R.E.S.C.I.N.D.

The letter and resolution shown below were provided by Protect All Childrens Environment. See their web page at http://www.main.nc.us/pace.

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William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States of America
1600 Pennsylvania Ave.
Washington, DC 20500

Dear President Clinton,

I would like to ask your help in proclaiming "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week" during the second week of May as a period of national observance. I can not express how very helpful and self-affirming this would be for all of the chemically ill and disabled people across the United Sates. While Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is legally recognized by Social Security as a "medically determinable impairment", this terrible disability is so misunderstood and unknown that ADA laws are not enforced and obtaining access for MCS sufferers is often humiliatingly impossible. Civil Rights and ADA laws do not seem to apply to citizens disabled by toxic exposures.

There is an estimated one third of the population that is sensitive to chemicals to one degree or another. Almost everyone knows someone today who can not tolerate latex gloves, perfume, tobacco or some chemical. It is easy to see this is a serious problem that affects many citizens. Due to increasing usage of chemicals and new chemicals coming on the market, the number of people with MCS has grown and continues to grow exponentially.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is an extremely isolating disease because chemical exposures, which are ubiquitous in modern life, bring additional illness and degeneration to already compromised health. This degeneration can lead to institutionalization, which is a tremendous financial burden for families and the public. Because of the disabling circumstances and infrequent accommodation of MCS, many sufferers end up on public assistance. Worse still, many MCS patients have their needs unmet. There is no nursing facility, special school, summer camp or any appropriate low income housing for those with MCS. MCS often results in homelessness and moving from one area to another living in tents and travel trailers while trying to find someplace that does not make patients so terribly ill.

The growing number of children who have MCS live a life of loneliness because they often can not attend school or participate in activities that other children take for granted. They are literally prisoners in their own homes because they become ill outside of their protected environment. These children are not being properly counseled about what they could do with their education and futures and many are greatly discouraged when they look ahead. Because of the lack of understanding and acknowledgement of MCS these children are often ostracized because of their chronic illness. These brave children are frequently falsely accused of being lazy or manipulative or of only having psychological problems due to their enforced isolation. They are denied the accommodation and special remedial services that other disabled children receive and that the Chemically Injured child requires in maximizing their education.

I very much appreciate your willingness to listen to these problems and hope that the resolution for "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week" is declared on a national level as it will be of such help to so many who are so desperate and so deserving.

Respectfully,

Elizabeth M.T. O'Nan
President
National Coalition for the Chemically Injured
Representing
Protect All Children's Environment

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Week
May 11-17, 1998

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Official Statement

WHEREAS, People of all ages have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a result of a single exposure or repeated low levels of exposures to toxic chemicals and other irritants in the environment; and

WHEREAS, the symptoms of MCS are not limited to chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, rashes, asthma, short term memory loss, headaches and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, the health of the general population is at risk from chemical exposures that can lead to illnesses that may be preventable through reduction or avoidance of toxic chemicals in the air, water, and food in both the indoor and outdoor environments…

WHEREAS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S. HUD, Environmental Protection Agency and other state and national government agencies and commissions which have supported the health and welfare of the chemically injured…

WHEREAS, Reasonable accommodations, information about and recognition of MCS can provide opportunities for people with this disability to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities, and other settings where they can continue to contribute their skills, ideas, creativity, abilities and knowledge…

WHEREAS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure, and can have consequences such as causing problems with personal finances, employment, housing, health, and other social consequences for those afflicted with this condition; and

WHEREAS, individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities need the support and understanding of family, friends, co-workers and other members of society as they struggle with this illness and adapt to new lifestyles;

WHEREAS, Children suffer especially from social isolation and chronic illness due to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity:

THEREFORE, in support of increased understanding, education and research that will aid in identifying causes, diagnosis, treatment and the prevention of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity…

NOW, THEREFORE, I, WILLIAM JEFFERSON CLINTON, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim the second week in May as "MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES AWARENESS WEEK" in the United States of America, and commend this observance to all of our citizens.

The governors of North Carolina, Connecticut, Washington State, New Mexico and Missouri have proclaimed "MCS Awareness Week".

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