May has been proclaimed MCS Awareness and Education Month in Colorado!Scientific studies estimate that 16% of the population suffers with some level of sensitivity to chemicals such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which is also known as a toxic injury of chemical origin. MCS affects both genders, all races, all income levels, all education levels and anyone could be permanently and totally disabled by it.
MCS is thought to be caused by chronic low level chemical exposures or an acute toxic exposure to a contaminant such as pesticide, carbon monoxide, an number of industrial chemicals, and "sick" buildings contaminated by mold and other volatile organic compounds with poor ventilation. 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 more.
This is particularly significant when one considers that MCS impacts an estimated 16% of the population as opposed to 6% who are affected by diabetes, which most Americans are familiar with; costing billions in treatments, lost income due to missing work and absenteeism from school. No one is immune to developing MCS. All it takes is one accident. Dr. Martin Pall, PhD of Washington State University Department of Molecular Biosciences, regards MCS as being related to other multi-system diesases including chronic fatigue syndrome, which was recently recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who cites chemcial sensitivity as a symptom of chronic fatigue. MCS substantially limits the ability of it's victims to live normal lives, work, attend school, shop, and socialize as a myriad of common items generally recognized as safe can cause anything from discomfort to life threatening reactions. These items include fragrances found in perfumes, lotions, soaps, and laundry products as well as cleaners, pesticides, diesel, news print, new carpets, and many other items encountered in day to day living.
MCS patients need more qualified medical care, increased access to public facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and support from family and friends once afflicted. While doctors need additional training and scientists need more funding for addional research into the cause of MCS. This is truly a crisis situation! MCS affects a persons ability to earn a living, travel, socialize, and function in our modern world in which chemicals and fragrances are impossible to avoid.
MCS America would like to formally thank Goveronor Bill Ritter and the people of Colorado for recognizing this important occassion!
