Environmental and
Fumes
Fume reactive means a person can have an allergic reaction from inhaling fumes of something they’re allergic to. In this case, it refers to the alpha-gal sugar molecule. Cooking steak, pork, or lamb could trigger a reaction, potentially leading to breathing problems or even anaphylaxis.
My Story
Shortly after I had been diagnosed with Alpha gal syndrome and Mast cell Activation syndrome I began noticing that being around the cooking of meats like the burger joints near my apartment or someone cooking grilling out near my apartment coming in would cause me to have breathing problems and my throat would become very red and swollen. My face would swell and rash up as well making it difficult to breathe I would have to take a Benadryl and spend most of the day asleep waiting for the symptoms to go away. I soon realized that I had fume reaction to Alpha Gal related products The list below will go over some of these products that could cause a fume reaction if you are around them.
products &
more
Meats cooking from:
*Burger fast food
*Mexican steak fajita plates (extreme amount of fumes)
*steak houses
*grill outs
*home: Family members should cook on a grill outside and have notice of when they are cooking with windows closed to home.
Products
*Cigarettes: there is evidence that pig's blood (porcine hemoglobin) was sometimes used in the manufacturing of certain cigarette filters, though it was not disclosed to consumers. A press release in 2010 brought to light that some cigarette companies used pig's blood as a component in filters, and one brand, Donskoy Tabak's 21 VEK, was promoted with a filter made with haemoglobin. However, the tobacco industry is not required to disclose all of its ingredients and additives.
*Vape: Vaping can trigger an alpha-gal person because of airborne alpha-gal, which can be a component of aerosolized fats in the e-liquid, similar to how meat fumes can trigger reactions.
*Marijuana: Considering the upregulation of it and some states and the potential for cross contamination it can cause allergic reaction from those around it to the people consuming it because of this.
*Candles: most mainstream candles from the start are made from tallow or lard. these are mammal derived. unless you can insure they come from bees wax or vegan sources its best to not light the candle or be around them.
* Aerosol: aerosol products are not guaranteed to be safe for alpha-gal syndrome; some can trigger reactions because they may contain alpha-gal or other mammalian byproducts, or can aerosolize mammalian fat from cooking. Individuals with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) should be cautious with airborne exposures, especially from sources like cooking fumes, and carefully check the ingredients of aerosolized products like personal care items and cleaning supplies.
*perfume's: perfumes may not be safe for those with Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) because they can trigger reactions, particularly if they contain mammalian byproducts. While most people with AGS don't need to change their personal care products, a highly reactive subset may react to airborne scents or trace amounts of alpha-gal in other products. It is safest to avoid perfumes or switch to alpha-gal-free alternatives if reactions occur.
Dander
Dangers of Fume Reactivity and Dander
For some highly sensitive people with AGS, exposure to airborne alpha-gal can pose a significant and rapid risk.
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Fume Reactivity: Cooking that generates aerosolized droplets of mammalian fat, such as grilling or stovetop cooking of meat, can cause reactions. Some individuals report that fume reactions are among their most dangerous exposures, progressing quickly to severe symptoms like airway issues or unconsciousness. People with this sensitivity should exercise extreme caution around sources of meat fumes and may need to immediately remove themselves from the area if symptoms start.
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Dander: While less common or potent than fume exposure, some individuals with AGS have reported reactions to dander from pets and livestock (e.g., pigs, cats, dogs, sheep, goats). This can involve respiratory or skin symptoms.
Reactions to airborne alpha-gal can occur within minutes of exposure, unlike the typical delayed reaction from ingestion.