Hopedance

May is MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) Awareness Month
by Gail Cohen

In this modern world, synthetic and toxic chemicals abound in society and in the environment. Common household and commercial products, many of which are not regulated by any governmental agencies (for example, the fragrance industry) contain thousands of toxic chemical ingredients. Thus, more and more people are developing health issues related to toxic exposures.

MCS is a chronic condition/disability resulting from a severe and sudden chemical injury (such as a massive chemical explosion) or from long term repeated exposure to low dose toxic fumes (e.g. a sick building). People disabled by MCS have adverse reactions to environmental chemicals (perfumes, car exhaust, paint fumes, solvents, pesticides, etc.) that the general population is seemingly able to tolerate. Symptoms can occur immediately or are delayed, ranging from mild to severe (sinusitis, headache, seizures, dizziness, confusion, inability to breathe, etc.) and can be life-threatening.

Affecting over 48 million people, MCS has reached epidemic proportions, as toxic exposures occur thru skin contact as well as thru food, water, and the air. Thus, more than one system in the body can be impaired (lungs, central nervous system, etc.).

MCS is recognized by many state and local authorities and by at least 25 federal authorities, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, to name a few. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) protects the disabled from discrimination and provides reasonable access to people with disabilities, including those with MCS. However, public ignorance and a lack of awareness appear to be the norm rather than exception in this instance.

Just as physical obstacles prevent wheelchair access, chemical fumes and odors can prevent entry to those with MCS. Reasonable accommodations for people with MCS include, but are not limited to, the following:

Providing well ventilated areas free of pollutants (fragrant laden cleaning products, deodorizers, tobacco smoke, etc.)
Selecting non toxic/allergenic building furnishings, floors, and supplies
Pre-notification prior to pesticide applications, painting, and renovations
Creating a fragrance-free environment (no wearing of perfume, or other chemically scented products such as lotions and hairsprays)
Education of students, employees, management, etc. as to the nature of MCS to avert stigma and harassment
Provisions for alternative access to goods and services
Using non toxic alternatives whenever and wherever possible

It is worth noting that accommodating people with MCS benefits everyone’s health, as good indoor air quality enhances productivity as well as morale, and helps to prevent serious chemical injuries (CNS disorders, cancer, MCS, etc.).

For more information, visit these websites:

http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/

http://mcs-america.org/index_files/MCSAwarenessMonth.htm

http://www.ctaz.com/~bhima/deeper.htm

http://www.multiplechemicalsensitivity.org/