MCS Nebraska Is Now an Active Subsidiary of MCS America!

Studies estimate that 16% of Americans exhibit symptoms of chemical sensitivity. Roughly 6% of those meet the established criterion for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). MCS is a chronic condition, not specific to any gender, age, socioeconomic group, or nationality, that affects multiple organ systems. The onset can be gradual as a result of chronic low-level exposure or sudden as a result of a single acute exposure. Damage is often permanent and irreversible; the primary treatment is avoidance of all chemical exposures.

Many everyday products may contain unregulated chemicals that are neurotoxins and can trigger a reaction from low-level exposures, including personal and laundry care items, perfumes, colognes, lotions, deodorants, hair dyes, scented candles, air fresheners, cleaning products, plastics, carpet, vehicle exhaust, and insect & weed killers. People with MCS have genetically altered detoxification systems that slow down the breakdown of these substances. Symptoms from exposure can range from minor annoyances to life-threatening reactions. Other conditions that are frequently comorbid with MCS include chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, asthma, allergies, and autoimmune diseases.

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/chemical injury (TI/CI), 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.

“We want the same recognition for MCS that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently granted to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome,” said Lourdes Salvador, Founder and President of MCS America. “MCS is particularly significant when one considers that this condition impacts an estimated 16% of the population as opposed to 7% 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.”

Janice Trease, Chapter Coordinator for MCS Nebraska, a subsidiary of MCS America, notes that even though the Midwest is not heavily populated, she sees signs of MCS around her every day. Some sufferers are not aware of their own condition in the early stages and resources are scarce in Nebraska. A sufferer of MCS herself, she travels 150 miles to Missouri, the nearest treatment center, for medical care. “Chemical sensitivity affects every aspect of my life. Every contact must be closely monitored. MCS requires hyper-vigilance to avoid an unexpected exposure that can cause severe life-altering reactions,” said Trease.

Trease looks forward to the day when MCS is fully researched and recognized. Her all time favorite quote by Schopenhauer is “Every truth passes through three stages before it is recognized. First, it is ridiculed. Second, it is opposed. Third, it is regarded as self evident.” She says it will be a great day to celebrate when the scientific community confirms the biomarkers for MCS and the community regards it as self-evident.

Nebraska residents interested in joining MCS Nebraska and participating in a discussion group may apply at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCS-Nebraska/. For more information, referrals, and resources on MCS Nebraska, see the MCS Nebraska subsidiary website at http://mcs-america.org/index_files/mcsnebraska.htm.

For more information on MCS America, see http://www.mcs-america.org. To join MCS America, apply at: http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcs-america-members-support/.

To subscribe to the monthly MCS America News: subscriptions@mcs-america.org.