There’s no denying that in recent times, there’s been a huge push for anyone with the slightest sniffle or cough to get tested, just in case they might have that dreaded virus…you know, the one with the recovery rate of over 99.9%? We are told that getting tested is the responsible thing to do. Yet, how much do we actually know about the testing process? It’s slightly uncomfortable but harmless, we’re told. We line up to get a really long cotton bud stuck up our nose, almost into our brains. It’s just a swab, we’re told. Right?
Have you stopped to think about what those swabs are made of? Rayon, nylon or some other such plastic fibre attached to a plastic rod can’t be too harmful, can it? What about the substance used to sterilise these swabs then? Have you heard of Ethylene Oxide? If you haven’t, you’re probably not alone. I hadn’t either until recently. I’m going to share with you today what I have learnt about this substance in the last few weeks, so you can be better informed should you feel the need to get tested for that virus.
Ethylene Oxide is a flammable, colourless gas that is used in the production of numerous products, including plastics, detergents, antifreeze, textiles and adhesives. This compound is also used as a pesticide. Of particular note, Ethylene Oxide is used to sterilise plastic devices and medical equipment that steam is unable to sterilise. It is such an effective sterilising agent for these instruments because of its ability to break down and damage DNA. Yet, this is exactly why it is such a carcinogen.
Long-term Ethylene Oxide exposure can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, lungs, throat and skin, and cause harm to the nervous system and the brain. This can result in memory loss, numbness and headaches. Leukemia and lymphoma have both been linked to Ethylene Oxide, and both stomach and breast cancers may be linked to it.
The PCR swabs are sterilised using Ethylene Oxide. This is harmless enough when it is in its packet and is dry. However, when it comes into contact with the moisture in our noses, and we inhale it, it is highly carcinogenic (as this guy explains. (Nb. There is one example of course language in this video, so make sure there aren’t any little ears around!)).
If, for some reason, you are in a situation where you need to get a PCR test, it’s probably not the end of the world. If you are required to undergo regular testing, though, you might like to consider some undergoing some detoxing, to counteract some of the damage to your body. Our 10-Day Super Cleanse would be a great option.
If you have any cold-like symptoms, consider whether it really is necessary that you get tested. Remember, nobody has any right to force you to undergo any procedure without informed consent. According to the Nuremberg Code, informed consent means that, “[T]he person involved should have legal capacity to give consent; should be so situated as to be able to exercise free power of choice, without the intervention of any element of force, fraud, deceit, duress, over-reaching, or other ulterior form of constraint or coercion[i]”. Where there is risk, there should be choice.
[i] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11948-019-00170-8/tables/3