PRESS RELEASE

DETOXSCAN™ Program to Cover Diagnostic Front in Environmental Exposure Care

New York, NY (October 2025) — Twenty-four years after 9/11, thousands of responders and residents are still living with the delayed effects of toxic dust exposure. To address the growing wave of asbestos-related and environmental illnesses, diagnostic imaging specialist Dr. Robert L. Bard has introduced DETOXSCAN™, a precision-imaging program designed to identify early signs of toxin-induced disorders in the skin, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

The Hidden Legacy of Dust Exposure

The collapse of the Twin Towers released more than 400,000 tons of pulverized debris containing asbestos, silica, lead, mercury, benzene, and microplastics.¹ Over 90,000 first responders were directly exposed, and studies confirm continuing increases in respiratory disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancers—including mesothelioma, whose incidence among responders remains nearly 11 times higher than normal populations.²,³

“Dust is not inert—it’s biologically active,” says Dr. Bard. “It carries fibrogenic and carcinogenic particles that continue to inflame tissues decades after exposure.”

But asbestos is only one piece of the modern exposure crisis. Today’s construction, demolition, and fire-recovery environments contain mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), heavy metals, and combustion byproducts, each capable of triggering oxidative stress, immune dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Workers and nearby residents frequently present with skin irritation, chronic cough, headaches, and fatigue—signs that often precede liver fibrosis, renal damage, or malignancy.

DETOXSCAN™: Imaging the Unseen

Dr. Bard’s DETOXSCAN™ applies high-resolution ultrasound, Doppler flow studies, elastography, and thermography to reveal tissue reactions from toxic exposures long before they appear in laboratory tests. By mapping inflammation, vascular disruption, and fibrosis, clinicians can monitor detoxification progress and identify those at risk for chronic illness.

“The skin is a living dashboard of toxic stress,” explains Dr. Bard. “With imaging and AI analytics, we can now translate what it shows into quantifiable clinical data.”

Using pattern recognition, DETOXSCAN™ differentiates exposure-related inflammation from infection or autoimmune disease. The system’s growing image database—built in collaboration with occupational health specialists—links diagnostic visuals to toxin-specific biomarkers, creating one of the first AI-enabled archives of exposure pathology.

Advocacy, Prevention, and Detox Science

The initiative pays tribute to the work of individuals like Anne-Marie Principe, a 9/11 health advocate who continues to champion screening and care for responders. It also honors Dr. David Root, whose clinical detoxification protocols using sauna-niacin therapy demonstrated measurable reductions in stored industrial toxins.⁴ DETOXSCAN™ incorporates such research within a diagnostic framework, allowing clinicians to evaluate the biological results of detox interventions.

“Detoxification isn’t fringe—it’s prevention,” says Dr. Bard. “By integrating imaging, lab biomarkers, and exposure history, we can help protect workers and families long before disease develops.”

A National Model for Exposure Medicine

Beyond New York, similar toxic exposure patterns have been documented among wildfire crews, industrial reclamation teams, and urban demolition workers.⁵ Dr. Bard envisions DETOXSCAN™ as a national surveillance model—merging imaging diagnostics with environmental medicine to track the biological footprint of pollution and occupational hazards.

“The dust of 9/11 taught us that toxic exposure is a slow-moving disaster,” Dr. Bard concludes. “Our mission now is to detect the invisible damage early—and give survivors a chance to heal.”

References (AMA Style)

1. Prezant DJ, et al. Respiratory health of 9/11 rescue workers: a 20-year perspective. Lancet Respir Med. 2022;10(8):785-796.

2. Carbone M, Yang H. Molecular mechanisms of asbestos carcinogenesis. Clin Cancer Res. 2012;18(3):598-604.

3. Li J, Cone JE, Kahn AR, et al. Cancer incidence among World Trade Center rescue and recovery workers, 2002-2018. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(9):e2230595.

4. Root DE, Hubbard RL. The sauna-niacin detoxification method in the treatment of environmental chemical exposures. Clin Toxicol. 1992;30(5):653-665.

5. Bard RL, Valle-Montoya L, Goetze L. Image-guided diagnostics for environmental exposure. HealthTech Reporter. 2024;2(3):18-25.

PART 2

Afterthought from

Ret. FDNY Responder Sal Banchitta

“We Can’t Undo the Dust, But We Can Change What Happens Next”

It’s been twenty-four years since that morning we all swore we’d never forget. For many of us who were down there on the pile, time has made the memories quieter — but the health reminders louder. Every cough, every scan, every funeral for another brother or sister reminds us that the work isn’t over. The dust didn’t stop falling when the fires went out. It followed us home, settled in our lungs, and became a part of our daily reality.

When I started “Get Checked Now!”, the mission was simple: get our people screened before it’s too late. I lost too many friends to cancers that could have been caught early. Partnering with Dr. Robert Bard gave us the tools to turn awareness into action. His imaging technology made early detection personal — it gave our community a fighting chance.

Now, twenty-four years later, we’re adding a new chapter — detoxification. We’ve learned that the same toxins that caused the first wave of illness are still sitting in our systems. Even the guys who never smoked, never drank, who worked out and ate right — they’re getting hit. That’s why I’m proud to support Dr. Bard’s DETOXSCAN™, because it’s not just about finding cancer; it’s about understanding the toxic footprint left behind and doing something about it. “You can’t change what you breathed back then, but you can change how your body deals with it now.”

THE “SALTY” REALITY OF THE JOB

In the fire service, we use the term “SALTY” as a badge of honor — for the guys who’ve been through the smoke, the heat, and the worst of the job. But over the years, we’ve learned that being “salty” isn’t just a sign of experience; it’s a reminder of what’s been absorbed into our bodies. Every structure fire, car blaze, or chemical response brings with it a new mix of toxins — asbestos, dioxins, benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and micro-particulates from plastics, electronics, and furniture foam.

Decades ago, we thought the biggest danger came from the flames. Now we know it’s what we can’t see — the dust, the vapor, the invisible residues that cling to our gear, our skin, and our lungs. Studies today show that both active and retired firefighters have higher rates of lung disease, liver toxicity, thyroid dysfunction, and cancers than the general population. Many responders experience delayed symptoms — rashes, fatigue, brain fog, or digestive problems — years after exposure, often without realizing these are connected to the toxins we took in “on the job.”

“We used to joke that if you came home smelling like smoke, you had a good night. Now, we know that smell was a warning.”

A CULTURE OF CHANGE AND PREVENTION

Firefighter health has come a long way since 9/11, but the challenges haven’t disappeared. New protective gear is being developed to resist chemical penetration, and on-scene decontamination protocols are now standard in many departments. Research teams are studying the cumulative effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — the so-called “forever chemicals” found in firefighting foam and bunker gear. Yet despite these advances, many responders — especially retirees — are still living with undiagnosed conditions tied to decades of toxic exposure.

This is why programs like DETOXSCAN™ matter. Imaging and detoxification aren’t luxuries; they’re survival tools. Every responder should have access to baseline scans, follow-up evaluations, and detox guidance from medical professionals who understand exposure medicine.

“We owe it to the next generation of firefighters to stay alive long enough to tell them what we learned.”

STANDING WATCH FOR THE FUTURE

I’ve always believed education saves lives. Whether it’s Get Checked Now! or Dr. Bard’s DETOXSCAN™, it’s all part of the same promise: to protect those who protect others. We can’t undo what we breathed in, but we can fight smarter, live cleaner, and leave behind a healthier fire service. Twenty-four years later, I’m still standing — and I’m still checking. Because awareness isn’t enough anymore; now it’s time to detox, recover, and lead by example.

# # #

PART 3

BINDING THE TOXINS: Restoring Skin and Immune Health After Environmental Exposure

Featuring insights from Dr. Jennifer Letitia

Dr. Jennifer Letitia is a distinguished integrative physician renowned for her expertise in chronic Lyme disease, mold toxicity, post-viral syndromes, and immune dysregulation. Known for her methodical, whole-body evaluations, Dr. Letitia combines clinical intuition with deep diagnostic science to uncover the root causes of unexplained illness. Her protocol blends advanced testing, symptom-based analysis, and therapeutic interventions grounded in both conventional and naturopathic medicine.

PRELUDE: Binders and the Science & Strategy Behind Detoxing

In the age of chronic environmental exposure, detoxing has become more than a wellness trend — it’s an evolving science of prevention, resilience, and recovery. From industrial pollutants to household mold, from heavy metals to chemical residues, the body faces a constant barrage of contaminants that can overwhelm its natural cleansing systems. The modern concept of detoxification recognizes this burden and offers a multi-dimensional strategy: prevent exposure, support natural elimination, and intervene when toxicity disrupts health.

The first level of detoxing begins with prevention. Simple but evidence-based habits—such as staying active to improve circulation and lymphatic flow, maintaining a cancer-fighting diet rich in antioxidants and cruciferous vegetables, limiting alcohol to one drink per day, and reducing indoor toxin exposure—create a foundation for long-term resilience. These lifestyle choices strengthen the body’s own detox pathways and reduce inflammation that can lead to chronic illness. Even with the best efforts, it is estimated that 50% of buildings in the U.S. are contaminated with mold and mycotoxins that are invisible to the eye. These mycotoxins can wreak havoc in unsuspecting individuals.

Beyond prevention, clinicians now employ targeted treatments to assist individuals whose toxin burden exceeds the body’s capacity to self-clear. Among these, binders play a central therapeutic role. These substances—ranging from medical-grade agents like cholestyramine to natural compounds such as activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and chlorella—adhere to circulating or intestinal toxins and escort them safely out of the body. By lowering the total toxic load, binders not only remove harmful compounds but also free the immune system to recover and repair. This then results in more effective detoxification pathways. This synergy of prevention, elimination, and immune restoration represents the next generation of environmental medicine — one where detoxing becomes both a proactive and restorative path to better health.

Why Binders Matter

Both mold mycotoxins and asbestos by-products can persist in tissues long after exposure. Mycotoxins such as ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, and aflatoxins are lipophilic, accumulating in fat and cell membranes, where they damage mitochondria and suppress immune function.¹,² Asbestos fibers, meanwhile, provoke oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, releasing cytokines that amplify autoimmunity.³ When the body’s detoxification systems—primarily the liver and bile pathways—become overloaded or in the 24% who genetically can not make antibodies to them, these toxins may be reabsorbed through enterohepatic circulation.

Binders interrupt this cycle. By binding toxins in the gastrointestinal tract, they prevent reuptake and facilitate elimination through stool. This process reduces the total toxic load, indirectly improving immune surveillance, hormonal balance, and skin integrity.

What the Science Shows

Clinical data support the use of several classes of binders:

· Cholestyramine, a prescription bile-acid sequestrant, has shown efficacy in removing mycotoxins and biotoxins associated with chronic inflammatory response syndrome and mold biotoxin illness.⁴

· Activated charcoal and bentonite clay adsorb a broad range of organic compounds, mycotoxins and heavy metals.⁵

· Chlorella and zeolite may capture specific heavy-metal ions, reducing oxidative damage, as well as bind mycotoxins.⁶

· Modified citrus pectin demonstrates chelating properties and immune modulation in toxin-related syndromes.⁷

Patients treated with binders often report improvements in fatigue, cognitive fog, sleep, hormones, and inflammatory skin eruptions. As toxin levels fall, skin manifestations—rashes (e.g.. eczema-like lesions, pruritus, psoriasis)—commonly subside, aligning with Dr. Letitia’s observation that “clearing the load allows the immune system to finally reset.”

The Integrative Path Forward

Binders are not a standalone therapy. Dr. Letitia underscores that medical supervision is essential, as improper use can deplete nutrients or alter gut microbiota. Furthermore, antifungals are often necessary to treat the yeast and old colonization in the body that becomes its own source of mycotoxins. Optimal protocols ofthen include hydration, antioxidant support (glutathione, vitamin C), and periodic laboratory monitoring. When combined with imaging tools such as Dr. Bard’s DETOXSCAN™ to track organ response, binders represent a bridge between environmental toxicology and restorative dermatology—helping patients to not only remove toxins but to reclaim immune balance and skin health.

References

1. Brewer JH, Thrasher JD, Straus DC. Mold and mycotoxin exposure and the skin. Clin Toxicol. 2013;51(7):623-631.

2. Straus DC. The possible role of fungal mycotoxins in sick building syndrome. Adv Appl Microbiol. 2004;55:215-238.

3. Kamp DW, Weitzman SA. Asbestosis: clinical spectrum and pathogenesis. Hum Pathol. 1999;30(8):963-972.

4. Shoemaker RC, Hudnell HK. Possible estuarine and water-damaged-building related illness treated with cholestyramine. Neurotoxicology Teratol. 2001;23(5):795-802.

5. Kacprzak M, Malina G. The use of activated carbon and clay minerals as sorbents of toxins. Environ Chem Lett. 2019;17(3):1451-1460.

6. Flora SJ, Pachauri V. Chelation in metal intoxication. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2010;7(7):2745-2788.

7. Eliaz I, Hotchkiss AT. The role of modified citrus pectin in detoxification and immune health. Integr Med (Encinitas). 2019;18(6):36-44.

This article draft is an original work produced by the writing and editorial team of the AngioInstitute (a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization), created exclusively for use, distribution, and publication by DetoxScan.org. All content contained herein, including written material, concepts, titles, and formatting, is the intellectual property of the AngioInstitute and is protected under United States and international copyright laws. Unauthorized reproduction, copying, distribution, transmission, or republication of any portion of this material—whether in print, digital, or any other format—is strictly prohibited without prior written permission from the copyright holder. The AngioInstitute retains full ownership of the content until and unless formally transferred in writing. This draft may not be altered, adapted, or used in derivative works without express consent. All rights reserved. For inquiries regarding usage, permissions, or content licensing, please contact the AngioInstitute directly.

Sunday, October 5, 2025

For Immediate Release: 2025 Asbestos Exposure Data