Special May Awareness Month News/Links Edition, May 15, 2009
In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than over 48 million men, women, and children suffer adverse health reactions to everyday chemicals.Multiple chemical sensitivity and toxic injury is an increasing epidemic which leads to emergency department visits, job loss, homelessness, school absenteeism, and serious lifelong chronic illness in America. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) affects men, women, and children irregardless of gender, race and economic status.
In response to these alarming statistics, and in an effort to raise public awareness of the risks faced everyday by Americans living with multiple chemical sensitivity and toxic injury, May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Toxic Injury Awareness Month in America.
Thirty-six governors and mayors across America have issued proclamations for this important event.
Events are being held across the United States during May. Each event will raise awareness about indoor and outdoor pollutants that trigger multiple chemical sensitivity and toxic injury, as well as ways to prevent toxic injuries and exposures.
Below is a sampling of the vast efforts of various individuals and organizations around the country to expand awareness. Congratulations to each individual and organization who has gone out of their way to making this the best May awareness event ever!
May is only half over. If each and every one of us does something, even if it's only one little thing, it makes your voice heard. More important, it makes our collective voices heard.
Wishing everyone improved health and progress,
Lourdes
=================================
Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association, Inc.
Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research Association, Inc.
Chemical Sensitivity 2009 Seminar (Australia) May 15, 2009
http://www.mcs-america.org/AESSRAChemicalSensitivty09Seminar.pdf
Medical, legal and architectural experts discuss chemical sensitivity and its impacts on the lives of sufferers and family.
Press Release
http://www.mcs-america.org/ChemicalSensitivitySeminar2009PressRelease.pdf
Flyer
http://www.mcs-america.org/AESSRAChemicalSensitivty09Seminar.pdf
Are You Sensitive to Chemicals?
http://www.mcs-america.org/areyousensitivetochemicals.pdf
=================================
International MCS/EMS Awareness 2009 Library Display
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/Formww.htm
Observance of MCS/EMS Awareness Month May 2009 in Florida, USA
http://www.mcs-america.org/AESSRAChemicalSensitivty09Seminar.pdf
Medical, legal and architectural experts discuss chemical sensitivity and its impacts on the lives of sufferers and family.
Press Release
http://www.mcs-america.org/ChemicalSensitivitySeminar2009PressRelease.pdf
Flyer
http://www.mcs-america.org/AESSRAChemicalSensitivty09Seminar.pdf
Are You Sensitive to Chemicals?
http://www.mcs-america.org/areyousensitivetochemicals.pdf
=================================
International MCS/EMS Awareness 2009 Library Display
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/Formww.htm
Observance of MCS/EMS Awareness Month May 2009 in Florida, USA
=================================
Library Seminar
Eating Green with Jeff Heinen
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/EventDetail.aspx?EventInstanceID=32707
Branch: Parma Heights - Meeting Room A
Type of Event: Program
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 7:00 PM
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/EventDetail.aspx?EventInstanceID=32707
Branch: Parma Heights - Meeting Room A
Type of Event: Program
Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2009 7:00 PM
Jeff Heinen, co-owner of Heinen's Fine Foods presents...
Eating Green: learn about the growing popularity of organically and locally grown food. Mr. Heinen shares his insights about this current trend as well as food safety.
Presented in collaboration with the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured.
=================================
Library Seminar
The Environment and Your Health
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/EventDetail.aspx?EventInstanceID=32705
Branch: Parma Heights - Meeting Room A
Type of Event: Program
Date: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 7:00 PM
http://www.cuyahogalibrary.org/EventDetail.aspx?EventInstanceID=32705
Branch: Parma Heights - Meeting Room A
Type of Event: Program
Date: Wednesday, May 06, 2009 7:00 PM
Theodore Esborn, environmental attorney, ONFCI* Board Member and co-executive producer of the PBS documentary, Return of the Cuyahoga,
presents...
The Environment and Your Health: the hidden dangers in your surroundings and their consequences.
Whether from natural and man-made disasters or everyday chemicals, we are exposed to an increasingly diverse array of harmful pollutants and toxins that can create adverse reactions in our bodies.
Learn the connection between chemicals and cancer, asthma, MCS, Parkinson's and other disabilities.
*Presented in collaboration with the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured.
=================================
MCS, Toxic Injury, and EMS Proclamations
Copies of governor and mayor proclamations obtained by various organizations and individuals across America.
=================================
Ohio Senators Dale Miller (D-Cleveland) and Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) introduced Senate Bill No. 117 today to annually designate May as MCS Awareness Month in Ohio
Letter from the ONFCI requesting support:
http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/letter_re_bill.pdf
Actual Senate Bill:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_SB_117_I_Y.pdf
=================================
Ohio Senators Dale Miller (D-Cleveland) and Kevin Coughlin (R-Cuyahoga Falls) introduced Senate Bill No. 117 today to annually designate May as MCS Awareness Month in Ohio
Letter from the ONFCI requesting support:
http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/letter_re_bill.pdf
Actual Senate Bill:
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText128/128_SB_117_I_Y.pdf
=================================
MCS America's May Activism Kit
Chock full of ideas, both big and small, on how to promote MCS/TI Awareness
=================================
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - May 12, 2009
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/article/20090502/NEIGHBORHOODS01/905020343
=================================
Comment: This is a great brochure to email or distribute to emergency medical personnel to increase awareness of MCS and encourage proper treatment in medical emergencies. It's produced by the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability.
Now Available - Third Edition of Tips for First Responders!
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/TipSheetsForFirstResponders.htm
Tips for First Responders, a 14-page, color-coded, laminated 4.5 x 5.5-inch field guide. For the third edition a tip sheet has been added that offers
information to first responders on how to assist Childbearing Women and Newborns. Tips also include persons with a wide range of disabilities, as
well as Seniors, People with Service Animals, People with Mobility Challenges, People with Mental Illness, Blind or Visually Impaired People,
Deaf or Hard of Hearing People, People with Autism, People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and People with Cognitive Disabilities.
The tip sheets provide information first responders can use during emergencies as well as routine encounters. They are not meant to be
comprehensive, but contain specific information that you can read quickly either before or while responding to an incident. Over 80,000 copies of the tips have been ordered by first responders across the country.
Partners in developing the Tip Sheets include the Bureau of Health Emergency Management, New Mexico Department of Health; the New Mexico Governor's Commission on Disability; the American Association on Health and Disability; and the Disability and Health Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View PDF Version of the Tips for First Responders
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/tips3rdedition.pdf
You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to View this file
Download the Tips for First Responders order form in Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/TIPSheetOrderForm.pdf
You can print this form and fax or mail it to us.
Contact us for further information
mailto:acahill@salud.unm.edu
Or call Dr. Anthony Cahill at 505-272-2990
=================================
Winning entries of the UK M.E. Awareness Week Poster Competition
"Come to bed with ME" and "If you catch ME" designed by Joss Morton
http://www.mefreeforall.org/fileadmin/PDFs/ME_Awareness_Posters_2009.pdf
=================================
May is MCS Awareness Month Poster
http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/flowchart.pdf
New Meaning for Dead on Arrival Poster
http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/postersmall.jpg
The DOA poster has been giving folks trouble. The link is right, but for some reason it can't be directly accessed. It can be accessed from:
http://www.ohionetwork.org/ by clicking on "Greening" of the Fleets" in the left menu and then clicking "View Dead on Arrival Poster" in the main screen.
=================================
Thirty-six governors and 30 mayors issued Environmental Education Week proclamations stressing the value of and need for environmental education in their states and cities.
Children's Environmental Health Network: Environmental Education Week
http://www.eeweek.org/
=================================
Connecticut Governor proclaims May 2009 as Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS)
Awareness Month.
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/102308
The proclamation was obtained by the hard work of CHRISTIANE TOURTET B.A.
Founder/President of International MCS/EMS Awareness
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/mcs.htm
The direct link to the EMS proclamation is as follows:
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/JREMS2009.pdf
=================================
National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - May 12, 2009
http://www.baxterbulletin.com/article/20090502/NEIGHBORHOODS01/905020343
=================================
Comment: This is a great brochure to email or distribute to emergency medical personnel to increase awareness of MCS and encourage proper treatment in medical emergencies. It's produced by the University of New Mexico Center for Development and Disability.
Now Available - Third Edition of Tips for First Responders!
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/TipSheetsForFirstResponders.htm
Tips for First Responders, a 14-page, color-coded, laminated 4.5 x 5.5-inch field guide. For the third edition a tip sheet has been added that offers
information to first responders on how to assist Childbearing Women and Newborns. Tips also include persons with a wide range of disabilities, as
well as Seniors, People with Service Animals, People with Mobility Challenges, People with Mental Illness, Blind or Visually Impaired People,
Deaf or Hard of Hearing People, People with Autism, People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and People with Cognitive Disabilities.
The tip sheets provide information first responders can use during emergencies as well as routine encounters. They are not meant to be
comprehensive, but contain specific information that you can read quickly either before or while responding to an incident. Over 80,000 copies of the tips have been ordered by first responders across the country.
Partners in developing the Tip Sheets include the Bureau of Health Emergency Management, New Mexico Department of Health; the New Mexico Governor's Commission on Disability; the American Association on Health and Disability; and the Disability and Health Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
View PDF Version of the Tips for First Responders
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/tips3rdedition.pdf
You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader to View this file
Download the Tips for First Responders order form in Adobe Acrobat Reader
http://cdd.unm.edu/products/TIPSheetOrderForm.pdf
You can print this form and fax or mail it to us.
Contact us for further information
mailto:acahill@salud.unm.edu
Or call Dr. Anthony Cahill at 505-272-2990
=================================
Winning entries of the UK M.E. Awareness Week Poster Competition
"Come to bed with ME" and "If you catch ME" designed by Joss Morton
http://www.mefreeforall.org/fileadmin/PDFs/ME_Awareness_Posters_2009.pdf
=================================
May is MCS Awareness Month Poster
http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/flowchart.pdf
New Meaning for Dead on Arrival Poster
http://www.ohionetwork.org/2009/postersmall.jpg
The DOA poster has been giving folks trouble. The link is right, but for some reason it can't be directly accessed. It can be accessed from:
http://www.ohionetwork.org/ by clicking on "Greening" of the Fleets" in the left menu and then clicking "View Dead on Arrival Poster" in the main screen.
=================================
Thirty-six governors and 30 mayors issued Environmental Education Week proclamations stressing the value of and need for environmental education in their states and cities.
Children's Environmental Health Network: Environmental Education Week
http://www.eeweek.org/
=================================
Connecticut Governor proclaims May 2009 as Electromagnetic Sensitivity (EMS)
Awareness Month.
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/102308
The proclamation was obtained by the hard work of CHRISTIANE TOURTET B.A.
Founder/President of International MCS/EMS Awareness
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/mcs.htm
The direct link to the EMS proclamation is as follows:
http://www.nettally.com/prusty/JREMS2009.pdf
=================================
Radio Interview
Trends and Products: our worsening indoor air
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bydesign/stories/2009/2562183.htm
Chemically sensitive? How safe is your house? The average person spends approximately 60% of their time in the indoor environment. As we move to conserve energy in our houses we often need to close off the house -- but this means less air flow and more potential for a poor quality of indoor air.
Guests
Neil Blyth
Architect
Further Information
Chemical Sensitivity 2009 website
AESSRA is the Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research
Association Inc
Producer
Janne Ryan
Radio National often provides links to external websites to complement program information. While producers have taken care with all selections, we can neither endorse nor take final responsibility for the content of those sites.
Trends and Products: our worsening indoor air
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bydesign/stories/2009/2562183.htm
Chemically sensitive? How safe is your house? The average person spends approximately 60% of their time in the indoor environment. As we move to conserve energy in our houses we often need to close off the house -- but this means less air flow and more potential for a poor quality of indoor air.
Guests
Neil Blyth
Architect
Further Information
Chemical Sensitivity 2009 website
AESSRA is the Allergy and Environmental Sensitivity Support and Research
Association Inc
Producer
Janne Ryan
Radio National often provides links to external websites to complement program information. While producers have taken care with all selections, we can neither endorse nor take final responsibility for the content of those sites.
=================================
Arizona Trail hiker spotlights fibromyalgia
http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/altss/printstory/frontpage/115981
=================================
PRESS RELEASE
MCS America Celebrates Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Toxic Injury Awareness Month
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/100998
In the United States alone, it is estimated that more than over 48 million men, women, and children suffer adverse health reactions to everyday chemicals.
Multiple chemical sensitivity and toxic injury is an increasing epidemic which leads to emergency department visits, job loss, homelessness, school absenteeism, and serious lifelong chronic illness in America. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) affects over 48 million men, women, and children irregardless of gender, race and economic status.
In response to these alarming statistics, and in an effort to raise public awareness of the risks faced everyday by Americans living with multiple chemical sensitivity and toxic injury in May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Toxic Injury Awareness Month in America.
Twenty-five governors and mayors across America have issued proclamations for this important event.
Events are being held across the United States during May. Each event will raise awareness about indoor and outdoor pollutants that trigger multiple chemical sensitivity and toxic injury, as well as ways to prevent toxic injuries and exposures.
MCS is a Major Public Health Concern
At least 45 million people in the US report sensitivity to various chemicals.[1]
About 3 million Americans are diagnosed with MCS.[1]
MCS affects people of all ages, economic status, race, and both genders.[1]
Chemicals that people with MCS react to are toxic and affect everyone to some extent.
Medical Findings
Brain scans show reduced blood flow to the brain when people with MCS are under chemical exposure.[2-7]
Physical variances identified in MCS include brain inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, cardiac and airway disease, and auto-immune disorders.[8-14]
Mast cell activation and disorders of porphyrin metabolism have been linked to MCS.[15]
Genetic variations relating to detoxification processes have been linked to MCS.[16]
The Cost of Environmental Illnesses
Annual expenditures for healthcare and lost productivity due to MCS are estimated at $71.8 billion dollars per year.[18]
Environmental Factors
Indoor and outdoor environmental exposures can trigger reactions: perfumes and fragrances, cleaning solutions, scented laundry products, pesticides, herbicides, paint and building materials, gasoline and petroleum based products, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.[12]
MCS Can be Controlled
MCS can be controlled with a plan that includes avoidance and control of environmental triggers, many people with MCS can lead normal, healthy, and active lives.[18]
For more information on MCS America´s awareness program, visit www.mcs-america.org.
References
Kreutzer R, Neutra RR, & Lashuay N. Prevalence of people reporting sensitivities to chemicals in a population-based survey. Am J Epidemiol. 1999 Jul 1;150(1):1-12.
Heuser G, Mena I. Neurospect in neurotoxic chemical exposure demonstration of long-term functional abnormalities. Toxicol Ind Health. 1998;Nov-Dec;14(6):813-27.
Callender, TJ, et al. Three-dimensional brain and metabolic imaging in patients with toxic encephalopathy. Environmental Res. 1993;60: 295-319.
Callender, TJ, et al. Evaluation of chronic neurological sequelae after acute pesticide exposure using SPECT brain scans. Journal Toxicology & Environmental Health. 1995;41:275-284.
Heuser, G, et al. Neurospect findings in patients exposed to neurotoxic chemicals. Toxicology & Industrial Health. 1994;10:561-571.
Ross GH, Rea WJ, Johnson AR, Hickey DC, and Simon TR: Neurotoxicity in single photon emission computed tomography brain scans of patients reporting chemical sensitivities. Toxicol Ind Health 1999;15(3-4):415-420.
Simon TR, Hickey DC, Fincher CE, Johnson AR, Ross GH and Rea WJ: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography of the brain in patients with chemical sensitivities. Toxicol Ind Health 1994;10:573-577.
Elofsson, S, et. a. Exposure to organic solvents. Scandinavian Journal of Work & Environmental Health. 1980;6:239-273.
Seppalainen, AM, et al. Neurophysiological effects of long-term exposure to a mixture of organic solvents. Scandinavian Journal of Work & Environmental Health. 1978;4:304-314.
Jonkman, EJ, et al. Electroencephalographic studies in workers exposed to solvents or pesticides. Electro Clinical Neurophysiology. 1992;82:439-444.
Bokina, AI, et al. Investigation of the mechanism of action of atmospheric pollutants on the central nervous system and comparative evaluation of methods of study. Environmental Health Perspectives. 1976;13:37-42.
Ziem, G. and McTamney, J. Profile of patients with chemical injury and sensitivity. Environ Health Perspect 1997;105:417-436.
Bell I.R. Baldwin, C.M. and Schwartz, G.E. Illness from low levels of environmental chemicals: relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Am J Med. 1998;105:74S-82S.
Baldwin, CM and Bell, IR. Increased cardiopulmonary disease risk in a community-based sample with chemical odor intolerance: implications for women's health and health- care utilization. Arch Environ Health 1998;53:347-353.
Heuser, G. and Kent, P. 1996. Mast cell disorder after chemical exposure. 124th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, New York NY, 20 November 1996.
Zeim, G, McTamney, J. Profile of patients with chemical injury and sensitivity. Environ Health Perspect. 1997 March; 105(Suppl 2): 417–436.
Fox RA, Joffres MR, Sampalli T, Casey J. The impact of a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to management of patients diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity on health care utilization costs: an observational study. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Mar;13(2):223-9.
Gibson, P. Perceived treatment efficacy for conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple chemical sensitivity. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003;111:12,1498–1504.
Callender, TJ, et al. Evaluation of chronic neurological sequelae after acute pesticide exposure using SPECT brain scans. Journal Toxicology & Environmental Health. 1995;41:275-284.
Heuser, G, et al. Neurospect findings in patients exposed to neurotoxic chemicals. Toxicology & Industrial Health. 1994;10:561-571.
Ross GH, Rea WJ, Johnson AR, Hickey DC, and Simon TR: Neurotoxicity in single photon emission computed tomography brain scans of patients reporting chemical sensitivities. Toxicol Ind Health 1999;15(3-4):415-420.
Simon TR, Hickey DC, Fincher CE, Johnson AR, Ross GH and Rea WJ: Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography of the brain in patients with chemical sensitivities. Toxicol Ind Health 1994;10:573-577.
Elofsson, S, et. a. Exposure to organic solvents. Scandinavian Journal of Work & Environmental Health. 1980;6:239-273.
Seppalainen, AM, et al. Neurophysiological effects of long-term exposure to a mixture of organic solvents. Scandinavian Journal of Work & Environmental Health. 1978;4:304-314.
Jonkman, EJ, et al. Electroencephalographic studies in workers exposed to solvents or pesticides. Electro Clinical Neurophysiology. 1992;82:439-444.
Bokina, AI, et al. Investigation of the mechanism of action of atmospheric pollutants on the central nervous system and comparative evaluation of methods of study. Environmental Health Perspectives. 1976;13:37-42.
Ziem, G. and McTamney, J. Profile of patients with chemical injury and sensitivity. Environ Health Perspect 1997;105:417-436.
Bell I.R. Baldwin, C.M. and Schwartz, G.E. Illness from low levels of environmental chemicals: relevance to chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. Am J Med. 1998;105:74S-82S.
Baldwin, CM and Bell, IR. Increased cardiopulmonary disease risk in a community-based sample with chemical odor intolerance: implications for women's health and health- care utilization. Arch Environ Health 1998;53:347-353.
Heuser, G. and Kent, P. 1996. Mast cell disorder after chemical exposure. 124th Annual Meeting of the American Public Health Association, New York NY, 20 November 1996.
Zeim, G, McTamney, J. Profile of patients with chemical injury and sensitivity. Environ Health Perspect. 1997 March; 105(Suppl 2): 417–436.
Fox RA, Joffres MR, Sampalli T, Casey J. The impact of a multidisciplinary, holistic approach to management of patients diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity on health care utilization costs: an observational study. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Mar;13(2):223-9.
Gibson, P. Perceived treatment efficacy for conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple chemical sensitivity. Environmental Health Perspectives. 2003;111:12,1498–1504.
=================================
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