Scientific studies determine that 16% of the population suffers with 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 America is seeking to clarify the many contradistinctions in the medical, scientific, legal, and social communities so that MCS may be granted the same recognition that the Centers for Disease Control recently granted to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.Patients and doctors from across the world have come forth in support of the MCS America petition which calls for "full recognition of MCS as a physiological medical condition" and requests additional funding for more research into the cause and treatment of the condition. 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. 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 this conditions impact 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 and there is no cure. All it takes is one accident.
Dr. Martin Pall of Washington State University Department of Molecular Biosciences, regards MCS as being related to other multi-system diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome, of which chemical sensitivities is now a recognized symptom. 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 cause dangerous 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 America suggests that 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 add 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.
For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.
About MCS America:
The mission of MCS America is to gain respect and understanding for the many men, women, and children suffering with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), Toxic Injury (TI), and other related disabilities through brochures, printed materials, newsletters, support groups, public awareness campaigns, and lobbying for the full recognition of MCS in the medical and legal communities while promoting mutual respect between fellow human beings and encouraging all members of the MCS community to participate and create a world in which there is no threat of toxic injury.
