DHMO Scare

To: All Members
From: Safety Committee Chair

Club members are warned that DHMO has been detected at unusually high levels in the 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 and Nitroglycerine.

Should sailors be concerned about DHMO?
Yes, we should be concerned about DHMO! Although the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) do not classify DHMO as a toxic or carcinogenic substance, 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.
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.

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 in the lake, it will be extremely difficult for sailors to avoid exposure entirely. However, the risks can be minimized by wearing a full body diving suit or 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.

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 media…… usually around the beginning of April each year.