Washington Governor Declares May 2008 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness and Education Month

Washington Governor Christine Gregoire signed a proclamation declaring May 2008 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness and Education Month. Gregoire said "I urge all citizens to support understanding, education, and research of MCS."

Sensitivity to chemicals has been researched by scientists for 60 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recognized chemical sensitivity as one symptom of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

There are numerous documented and published facts in medical journals about MCS:

Several studies published between 1993 and 2005 suggest that at least 45 million men, women, and children in the US report various chemical sensitivities. Seventy percent of these people have not been diagnosed properly by a health care provider.

MCS is not specific to any gender, race, income level, or education level.

Brain scans show reduced blood flow to the brain of MCS subjects when under chemical exposure.

Numerous physiological abnormalities have been identified in MCS subjects, including brain inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, cardiac and airway disease, auto-immune disorders, and many others.

Mast cell activation and disorders of porphyrin metabolism have been linked to MCS.

Genetic differences relating to detoxification processes are present more often in those with MCS than those without.

Studies have shown that avoiding inciting chemicals and proper environmental control is the most efficacious treatment known to date. Ninety-five percent of patients report improvement upon practicing avoidance and 94% report improvement upon moving to a chemical free living space.

The journal citations may be located at: http://mcs-america.org/MCSPositionStatement.htm.

The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Health Observance Calendar has also proclaimed May 2008 as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness and Education Month.

MCS is a disorder of organic biological origin induced by toxic environmental insults. Once affected, victims suffer permanent irreversible damage that causes a myriad of symptoms in multiple body organs and ranges from seizures and respiratory difficulty to headache, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, and neurological effects. In the advanced stages, MCS leads to permanent and total disability.

Funding is needed for programs that educate both health care professionals and the general public about MCS. A committee is also needed to help coordinate health agency research, promote the exchange of information, hold federal agencies accountable, and give advocates a voice in policy decisions. Research offers the greatest prospect of returning people with MCS to healthy, productive lives.

MCS America is an organization dedicated to increasing medical, legal, and social recognition of MCS. Volunteers seek to ensure that environmental toxicants which are known to lead to MCS are identified, reduced, regulated, and enforced through lobbying for effective legislation.

Individuals can help to reduce their chances of developing MCS by:

Wearing an approved respirator when working with solvents, volatile organic compounds, and other industrial chemicals,

Employing alternatives to organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides, such as Integrated Pest Control, boric acid, and non-chemical bug repellants.

Using fragrance free laundry products,

Using fragrance free lotion, shampoo, conditioner, and other body care products,

Discontinuing the use of commercial store-bought cleaning products and replacing them with effective single ingredient cleaners, such as baking soda, vinegar, and peroxide.

Avoiding newly constructed buildings and construction sites,

Shopping for lower emission vehicles that have tested low for off-gassing of volatile organic compounds (the "new car" smell).

Limiting processed foods and pharmaceutical drugs.

Reconsidering vaccination; this has been correlated with autoimmune disorders and autism.

These same measures that reduce the chances of developing MCS also enable people with MCS to live more comfortably. Taking these measures will ensure that even those with MCS can engage in work, social, recreational, and religious activities.

For additional information, e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit http://www.mcs-america.org.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org.

To download a copy of Governor Gregoire's proclamation: http://mcs-america.org/Washington2008MCS.pdf