Toxin Exposure Questionnaire Tracks Vulnerability to Harmful Chemicals

IFM educates clinicians to recognize the relationship between systemic disease and environmental toxins through a clear understanding of the pathophysiology of total toxic load and the synergistic effects of toxicants. Clinicians will learn to identify diseases and dysfunctions potentially associated with chronic toxicity and specifically recognize the relationships between chronic toxic insult and neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity, autoimmunity, mitochondrial dysfunction, endocrine disruption, and carcinogenesis.

To help the clinician do this, IFM utilizes an evaluation process that tracks a patient’s exposure to toxicants through a 30-question toolkit item called the Toxin Exposure Questionnaire. This screening questionnaire helps clinicians discover and assess relevant toxic exposures and track individual responses to the environment and therapeutic interventions. Sample questions include: “Do you consume conventionally grown (non-organic) or genetically modified fruits and vegetables?” and “Are you exposed to conventional cleaning chemicals, disinfectants, hand sanitizers, air fresheners, scented candles, or other scented products at home or work?” The patient answers with a “Yes, Sometimes, In the Past, or No” and may be asked to further elaborate.

IFM members gain access to the Toxin Exposure Questionnaire in the IFM Toolkit, which is a benefit of IFM membership. Non-IFM members may receive temporary toolkit access for the duration of selected courses, including Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) and APMs.

As a member, how do I access the IFM Toolkit?

• Log in to the IFM website and select “My Toolkit.”
• Note: If you do not see the mentioned links, check your membership status from the “My Certification & Membership” tab.