By Dale Schaefer on June 26, 2025
In an age where the air we breathe, the products we use, and even the water we drink can harbor hidden dangers, few voices ring as clearly and passionately as that of Angel De Fazio, BSAT, MS, BCNHP. As President and Executive Director of the National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation (NTEF), De Fazio has dedicated her life to illuminating the often-overlooked hazards of everyday chemical exposures—and empowering people to reclaim their health.
Angel De Fazio’s journey into environmental health advocacy began with her own battle against the effects of toxic encephalopathy—a condition where exposure to neuro-toxic chemicals disrupts normal brain function, leading to symptoms like memory loss, cognitive fog, and even behavioral changes. “After I was poisoned from the formalin in the medical school cadaver lab, I started discovering the impact of the effects to my brain and nervous system,” De Fazio shared in an interview. This personal struggle became the catalyst for founding the NTEF in 1998, a nonprofit dedicated to education, outreach, and support for those affected by chemical injuries.
Under De Fazio’s leadership, the NTEF has grown into a respected resource for individuals, families, and policymakers alike. The foundation’s mission is twofold: to educate the public about the dangers of neuro-toxic chemicals found in everyday products, and to advocate for safer environments—at home, at work, and in public spaces.
Each May, the NTEF spearheads National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Awareness Month, a campaign recognized by proclamations from Nevada governors, city councils, and county commissioners. The goal is to raise awareness about the symptoms and risks of chemical exposure, from pesticides and air fresheners to cosmetics and industrial solvents. The foundation’s efforts have even led to fragrance-free policies in government offices and public spaces, setting a precedent for accessibility and inclusion.
De Fazio is a master at making complex science accessible. She likens toxic encephalopathy to an umbrella, with conditions like autism, ADHD, Parkinson’s, and fibromyalgia as spokes beneath it—each impacted by chemical exposures but often mislabeled or misunderstood. “You feel like you’re drunk or stoned. You’re in a cognitive fog with exposures… your thought processes are scrambled,” she explains.
This clarity is crucial, as symptoms of neuro-toxicity can mimic psychiatric, metabolic, or degenerative diseases, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. De Fazio stresses the importance of thorough medical history-taking and neurological exams to identify and address chemical injuries.
De Fazio’s activism isn’t limited to education; she’s a force for policy change. NTEF has supported litigation against companies whose products harm public health, and had been recognized by FEMA as Nevada’s representative for disabled populations affected by environmental toxins.
The foundation also runs Chemical Free Living, an online store offering non-toxic alternatives—from stainless steel lunch kits to organic linens and water filters. “We walk the walk, and talk the talk about alternatives,” De Fazio says, highlighting the importance of practical solutions for reducing everyday exposures.
De Fazio is particularly passionate about protecting those most at risk: pregnant women, children, veterans, and the disabled. NTEF’s outreach includes education on endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the dangers of pesticides like RoundUp. The foundation also addresses “pre-absenteeism”—when workers exposed to chemicals are present but less productive due to cognitive impairment.
Her advocacy extends to challenging the use of essential oils and fragrances in public spaces, emphasizing that “many people are impacted by fragrances, but they have not made the correlation” between exposure and health symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control has acknowledged that fragrances are a health concern, to the point that they enacted a formal Indoor Environmental Quality Policy in 2009, that scented or fragranced products are prohibited at all times in all interior space owned, rented or leased by the CDC. Whereby potential hazards include chemicals, biological agents, fragrant products and physical conditions that may cause irritation, illness, or exacerbate existing conditions.” So if the CDC is aware of this harm why aren’t they advocating this health protection for the rest of the country, said DeFazio.
Despite resistance – “People do not want to give up their products,” De Fazio notes—she remains optimistic. NTEF’s initiatives, like teaching children to make their own non-toxic products, reflect her belief that change starts with education and community engagement.
De Fazio’s work has earned the support of international expert witnesses such as David O. Carpenter, MD, Director of the Institute for Health and the Environment, University at Albany, SUNY, Rensselaer, NY. The Institute was named a Collaborating Center of the World Health Organization in 2011. Along with Raymond Singer, Ph.D. Forensic Neuropsychologist and Neurotoxicologist, Board-Certified Neuropsychologist with added forensic specialization, whose work has proven that some capital murders cases are tied into chemical exposures impacting the brain.
Her message is simple but urgent: “No one’s immune. With the increase from olfactory chemical assault… it’s not if, but when”.
Angel De Fazio’s vision is for a world where public spaces are truly safe for all, and where individuals have the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from hidden hazards. Through the NTEF, she continues to fight for recognition, research, and real solutions for those affected by toxic encephalopathy and chemical injuries.
Additionally, It should be noted that the NTEF is not just focused on chemicals, they advocate against anything that impacts the brain and body, including Electromagnetic Radiation, Smart Meters, 5G and Internet of Things. This has been their other core mission for over a decade. They forced the Nevada PUC to allow people to opt-out of smart meters, a 2.5 year battle against Warren Buffet’s Energy Company. There is worldwide advocacy against electro-magnetic radiation. The government has weapons that use this technology to control crowds for example.
For anyone seeking to live a healthier, more informed life—or to support a loved one facing chemical sensitivities—De Fazio and the NTEF are invaluable guides on the path to a cleaner, safer future.
While most of the work that DeFazio does is focused on helping humans, she also finds time to help the canine community as the Agent and Publicist for Robert Ruddell Weatherwax from the Weatherwax Dog Training Entertainment Family Dynasty.
While the name may not be familiar for most people, the mere mention of the dog names, Lassie, Asta, Toto, and Beethoven you realize the magnitude of Robert’s family in the film and television industry. Robert wants to help keep dogs with their owners thru his skills as an animal behaviorist.
He is the third generation and final member of this exclusive dynasty.
Learn more about Angel De Fazio’s work and explore resources for chemical-free living at the National Toxic Encephalopathy Foundation and Chemical Free Living websites.
national-toxic-encephalopathy-foundation.org
4550 W. Oakey Blvd., Ste. 103, Las Vegas, NV 89102
Phone: 702.490.9677
Email: Info@NTEFUSA.org
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