DHMO Scare

First published April 2004

Members are warned that DHMO has been detected at unusually high levels in our lake. DHMO, Di-Hydrogen Monoxide, a colorless and odorless chemical compound is also known as Hydric acid. Its basis is the unstable Hydroxyl radical, the components of which are found in a number of caustic, explosive and poisonous compounds such as Sulfuric Acid, Nitroglycerine and Ethyl Alcohol.

Should we be concerned about DHMO?
Yes, we should be concerned about DHMO! Although the US Government and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not classify DHMO as a toxic or carcinogenic substance (as it does with better known chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and saccharine), DHMO is a constituent of many known toxic substances and disease-causing agents, and can even be lethal to humans in quantities as small as a thimbleful.

What are the dangers associated with DHMO?
Each year, DHMO is a known causative component in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known perils of DHMO are:
Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
Prolonged exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage.
Excessive ingestion produces a number of unpleasant though not typically life-threatening side-effects.
DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
Leads to corrosion and oxidation of many metals.
Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.

Is it true that using DHMO improves athletic performance?
Absolutely! With the numerous allegations of amateur and professional athletes using anabolic steroids and/or blood doping to enhance performance, virtually no attention has been paid to the performance enhancing properties of DHMO. It is perhaps the sporting world's dirtiest of dirty little secrets that athletes regularly ingest quantities of DHMO in an effort to gain a competitive edge over an opponent.
Sports-medicine physicians warn that ingesting too much DHMO can lead to complications and unwanted side-effects, but do acknowledge the link to improved performance. DHMO is not currently considered a banned substance, so post-race urine tests do not detect elevated or abnormal levels of DHMO.

What are the symptoms of DHMO overdose?
You may not always recognize that you have been a victim of accidental DHMO overdose, so here are some signs and symptoms to look for. If you suspect DHMO overdose, or if you exhibit any of these symptoms, you should consult with your physician or medical practitioner. The data presented here is provided for informational purposes only, and should in no way be construed as medical advice of any sort.
Excessive sweating
Excessive urination
Bloated feeling
Nausea Vomiting
Electrolyte imbalance
Hyponatremia (serum hypotonicity)
Dangerously imbalanced levels of ECF and ICF in the blood
Degeneration of sodium homeostasis

How can sailors protect themselves from DHMO?
Because of the exceptional levels of DHMO now entering the reservoir, it will be extremely difficult for sailors to avoid exposure entirely. However, the risks can be minimized by wearing a full body dry-suit with latex booties together with latex rubber gloves. Ensure that seals at neck and wrists are in good condition and form a very tight fit. Wear goggles and do not sail if there is any risk of splashes to the face.

What is our club doing about this problem?
Rest assured that the Executive Committee is doing everything we can to address this unprecedented threat to our sailing activities.

State Liaison C.E. commented, “I had no idea that DHMO levels were so high. I will be working with other local organizations to see what we can do. With the support of club membership, we will stamp it out”.

Commodore R.B. also expressed his concern. “We will have to look into what the liability of the club and its officers will be if any of our members are exposed to DHMO. Members should be aware that the club assumes no responsibility if they suffer problems with DHMO during unsanctioned activities”.

Why is the press not covering the DHMO scandal?
It is true that this problem has been largely ignored by the press locally and nationally. But coverage of DHMO can sometimes be found in the mainstream media…... usually around the beginning of April each year.

How can I find out more about the risks of DHMO?
Check out http://www.dhmo.org/. Much of the information above comes from this website.