind of sore throat that comes with an infection, but rather the kind of rough throat I feel when the ozone levels are too high, e.g. on "spare the air" days.
I've also been nauseous and thrown up twice in the same period of time. I don't drink alcohol and the only recent change to my diet is an increased daily dose of kelp powder.
It's true that since we can't rely on our government or the corporations to tell us the truth we now have to rely on anecdotal evidence, which of course can be gamed, exaggerated, or just plain made-up.
Alex
Sickness
I am a hypochondriac but sounds like allergies.
Symptoms were constant
Symptoms were constant through rain and sun, so allergies would be an unlikely explanation.
Again, since we have zero reason to trust the media and the government - based on the factual, historical account of their lies in the past, we have only each other and the vagaries of both anecdotal evidence and tainted corporate/government evidence.
Clear-headed antagonists are needed to keep people straight and to avoid uncrticial thinking, but far too often it just comes from some butt-hurt retiree who lived his whole life as a beneficiary of the nuclear industry and can't handle it that he's been involved with such utter treason to humanity.
Alex
This is the scariest thing...
***WARNING***
PLEASE READ THESE ALL-CAPS COMMENTS BEFORE CONTINUING TO THE LOWER PART OF MY POST.
THIS IS AN EXCEPTIONALLY INCITEFUL POST AND IT MAY EVEN BE VERY IRRESPONSIBLE. I WENT OFF ON A TANGENT AND SPOKE IN DETAIL ABOUT "THINGS TO WATCH FOR", AND THIS MAY BE BOTH IGNORANT AND FEAR-INSPIRING.
NONETHELESS, I STAND BY WHAT I WROTE, IN SPITE OF WHAT EVEN I RECOGNIZE IS A PARTICULARLY MORBID TONE AND SUBJECT MATTER. PLEASE CONSIDER THE SOURCE. I AM QUITE AFRAID AT THE MOMENT AND MAY NOT BE THINKING CLEARLY. YOU MAY NOT WANT TO READ WHAT I HAVE POSTED BELOW. IF THERE IS ANY QUESTION ABOUT IT, YOU SHOULD NOT.
I APOLOGIZE FOR POSSIBLY CONTRIBUTING TO IRRATIONAL FEAR, ANXIETY AND DESPAIR. --RICK.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
This (above / original post) is the scariest thing I have EVER read. Especially because I had a similar experience yesterday, at church.
Our congregation is large, and we typically average 7,500 per service. at yesterday's service, attendance was down, perhaps 15%-20%. I noticed early on the amount of coughing and throat-clearing that was going on throughout. Dallas is a pretty famous city for allergies, and this IS the time of year for that... But it caught my attention. So did the fact that the voices of our choir, and of the congregation generally, seemed a little less belting, a little more subdued, than usual.
Now, I'm a reasonable man, rational enough even in times like these to realize that I might just be VERY attentive / sensitive / paranoid. There have been NO reports of radiation sickness, let alone death, from Japan as yet -- there was that one Self-Defense Force colonel who dropped dead a few days ago and whose passing was not explained (it was reported by NHK, after all, so, surprise) -- and I DO wonder about the level of "management" information coming out of Japan is being subjected to. But, still... Widespread radiation sickness seems a near-impossibility at this point. There's FB, Twitter, Skype... People still use telephones. If there were mass casualties occurring in Japan, there'd be SOME word leaking out, SOMEWHERE, wouldn't there?
Nonetheless, I HAVE been watching for telltale signs of actual radiation-related illness cropping up here in the States. I actually think the folks at UCB are in a PERFECT position to notice such a thing -- absenteeism and sudden widespread illness in a student population is pretty noticeable. So I think if something were to begin to happen, we'd learn pretty quick, first anecdotally, then through personal communications like telephones, E-mails, Skype and texts... Then something more organized, like YouTube, FB, blogs, etc... And then, talk radio, local news, newspapers... And then we'll see what the Government has to say.
Not to mention: The first to get sick will be our children. Watch for unexpected levels of school absenteeism, plus crowding at doctors' offices and urgent-care clinics, then emergency rooms and diagnostic centers.
Of course, by then, that's no longer a situation we can really take control of, in terms of our OWN health, or that of our families. But it'll be nice to know, if and when the center no longer holds. At least we'll KNOW what we're in for, then.
So far our exposures here in the U.S. have been pretty minimal compared to those experienced by / in Japan. We haven't even heard of any of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant workers getting sick, yet; nor the guy who actually FELL INTO THE SEA OUTSIDE THE PLANT trying to moor that Navy barge. True, these people have "protection" -- but, come on: They still have to eat, drink, shower, and breathe. Those suits and masks may be somewhat effective, but only to a point -- they can't wear 'em all the time, and the so-called "background radiation" levels over there must just be through the roof. ...Plus, even in the exclusion zones, there are still people eating and drinking... No word yet on any "collateral damage" / fatalities occurring, post-earthquake / tsunami, excepting those nursing home residents who couldn't get proper care.
Even in foodstuffs to this point, the levels we're taking in are still probably pretty minor, and while of DEFINITE concern to our long-term health, I don't think it's possible WE could be looking at ACTUAL RADIATION POISONING at this stage of the game, unless we in fact ate or drank something so fiercely irradiated as to deliver a lethal dose all at once. (I very much doubt we'll be seeing ANY of that in fish or other meats, btw; anything severe enough to kill US, would almost certainly have killed IT, first; and I don't know of ANY farmers, even corporate ones, who are willing to overlook mass deaths among their livelihood, much less ship it to the butcher for selling, the restaurant for serving, or the factory for processing.
Vegetables, grains and fruits may be another matter, unless somehow EVERY SINGLE FARMER in North America has been issued geiger counters, and local food inspection protocols have been ramped up and now include regular radioactivity monitoring, like what the good folks at UCB are doing with water, air and milk... And I highly doubt it. This Administration is far more concerned with passing a budget, wars in three foreign countries, and getting the 2012 presidential campaign up and running, than in monitoring -- much less, protecting -- the public health. (So much for "universal health care".)
Hey -- CNN just (approx. 1:04 p.m. CDT today, April 4) aired something substantive (for once) about the Pacific Ocean contamination, with a gentleman named John Till, member of the National Council of Radiation Protection and Measurements, and president of Risk Assessment Corp. Might want to check their Web site or maybe YouTube in a little while.
Oh, that's just great -- at 1:05, they cut him off to go to the Eric Holder briefing about the 9/11 trials. Anyone still think the news ISN'T being managed?
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
Hey Rick, You need to
Hey Rick,
You need to ratchet down the hysteria a bit. I'm concerned like you and everybody else paying attention to the UCB data and looking for answers. But, when I see a post in all CAPS, I tend to ignore it. Let's keep this site a really good information zone and exchange of ideas. I would hate for it to turn into a place where a bunch of nuke zealots or otherwise ner do well trolls start trashing it as a place of hysteria mongering, rather than one of the only places in this country where we are getting substantial information in somewhat real time. There is a fine line between hysteria and well placed concern, and I think you are getting near it...
I can't argue...
...Believe me, I'm neither an anti-nuke "zealot" (at least, I never was before -- far, FAR from it, my friend") nor, I think, a "troll"... And I am aware that I am becoming hysterical. I am trying, at least, to be "transparent" about this at least -- like I said at the outset of my post, what I had (already) typed seemed, even to me, to be excessively paranoid and even damaging. I may be a flake, but I'm trying not to be an IRRESPONSIBLE flake. [Grin]
I hear ya, really I do. And I only ever use CAPS to highlight / emphasize a particular word or phrase or idea, and I TRY (heh) to use it sparingly. I will try and control those, at least, though, and let people render their OWN emphasis. (Darn it!)
I fully understand if I am turning some people "off"; I don't blame you if you are now compelled not to read what I have to say. (This is why I began, a couple days ago, "signing" all my posts, here. I stand by what I say, and I mind neither criticism nor ridicule, especially during this crisis. If everything turns out okay, I will be more than happy to be called a troll, zealot, flake, or fool, believe me, pal.)
I agree wholeheartedly with what you proposed: "Let's keep this site a really good information zone and exchange of ideas." I apologize for being a distraction from this worthy goal. Please consider it a mark and function of my anxiety, rather than any untoward intention or need for attention. Desperation, worry and fear will corrupt good judgment.
Sorry to put you off your feed. Be well.
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
yuc
If you read my post carefully, you will note that I did not call YOU a troll. I'm concerned about this site being turned into something pro-nuke zealots and trolls can trash as being a wacko site (especially because it's associated with Berkeley--and that will be used, for sure), rather than one with reliable information generated from world class scientists. I'm asking you to be more measured and thoughtful in your concern, for the good of the continuation of this blog as one of the only info sources we have. You are not the only one out there with concern for kids, family and friends. If you choose to continue the multiple, near freak out posts, that's up to you, but I don't think that does you any good, nor this site and the rest of us...
We're cool
Jack, I think I got the gist of what you were saying, and, furthermore, I am in agreement with you, at least in some fair measure. And I did not take offense to anything you said, or recommended.
And (in spite of some of the posts I've made here recently) I do not want the focus to be on my, or my worries / concerns, so I'll just recommend we leave it at that and move on. And you are more than welcome to E-mail me, for this or any other reason, at RichardFCromackJr@gmail.com
Be well, and thanks.
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
I'm going to defend Rick a little bit here.....
If you read down to the bottom, I think it will give you a better idea of Rick's overall state of mind. Quite honestly, I was were he is at right now about two weeks ago. When you are first reading this inundation of information, (add to that having a child ((or children)) to worry about), it's VERY easy to let it freak you out.
But time and rationality should prevail and even he has admitted that he is working through how he feels about all of this.
I have kids. I'm giving
I have kids. I'm giving them and myself Iodine supplementation. But, I'm not placing multiple posts on different threads with freak out undertones, which Rick is perilously close to doing. As I read more posts to this site, I'm concerned that it not turn into a place that can be attacked by pro-nuke trolls as nothing but a fear mongering site and respository of anti-government venom. The UCB folks are doing a great service, and the information is as good as there is out there, IMO. I want to keep it that way. I assume that the UCB people don't have the time or inclination to keep up with all these questions, and they may be having second thoughts about where this site is heading. The more we can keep it as a rational, informational site with good exchange of ideas, I think the longer it stays that way. There are plenty of wacko websites out there, we don't need this one to head in that direction...
You will get no argument from me..
Trust me, you will get no argument from me regarding the concern over trying to keep things rational. I am getting rather annoyed by people who cannot seem to understand basic concepts and react to everything.
But I also understand that there have been varying levels of responses to all of this and sometimes the freakout proceeds the calm determination. :o)
I'm not trying to argue with you, Jack. In fact, it sounds like you and I are in a similar place. Solidarity and determination is the key. :o)
Agreed...
Agreed...
Sigh
There is a sickness going around and has been for weeks now. I got it three weeks ago (symptoms were coughing, headaches, massive congestion, runny nose and sinus infection). Just about everyone I know has had it and depending on the person, depends on the symptoms. My son has it and he also got an ear infection in both ears. You can accuse me of wishful thinking, but it's allergy season and people are still getting over the rounds of winter colds.
I had an ear
I had an ear infection/problem starting March 19 with headaches. I attributed it to a cold but it happened during the same time period of the highest readings. I'm not sure what to think and we may never know if the contaminants in the air contributed to the symptoms. It was very bad though and lasted a long time like 2 weeks. (Berkeley CA)
Again...
Call it wishful thinking, but it sounds very similar to what we are dealing with here. I was lucky that my bout only lasted 4 days but I know people who are still dealing with the cough 3 weeks later. In fact, compared to everyone else, I seem to have lucked out. The majority of the people who got this had it last for more than two weeks. I just hope my son doesn't have to suffer that long. His cough is so bad. :o(
I agree
I agree with Jen. People throw up all the time -- bad (not necessarily radioactive, mind) food, stomach bugs, anxiety, whatever. And this is, remember, early spring -- the world is still turning, regardless of what's being dumped into the environment.
A few other thoughts: Bees and pets, and other animals. Before people begin to get sick, there WOULD be telltale signs all around us. Frogs and small fish are VERY sensitive to changes in their environment, particularly poisons; bees also. And our pets, as well as birds (who are mainly scavengers, after all), raccoons, etc.
We all need to keep our heads, here. I'm saying that for myself especially.
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
Not everyone is sick.
I, along with most everyone here on this board, is concerned about what is happening. However, I can absolutely confirm that there has been a nasty cold going around, sometimes with vomiting, in the So. Cal area since prior to the earthquake.
It is not easy to take a small step back and consider all possibilities. Try not to use up your energies unnecessarily.
We will all remain watchful, however!
Yes, the flu that's going around has been here before the eq
Three weeks before the quake, a horrible flu was going around my daughter's school. She finally got it as well. Now, she is an extremely healthy child, never been to the doctor for anything other than check-ups. But this one really got her. She was sick for two weeks, throwing up, sore throat, etc. So PLEASE don't panic about radiation poisoning. I don't personally know anyone out here in Santa Cruz area who is sick at this time.
I remember.....
I remember someone very early on reminding everyone that it is very easy to jump to conclusions and that the worry and stress to your health will be just as damaging in the long run. In fact, they both can contribute to your overall health. Think about it this way: If you spend most of the day and night worrying and stressing over what is going on, you won't sleep, your immune system will be impaired and you are more likely to get sick, even if it's just from the common cold or flu that might be going around.
If you are concerned, take a stand. Change your diet, change your personal routine to include measures to minimize exposure and get involved in your movement of choice to enact change in our government/or government agencies. Remember, a high number of people are already deficient in the iodine they should be getting in their diet, along with many other vitamins and minerals. Look for these deficiencies, change your diet. Consult your physician about what you can do to give your body a fighting chance. The healthier you are in mind and body, the greater the chance you have to survive this. The human body is an amazing thing.
That IS good advice...
That's good advice, Jen, thanks. I am glad to have met you, even considering these circumstances.
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
Ditto :o)
Ditto :o)
Btw
I'm in Central Cali, so we're not too far away from the So. Cal guys. :o)
I am OP. Of course we need
I am OP. Of course we need to stay level headed, rational. And I know what is normal for my own body and I know what is normal for my family. Yes, it is allergy season and I suffer every year. This isn't the same. It is a bit similar but after suffering 20+ years from them the exact same way every year, I am able to tell the slight differences.
Now as to what we should or should not be concerned about. The bottom line is that there has NEVER been an accident with the unique issues this one does. Multiple reactors, inconsistent/questionable amounts and elements,the plume pulse factors, the concentrations in the rain and the constant flow of radioactive materials we are having for this long of a duration. The cumulative effect is not known or being addressed.
Now if you can honestly tell yourself that anyone in the nuclear community can give us factual information about the consequences that the unprecedented elements pose to our future health then I call you a liar.
And add to these unknowns the lack of transparency and information we are getting from our government. Its not very reassuring imho.
I have read all kinds of reports from agency's all over the world on nuclear science and the effects of the different types of radiation so it is not as if I am speaking on this w/o doing my own homework. I do not claim to be an expert or to understand everything I have read completely. But what I have gathered is that there is no way in hell that they should be telling us not to worry, there is no danger to our health. It is slight of hand when they say "no immediate health risks".
What should have been done and they govt has still not done is tell us what we can do to protect ourselves from the low level exposure we are getting, what almost 3 weeks now and no end in sight. As another poster mentioned, a supplement with the drd of iodide, calcium, zinc, not going outside as much as possible, not going out in the radiation rain.
So I say they are the ones not being reasonable and rational when there is absolutely no way they can convince me that in good conscience say that they know what risk this is posing to our health in the future.
And one more thing. It is
And one more thing. It is the promotion of our govt when they do not know (ie as stated above) that is causing people to continue with activities that could have some very serious health effects.
So I say thank you very much to our govt for instilling this in the majority of Americans. As the invisible plume of Xenon 133 is passing over California, my sister has had my grandson outside, playing in the sandbox, no shirt, just shorts.
She thinks there is nothing to worry about because the govt would warn us.
Would they?
The EPA has already proven at least once that attention was drawn to that in the interest of "political" reasoning they are perfectly capable of not being forthcoming. Remember 9/11. Ask those people how much we should worry.
If nothing else...
...The lack of regard many of us here have for our Government, our lack of trust in their decision-making ability, our lack of respect for their intentions and motives, our lack of confidence in their data, and our basic fatalism -- that the Government is doing what it feels is in its OWN best interest, and we're all pretty much on our own -- is staggering, to me at least, and not just because I have now joined that particular chorus (for the first time in my life).
I am a veteran. I consider myself a patriot. I have had an unqualified love for this country and its institutions. And right about now I feel like a fool, one of the rats led by the Pied Piper right off the cliff and into a radioactive sea.
On top of everything else I, for one, am now dealing with a total decay (timely word, there) of my own feelings about this nation, and, to a fair extent, the human population and the world. Weirdly, I am thinking of the recent Sci-Fi Channel series, "Battlestar Galactica": Specifically, when Adama wondered, "Does the human race deserve to survive?" And the eventual answer was, yes, it does: Because IT STRUGGLES TO. I don't see us passing this test at this particular moment; we seem Hell-bent on destruction or, at a minimum, putting ourselves through Hell.
And this really has nothing to do with anything relevant... I'm just venting. Funny, I've never talked like this online before. Feels like group therapy, I imagine.
Rick Cromack.
Allen, Texas
www.facebook.com/lonestarplano
You know you are like the
You know you are like the 4-5 vet I have heard say that about how they have never felt so abandoned by this country. It is a bit like therapy haha.
Just for the record...
Just for the record, I want to say that I thought I was becoming a hypochondriac a few years after moving to the west coast. I had relatively poor nutrition as a kid and was always susceptible to allergies and cold as I got older, but after a few years here I started getting the same thing I have right now: flu-like pain and inflamation throug-out my body, along with swollen glands, plus headaches that I can only suggest seemed "chemically-caused" because they are the same as those I get when I paint with strong oil paints.
It became so regular (maybe three times per year), that a friend who moved to Los Angeles from the UK --- who's wife developed and died of pancreatic cancer while she was living in California, btw --only half-jokingly called me their "Canary" for detecting waves of pollution.
I soon learned about the toxins and carcinogens in the Asian Dust Cloud (Wiki it), but more importantly just read last month in a wire-service story that chemical AIR POLLUTION CAUSES INFLAMMATIONS THROUGHOUT THE BODY. Now, I realize that everything I go through during these attacks has an explanation --- because my doctors had none, despite elevations in my liver enzymes each time.
So am I just getting another pollution attack this time, or is the pollution that is attacking me radiation? Who knows....