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As wildfires continue to burn across Los Angeles, influencers have emerged to promote selling their own very specific solutions to the crisis. As smoke filled the air in many neighborhoods, the wellness machine sprung into action, promoting tinctures, detox products, essential oils, parasite cleanses and even fresh-made milk. “treatment” for its effects.
The fire started in earnest on Tuesday, January 7. By Thursday, two days later, Mallory DeMille, a reporter for the plot podcast, said she noted an “immediate influx” of people promoting products on Instagram and TikTok by trying to tie them to fire. The situation is “heartbreaking and truly irresponsible,” DeMille said.
in one recent Instagram videosDeMille outlined the ways in which health influencers are, as she puts it, “trying to take advantage” of the wildfires and their potential negative health effects. Many focus on the effects of wildfire smoke on human lungs and suggest potential “treatments,” including supplements, powders, and essential oils, in addition to “detoxification” tools. ” is often referred to as drinking apple cider vinegar or drinking activated charcoal.
Although activated charcoal is used in emergencies to minimize ingested toxins, there is no evidence that it can “detox” the lungs or any other body part. It can also decrease effectiveness of the drug. In general, the body's organs do not need it “detoxified” or “supported” by supplements, some of which can cause further harm.
One particular addiction influencer, Ginger DeClue—who hosts online addiction treatment workshops and describes herself as a “master healer”—suggested on Instagram that Los Angeles deserves worthy of its fate. “Everything that burns needs to burn,” she said in a video post promoting the notion that the city is overrun with toxic mold.
“Los Angeles was a haven for crime, SA (sexual assault) and child abuse, moldy apartments and buildings, overpriced, poorly maintained HVAC systems. Shabby and hollyWEIRD storefront since 1920,” she wrote. “The Lord does not like ugliness in one night, He promises to destroy evil: but RESTORE THE JUSTICE.”
Some of the advice offered by influencers and doctors using social media includes common, low-risk strategies that public health departments also recommend: using an air purifier at home, use a saline nasal spray to help reduce irritation and congestion, and wear a high-quality face mask. quality outdoor masks.
Many are promoting products they have a financial incentive to recommend, DeMille said, and offering discount codes for products they sold before the fire. She asked, “How do you know you can trust them with your health and wellness if they have a financial incentive to sell products and services?”
What is happening with the bushfires is similar to the bogus cures and “detoxifications” that have been offered throughout the Covid pandemic. Essential oils has been promoted as “immune support” for those trying to prevent Covid, and a large number of evidence-free products have emerged for those wanting to “detox” from the effects of the Covid vaccine or near vaccinated people. (Vaccine detoxification has been promoted by some in the alternative healthcare world even before Covid.)
“Health influencers are always capitalizing on tragedies, but often, they are personal tragedies,” DeMille points out—saying, advising those who are sick to try their products while they cancer treatment or chronic disease.
“Taking advantage of a community tragedy is not a long walk,” she added.
As climate disasters continue to become more frequent—and the world faces a potential new pandemic in the form of bird flu—business looks extremely good for those who influence the Health is adept at turning disease and disaster into marketing bait.