Sunday, May 5, 2019

A mother's desperate struggle to find safe water for her corn-allergic infant son.

            An allergy to corn should be considered a potentially life-threatening diagnosis since hospitals have not been mandated to stock corn-free foods, fluids, or medications for the safety of corn-allergic patients (corn/corn-derived ingredients are ubiquitous, and corn allergen warnings are voluntary). We are currently required to supply our own previously-prepared corn-free products while hospitalized. My argument is: What if our admissions were due to an emergency?

            It is a daily struggle to survive with an allergy to corn.  We can consume very few processed foods, and no commercially-processed non-organic meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, or produce due to government-authorized corn-derived acid washes. Due to the high probability of corn cross-contact, all organic foods must be soaked in a bath of filtered water, Bragg’s apple cider vinegar (in the U.S. white vinegar is derived from corn), and baking soda.  Many people allergic to corn struggle just to find safe drinking water due to corn-derived purification chemicals, and many are required to have their medications compounded to exclude corn (used as a common filler). Most insurance companies will not cover the cost of compounded drugs.  The testimonies from parents of corn-allergic infants (many of whom have been diagnosed with “failure to thrive”) are heartbreaking. There are no commercially-manufactured corn-free infant formulas, and hospitals are ill-equipped to treat/nourish these poor babies.

Reprinted with permission:  A mother’s desperate struggle to find safe water for her corn-allergic infant son.

M.R., Wausau, WI

“My corn allergic son (F.R.) cannot tolerate ingesting any bottled water or tap water. We had to purchase a ProPur Nomad with G2 filters. All food preparation and cooking or any oral contact (oral hygiene) has to be used with this safe water. I am breastfeeding him and I cannot ingest any other source of water either. We also use a ProPur shower head filter for showering/bath due to his open skin/sores with eczema (reaction to corn).
Anytime we travel, we have to take both filters with us.”

Additional Testimonies Reprinted with Permission:

J.V., San Antonio, Tx
“I bought bottled water in Port Saint Lucie, FL and continue to buy here in San Antonio TX. I end up with stomach issues when drinking tap water.  I just moved away from PSL but I also had contact reactions and sometimes airborne when they would "purify" the water more.”  “. . . this area that we are talking about also had issues with water (algae).”

K.B. Port Saint Lucie, FL
“I’m also in Port St Lucie! My son is ingestion reactive and I am contact reactive.  It’s VERY bad with the algae! This summer was rough for us with respiratory issues from both the blue green algae and than red tide”

A.M.
“My baby reacts to tap water and brita filter as well.”

A.L., Pueblo West, CO
“We have to filter our water or it causes stomach distress. Prior to that, I had 1-2 brands of bottled water.”

M.A.G.
“The water at the ski areas is good. Denver not so much.  The only safe water is Voss that I've found so far. You know what, my legs will physically burn when the tap water hits my legs. It's crazy.” .

M.P., Texarkana, TX
“I have to buy distilled water since it’s the cheapest safe water for me to drink and to wash my face with. Tap water causes hives, skin discoloration, and itching. I have to keep a towel beside the shower so I can dry my face in case it gets wet (which causes my face to burn).”
“Update. We live in the DFW area now. I can wash in tap water now with no itching/burning. A ZeroWater pitcher has been a game changer and I don’t have to have distilled water any more. If the water has not been filtered and I ingest it I still get sick, but it doesn’t cause a bad topical reaction. We are hoping to move soon so there’s no telling what the next tap water will do to my skin.”

T.G.B.
“We can not drink Brita filtered water or chlorinated/floridated water- corn allergy kids react. We have safe well water or spring water.”

L.J.
“I can’t drink tap water or bottled. I have a zero water filter pitcher, so far it’s safe.  The filters are on the expensive side, compared to a Brita.”

W.T.
“The Zero is worth it tho - they give you a tester so you can see how much is taken out of the water - it's amazing - and that helps with knowing when to replace - and I like the spigot on the bottom for filling your glass right out of the fridge.”

B.P., Lewiston, ME
“My son is allergic to corn and I wasn't aware it could be in the water and could be the underlying reason of why he is still being triggered thank you for this information I will get on getting a water purifier asap,”

E.Y.B.
“My doc thinks I’m allergic to my tap water. I’ve had success with the Crystal Geyser brand that I have to drink and cook with. Currently looking into getting a house filter and have to get shower filters as I’m skin reactive in the shower and washing dishes.”

“Does anyone have any recommendations for a whole house filter? I ordered a shower filter and I'm doing Crystal Geyeser Springs water for drinking and dishes right now, but I'm super skin reactive to the water in my house. My Doc recommended a whole house filter but I'm getting overwhelmed with all the choices and the price points. I'd preferably like something without activated carbon but at this point I need SOMETHING! Thanks in advance for your suggestions! I appreciate them!”

A.S., Vandemere, NC
“I react to tap and bottle water. Lips, tongue and throat burn. I have a filtered pitcher in my fridge that I use for cooking and drinking. We are trying to decide on a whole house system that will do the job without breaking the bank.”

B.B.
“Last year, I was so, so scared because I could not find a water safe for me to drink. I had one quart of safe water left that I sipped on for four days, while trying to find some, when I actually should have been drinking way more than the quart every day because I have a problem with very painful kidneys without a lot of water.

I finally learned about Crystal Geyser and that many people tolerated it. I had to drive to another town like 25 miles away to find some though.

It would take very little to bring us to the point of having no safe food or water! Just add corn to the rest of what little we have left, and Boom!That is unacceptable!”


T.C.
“Im currently taking compounded benadryl and claritain daily while I try out bottled water and water filters to find water that is safe for me to drink. I had to stop eating for a day just to figure out it was the water that I was drinking that caused me having allergic reactions, feel miserable, and extremely fatigued daily for two weeks.”



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
Twitter:  @CornAllergy911



Corn products/derivatives to avoid if you are allergic to corn

Corn Allergy Statistics (Monthly)

Corn Allergy References, Studies, Statistics, & Petitions
(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic

"Corn: It's Everything," Iowa Corn

Vinegar
"Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid and trace chemicals that may include flavorings. .... Apple cider vinegar is made from cider or apple must, and has a ... or sukang basi), although it also is produced in France and the United States. .... regions, because of its low cost, is barley malt, or in the United States, corn."

Cross-Contact of Allergens:

Cross-Contact or Cross-Contamination: What’s the Difference?

Avoiding Cross-Contact
"Learn how to prevent cross-contact, which happens when an allergen is accidentally transferred from one food to another."

"The problem is compounded by the fact that few outside the allergic community understand the danger of cross-contact, the term used when trace of an allergen that is not an ingredient finds its way into a product causing the potential for a reaction. As such, it is imperative that organizations and businesses that serve the allergic community take the initiative to fully vet the products they recommend with their respective manufacturers. To do otherwise is to put the community risk."
https://snacksafely.com/2019/11/advisory-to-those-preparing-holiday-meals-for-guests-with-food-allergies/?fbclid=IwAR0WazdB37INNG132nQ3tq1chWxijcQMSieH9tDm1MFnvfB5J29R7vGBoAQ



Update April 15, 2020
This blog post has been forwarded to all Senators of the 116th Congress, in addition to President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
https://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm


Friday, May 3, 2019

Pure Encapsulations® / Reported Corn Allergy Reactions


Over the last several years, there have been many reported corn allergy reactions to some of the Pure Encapsulations® supplements by members of our online corn allergy groups of over 11K members.  These supplements are manufactured by Atrium Innovations, Inc., and they list their other brands as Garden of Life®, Wobenzym®, AOV, Douglas Laboratories®, Genestra Brands, Klean Athlete®, Minami, Orthica, Pharmax, and Tropic

My April 30, 2019 Inquiry:

"Your products are often mentioned in our corn allergy groups of over 11K members. One of our members just mentioned that her physician contacted your company to inquire if any of your products contain corn (she should have asked if your products contain any ingredients DERIVED from corn). Her physician was told that none of your products contain corn; however, many of our members have reported corn allergy reactions to your products.

For the safety of the corn allergy community, we would like to finally resolve this issue. Do your products contain any corn-derived ingredients?

Thank you!"

Their May 1, 2019 Reply:

"Hello Diane,

Many of our ingredients, including vitamin C, B12 and B2 are derived from corn dextrose fermentation. This process starts with isolating dextrose from corn (a sugar, so does not contain allergenic corn protein), which is then fed to micro-organisms. The micro-organisms produce these nutrients, and the nutrients are then isolated and purified away from the starting materials.  While no corn proteins or sugar remain in the final product (and we have tested with negative results), we do not routinely test for corn allergens and therefore we would not be able to guarantee its safety for someone with a corn allergy.  I would add if you have a specific product in mind, please ask and I can investigate further."


My Personal Recommendation:

If you are allergic to corn, I would personally avoid consuming any of their products (including products from their other noted brands).  I have previously contacted Garden of Life® and Douglas Laboratories®.  Both companies confirmed that many of their products contain corn-derived ingredients; and, therefore, recommended that they be avoided by the corn allergy community.

I am concerned with their comment that dextrose [the sugar derived from corn] "does not contain allergenic corn protein."  If this were true, dextrose IV fluid would not contain a warning that dextrose IV fluid should not be administered to corn-allergic patients.  In addition, one of my most critical corn allergy reactions was to Morton's iodized salt.  Morton's confirmed that iodized salt contains corn-derived dextrose.   

Reference Documents:

After reading disturbing testimonies by members of our corn allergy groups that physicians insisted upon administering dextrose IV fluid to corn-allergic patients requiring immediate intervention with an antihistamine, it took me three years to forward the following product information sheet from Baxter Labs to our nation’s hospitals and colleges of medicine for the safety of corn-allergic patients.  One physician actually told a patient that “no one can be allergic to dextrose.”  Their lack of knowledge can endanger patients’ lives.  

After a compounding pharmacist told a corn-allergic patient that “cornstarch is not really corn,” I contacted the majority of world-wide pharmaceutical companies and our nation’s colleges of pharmacy.

Baxter Labs specifically warns about administering dextrose IV fluids to corn-allergic patients.
"Solutions containing dextrose should be used with caution, if at all, in patients with known allergy to corn or corn products." - Page 3

BCPharmacists, "Warning: corn-related allergens . . ."

"Probable anaphylactic reaction to corn-derived dextrose solution."

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic

United States Hospitals/Health Systems Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

Pharmaceutical Companies Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

Colleges of Medicine Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

Colleges of Pharmacy Contacted Re: Protocol for Treating Corn-Allergic Patients

Critical Corn Allergy References, Studies, Statistics, & Petitions
(Includes my submission to The Joint Commission, Congress, FDA, & U.S. Dept. of Health requesting emergency mandate that hospitals stock corn-free foods, liquids, & drugs.)
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/2018/04/corn-allergy-reference-links.html



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Foxy Organic Broccoli: Failed Oral Challenge



Foxy Organic Broccoli: Failed Oral Challenge (Updated 3/20/19)

An allergy to corn is a very expensive, labor-intensive allergy.  Since we can consume very few processed foods and no commercially-processed meat, poultry, seafood, fruit, or produce due to government-authorized corn-derived acid washes; we must invest in organic products.  Even then, we must wash all fresh foods in a bath with Bragg’s apple cider vinegar (in the U.S. white vinegar is derived from corn) and baking soda to eliminate any corn cross-contamination.  This is the first time I have experienced a corn allergy reaction to any organic product; therefore, I personally do not believe that this broccoli is certified organic.

February 19, 2019
On February 14, 2019, I purchased 3 packages of Foxy-brand organic broccoli (USDA Organic) from Publix supermarket.  Yesterday I blanched all three packages after thoroughly washing the broccoli.  This evening (approximately 7 pm), I consumed approximately ½ cup of Foxy organic broccoli.  My distinct corn allergy reaction began at approximately 7:25 pm (abdominal swelling and pain).  My reaction escalated (severe abdominal swelling), so I took one Zyrtec at 7:50 pm.  I am in utter misery, and it looks like I’m 7-months’ pregnant (“corn baby”).

In addition, it was very difficult cutting this broccoli.  It was like trying to cut through a rubber tire.

IF YOU ARE ALLERGIC TO CORN, DO NOT CONSUME THIS BRAND OF “ORGANIC” BROCCOLI.

UPC Code:  073574810009
Product #94060
Lot #EM504953-1.2, and #EM504953-1.1 (2 pkgs.)
I couldn’t find any “Best If Used By Date”


cc:        Publix Corporate Headquarters, online contact form
            USDA, @USDAFoodSafety
            USDA Organic Programs Division, filed report by phone (202) 720-8998
            CCOF Certification Services, LLC, CCOF, Inc., online contact form
            Foxy Produce, Facebook notification


Updates:
2/19/19 email from Publix:
“Thank you for taking the time to share your comments with us. We have received your information and a Customer Care specialist will be assigned to your case. We are currently receiving a high volume of customer contacts. While we will make every effort to respond to you within 24 to 48 business hours, please be aware that you may experience a delay. If you do not hear back from us in a timely manner, please contact a Customer Care representative at 1-800-242-1227.

Sincerely,

Customer Care Team”

2/20/19 email from CCOF:
“Thank you for submitting this update. A Certification Specialist will respond as soon as it has been reviewed or if we have any questions. You can track your update using MyCCOF. Please send all updates directly to inbox@ccof.org. You do not need to send these to ccof@ccof.org. If this is a quick question, you can contact your Certification Specialist (CSS) directly.
We work to respond to the following in 1-2 weeks:
• Updated labels for existing products
• Adding new acreage (subsequent inspection required)
• New inputs (fertilizer, pest control, sanitizers, etc.)

For other updates, such as the ones below, we work to respond within one month:
• New Products with or without labels
• Adding a facility or additional equipment (subsequent inspection required)
• General Organic System Plan (OSP) updates, OSP forms available on our website
• Your response to a request for information from CCOF

We cannot guarantee these timelines. During busy times of the year updates may take longer. If you require a faster response, please let us know as we may be able to accommodate your timeline. We also offer guaranteed two day and five day Rush Review for time sensitive situations. If you are interested in a Rush Review, please complete the form and submit it to CCOF.

Best Regards,

Sherry Taylor
Office Assistant
2155 Delaware Ave., Suite 150
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Phone: (831) 423-2263
Fax: (831) 423-4528
frontdesk@ccof.org
www.ccof.org
Visit CCOF on Facebook and Twitter”

2/28/19 email from The Nunes Company, Inc., Re: Foxy Organic Broccoli:
I apologize for your experience with our organic broccoli. It is a common practice to feed cattle corn products which in turn produce a byproduct used in compost. This is particularly seen in cattle operations that will bake and roll corn to make flakes to feed to the cattle. The corn product will break down during both the digestive process, and again during the heating process of composing. This is a common practice in organic farming. No corn products are directly used on our organic products and we have not received any similar complaints. We will continue to monitor this and are working with our compost suppliers to better understand this process and discuss alternatives. We are certified organic under the National Organic Program standard. Please let us know if you have any further questions.

Kristina Nunes
Director of Food Safety and Sustainability
The Nunes Company, Inc.
925 Johnson Ave.
Salinas, CA 93901
831-751-7510”



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911


Reference:

"Vinegar is an aqueous solution of acetic acid and trace chemicals that may include flavorings. .... Apple cider vinegar is made from cider or apple must, and has a ... or sukang basi), although it also is produced in France and the United States. .... regions, because of its low cost, is barley malt, or in the United States, corn."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinegar

Friday, September 28, 2018

Windmill® Calcium Citrate Oral Challenge for Corn/Corn-Derived Ingredients


I have been conducting oral challenges of products advertised as "corn free" by the manufacturer.  If I experience a corn allergy reaction, I then file reports with the manufacturer, the FDA, and the FTC.

WARNING:
I strongly recommend that you do not attempt any oral food challenges unless you are in the presence of your physician.  Although I have not yet experienced an anaphylactic reaction to corn or my other allergens, I did have epinephrine auto-injector pens available (prescribed for my allergy to most antibiotics).

September 22, 2018 through September 28, 20181
Oral challenges of Windmill® Calcium Citrate Dietary Supplement, 100 Tablets
UPC Code 035046001551
Lot #0314C8
Exp. Date: 03/21
Directions: Take 2 tablets once or twice daily as a dietary supplement or as directed by a healthcare professional.
Label states that this product is free of “sugar, yeast, corn, milk, soy, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives.”

I have been taking this dietary supplement as directed on the label since September 22, 2018, based on a recommendation by my primary care physician that I consume more calcium.  I have physician-diagnosed allergies to corn, yeast, soy, dairy, etc.; and have not experienced any allergic reaction to this product.  Therefore, I have deemed this product “safe for me.”  However, please trial with caution in the event they change their formulation or if ingredients are compromised due to cross-contamination.

In the event you experience a corn allergy reaction to a product that is labeled "corn free," refer to instructions for filing reports in the following links:

Non-FDA-Compliant "Corn-Free" Claims (Revised 11/16/17); Title 21 U.S.C. - Section 343, Chapter 1 - Adulterated or Misbranded Foods or Drugs


FTC Filing a Complaint to Report False and Misleading Labeling
FDA Warning Letter to Windmill Health Products, LLC, October 7, 2014
“The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted an inspection of your firm, Windmill Health Products, LLC, located at 6 Henderson Drive, West Caldwell, NJ, from June 18 through July 17, 2013. The inspection revealed serious violations of the Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations for Manufacturing, Packaging, Labeling, or Holding Operations for Dietary Supplements, Title 21, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 111 (21 CFR 111). These violations cause your dietary supplement products to be adulterated within the meaning of section 402(g)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) [21 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 342(g)(1)] in that the products have been prepared, packed, or held under conditions that do not meet CGMP requirements for dietary supplements. Our investigator's observations were noted on form FDA-483, lnspectional Observations, which was issued on July 17, 2013.


Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
https://cornallergyadvocacyresources.blogspot.com/
@CornAllergy911


Thursday, September 20, 2018

Do Vehicle Air Bags Contain Glyphosate? My 9/20/18 Email to the NHTSA.


My 9/20/18 email to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):  webmaster@dot.gov

Since approximately 88% of corn is GMO, and since cornstarch is the primary ingredient in air bags; has the NHTSA conducted studies to determine how much glyphosate is being ingested by individuals after their air bags deploy?

"Corn is the No. 1 crop grown in the U.S. and nearly all of it — 88 percent — is genetically modified. In addition to being added to innumerable processed foods, genetically modified corn is a staple of animal feed."

In addition, since corn allergies have increased by over 700% in the last 62 months; a physician-confirmed allergy to corn should be cause to request that an air bag be disengaged.

I believe the NHTSA has determined that cornstarch is safe based on the blatantly false statement by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology (ACAAI); therefore, I am providing the NHTSA the following rebuttal statements to the ACAAI.

Argo Cornstarch Oral Challenge to Test Hypothesis Presented by the ACAAI
 [Conclusion: If you are allergic/intolerant to corn, do NOT consume cornstarch. I suffered a significant allergic reaction as a result of this oral challenge.]

My March 27, 2018, Certified Letter to the ACAAI  Re: Cornstarch and Corn Syrup

Petition to Demand that the ACAAI Remove False Statement Re: Cornstarch/High Fructose Corn Syrup

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic

Corn Allergy Statistics (Monthly) [Corn allergies have increased by over 700% in the last 62 months.]

Strict avoidance of a person's allergen is always advised to avoid a possible anaphylactic reaction.
 “Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe. Just because an initial reaction causes few problems doesn’t mean that all reactions will be similar; a food that triggered only mild symptoms on one occasion may cause more severe symptoms at another time.”

"Patient education: Food allergy treatment and avoidance (Beyond the Basics)," Scott H. Sicherer, MD, FAAAAI, UpToDate, April 25, 2017
"People with food allergies can have serious or even life-threatening reactions after consuming certain foods. The most important strategy in the management of food allergies is to avoid eating these foods."

Recommendation:
Due to the significant increase in food allergies, I would recommend that each individual be given the choice as to which starch is used in air bags; e.g., tapioca starch, potato starch, etc.  In addition, these starches must be guaranteed to be derived from non-GMO sources.

"Facts and Statistics"

Thank you for your attention to this growing concern.


Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

P.S.  I have shared the following blog link with members of my corn allergy groups:

NHTSA Form: “Request for Air Bag On-Off Switch” Due to Corn Allergy




Sunday, September 16, 2018

NHTSA Form: “Request for Air Bag On-Off Switch” Due to Corn Allergy


I do NOT recommend that anyone request that their vehicle air bags be turned off due to their allergy to corn; however, especially if you are anaphylactic to corn, following are the instructions for disengaging the air bags.

Even though I am not anaphylactic to corn (yet), I recently requested that my mechanic turn off the air bag in my car due to my allergy to corn (I always wear my seat belt), since cornstarch and/or talc are the primary ingredients.  He stated that this disconnect can only be approved by the NHTSA; and if it is due to a medical condition; e.g., allergy to corn, the request must be accompanied by certification from my physician.

This is the 2-page "Form to Request Air Bag On-Off Switch" that I will be submitting to the NHTSA due to my corn allergy.
United States Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Instructions for Completing Form:
"An individual with a medical condition is safer if the frontal air bag is turned off. A written statement from a physician must accompany each request based on a medical condition unless the request is based on a medical condition for which the National Conference on Medical Indications for Air Bag Deactivation recommends deactivation. (For driver and/or passenger frontal air bag as appropriate.)"

Contact the NHTSA via email (I sent them an email 9/16/18 with documentation confirming that cornstarch is NOT safe for corn-allergic individuals)

Since I believe the NHTSA has determined that cornstarch is safe based on the blatantly false statement by the ACAAI, I emailed them my rebuttals to the ACAAI concerning cornstarch and corn syrup.

Argo Cornstarch Oral Challenge to Test Hypothesis Presented by the ACAAI
 [Conclusion: If you are allergic/intolerant to corn, do NOT consume cornstarch. I suffered a significant allergic reaction as a result of this oral challenge.]

My March 27, 2018, Certified Letter to the ACAAI  Re: Cornstarch and Corn Syrup

ACAAI - My Rebuttal Concerning Cornstarch and High Fructose Corn Syrup

Petition to Demand that the ACAAI Remove False Statement Re: Cornstarch/High Fructose Corn Syrup

Removing a Food Protein Does Not Guarantee an Allergen Hypoallergenic

Corn Allergy Statistics (Monthly) [Corn allergies have increased by over 700% in the last 62 months.]


Other supporting articles you can submit with your request that your air bag be disconnected:

"IS THE DUST THAT COMES OUT OF AN AIRBAG TOXIC?", The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary
"The dust released from an airbag after deployment is not toxic, but rather a mixture of corn-based powder that helps the rapid propulsion of the airbag. It might cause irritation of the throat and itching, watery eyes."

"So, the smoke and dust particles you see when an airbag deploys may come from these various chemicals used to make the airbag open and expand rapidly in the event of an emergency. Sodium azide (NaN3) ensured the airbag device worked efficiently as soon as impact triggered it but it is a potentially deadly chemical. Also, all the sodium azide from discarded airbags was dangerous for the environment."

"Airbag saves man, then kills him,' by Chris Matyszczyk, May 31, 2012, CNET

". . . a forensic pathologist talked about how Smith's lungs were infected and that he died of bronchial pneumonia."

"Washington University's chemistry department says that inside airbags is a mixture of NaN3, KNO3, and SiO2. The end result of the chemical reaction is supposed to be silicate glass, which is safe."

"Still, even if Smith had known the airbag contained dangerous chemicals, what could he have done to prevent himself breathing in the noxious fumes?

"The Hidden Dangers of Airbags" June 22, 2010, SciJourner
"Although in only small amounts, the NHTSA has found that sodium hydroxide is causing coughing fits and asthma attacks in the drivers and passengers. Rescue workers are advised to wear gloves and safety glasses and to completely ventilate the car for several minutes before entering. The excessive coughing caused by the air bag powder can also make a chest injury worse."

"Sodium azide is an extremely toxic poison, capable of destroying entire ecosystems. An undeployed airbag contains between 50 grams for the driver side and 200 grams for the passenger side. After the airbag reacts, all of the sodium azide should be converted to harmless nitrogen gas. Undeployed airbags should be removed from cars before they are “junked” or put into landfills in order to prevent unreacted sodium azide from getting into the environment, recommends Betterton."

"Talc," Wikipedia
"In loose form, it is (in ratio with or without corn starch) . . ."

"The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents not use baby powder because it poses a risk of respiratory problems, including breathing trouble and serious lung damage if the baby inhales it. The small size of the particles makes it difficult to keep them out of the air while applying the powder."

"With intravenous use, it may lead to pulmonary talcosis, a granulomatous inflammation in the lungs."

"In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health have set occupational exposure limits to respirable talc dusts at 2 mg/m3 over an eight-hour workday. At levels of 1000 mg/m3, inhalation of talc is considered immediately dangerous to life and health."

Healthline
"If you’re allergic to corn, you’ll want to stay away from all of its forms, whether the corn is cooked, raw, in syrup, or in flour."

Strict avoidance of a person's allergen is always advised to avoid a possible anaphylactic reaction.
“Symptoms of a food allergy can range from mild to severe. Just because an initial reaction causes few problems doesn’t mean that all reactions will be similar; a food that triggered only mild symptoms on one occasion may cause more severe symptoms at another time.”

"Patient education: Food allergy treatment and avoidance (Beyond the Basics)," Scott H. Sicherer, MD, FAAAAI, UpToDate, April 25, 2017
"People with food allergies can have serious or even life-threatening reactions after consuming certain foods. The most important strategy in the management of food allergies is to avoid eating these foods."


UPDATE:  NHTSA’s 9/18/18 reply to my email:

Workspace:
NHTSA Hotline Center
Case:
Cornstarch is NOT safe for corn-allergic individuals
Case Number:
1270581

Date:
09/18/2018

Time:
11:00:27
Creation Date:
09/16/2018

Creation Time:
18:32:50

Symptom:
Entered on 09/18/2018 at 11:00:27 AM EDT (GMT-0400) by Ann Marie L Ambrose:
Thank you for contacting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Vehicle Safety Hotline Information Center.

You may visit our web site at 
www.nhtsa.gov for information on Vehicle Air Bags. This site will provide you with answers to Frequently Asked Questions as well as the following:
 •Applying for Air Bag On/Off Switch
 •Air Bag Deactivation Requests

 
You may also send a request in writing to:
 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Attention: Air Bag Deactivation Requests
1200 New Jersey AVE, SE
West Building
Washington, DC 20590

The request can also be faxed to 202-493-2833.

The request must contain the following: Name and address of the vehicle owner. The justification for the request (must be one of four conditions as stated in Under what circumstances will NHTSA allow air bag deactivation?). The letter should be as specific as possible about the justification and state whether the request applies to the driver or passenger air bag, or both. A description of the facts creating the need for deactivation.

A statement from a physician based on a medical condition—only if the condition is not one for which the National Conference recommended deactivation (see What are the medical conditions for which an air bag may be deactivated?). [Emphasis added.]

The physician's statement must identify the particular condition of the patient and include the physician's judgment that: Air bags pose a special risk to the person with the medical condition, and The potential harm from the air bag outweighs the potential harm from turning off the air bag and allowing the person's head, neck or breast bone to hit the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield. Note: Hitting the vehicle interior is likely in a moderate to severe crash, even if the person is using seat belts.  


If the request concerns a child who must ride in the front seat to enable the driver to monitor the child's medical condition, the supporting physician's statement must identify the condition and state that frequent monitoring by the driver is necessary.

We hope that you find this information helpful. However, if you need additional information on our services please feel free to contact us at 1-888-327-4236.

Thank you,

NHTSA.dot.gov Response Team

Disclaimer: "This response is for information purposes only and does not constitute an official communication of the U.S. Department of Transportation. For an official response, please write U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE, West Building, Washington, DC 20590.


UPDATE, 9/19/18:  “What are the medical conditions for which an air bag may be deactivated?
Note that an allergy to cornstarch is not addressed.

“National Conference on Medical Indications for Air Bag Disconnection”
https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/documents/airbag_conference_report_july_1997.pdf


UPDATE, 9/19/18, ARE FOOD ALLERGIES CONSIDERED DISABILITIES UNDER THE ADA?:

My request to have my air bags deactivated due to my allergy to corn should be honored, since food allergies (in certain cases) are considered a disability under the ADA.


"Are Asthma and Allergies Disabilities?" -  Article by Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
http://www.aafa.org/page/asthma-allergies-and-the-american-with-disabilities-act.aspx



Diane H., Corn Allergy Advocate
Corn Allergy Advocacy/Resources
@CornAllergy911

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