Sounds like another name for mercury poison to me--the Office of

[Guest guest]

Special Education Program (OSEP) had this on their website. It is

from the National Institute on Disability Research. (long)

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Chemical-based products are all around: in the clothes we wear, in

the food we eat and in the air we breathe. It is not possible to

escape exposure. Many people have become sensitized to the chemicals

around them. It is estimated that as much as 15% of the population

has become sensitized to common household and commercial products.

For some people the sensitization is not too serious a problem. They

may have what appears to be a minor " allergy " to one or more

chemicals. Other people are much more seriously affected. Such people

have a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS.

What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

MCS is a disorder triggered by exposures to chemicals in the

environment. Individuals with MCS can have symptoms from chemical

exposures at concentrations far below the levels tolerated by most

people. Symptoms typically occur in more than one area in the body,

such as the nervous system and the lungs. Exposure may be from the

air, from food or water, or through skin contact. The symptoms may

come and go with exposures, though some individuals may have delayed

reactions. As MCS gets worse, reactions become more severe and

increasingly chronic, often significantly affecting bodily functions.

In the early stages, repeated exposure to the substance or substances

that caused the initial health effects provokes a reaction. After a

time, it takes less exposure to cause symptoms. An increasing number

of chemical products may trigger a reaction, including some unrelated

to the initial exposure.

Most frequently, MCS affects an individual's overall physical and

emotional health. It typically impairs the nervous system. It may

affect the digestive and respiratory systems as well. A chemically

sensitive person may also have other pre-existing health conditions.

Many affected people experience a number of symptoms with each

chemical exposure.

Symptoms of MCS

asthma or other breathing problems

autoimmune disorders

behavioral problems

bloating or other intestinal problems

cardiovascular irregularities

chronic exhaustion

disorientation or becoming " lost "

dizziness

dystonia (paralysis)

ear, nose and throat problems

fatigue and depression

flu-like symptoms

food allergies and intolerances

genitourinary problems

MCS may result from a single massive exposure to one or more toxic

substance or repeated exposures to low doses. Some people become

chemically sensitive following a toxic chemical spill at work or in

their community, or after exposure to pesticides. Or, individuals may

develop this condition from spending time in a poorly ventilated

building, where they breathe a combination of chemicals. MCS may be

brought on by a wide array of chemicals found at home, at work, in

hospitals, in parks, and at school.

People Diagnosed with MCS

Studies have found that many people diagnosed with MCS were:

industrial workers

teachers, students, office and health care workers in sealed

buildings

chemical accident survivors

people living near toxic waste sites

people whose air or water is highly polluted

people exposed to various chemicals in consumer products, food, and

pharmaceuticals

Gulf War and Vietnam Conflict veterans

Not all people with MCS fit into these categories. For example, some

have experienced a toxic exposure from flea and roach sprays, or from

foam insulation (urea formaldehyde) in their home. Other people with

MCS cannot readily identify situations where they have been exposed

to chemical products.

People with MCS may become partially or totally disabled for several

years or for life. They must make fundamental changes in lifestyle

and at home. Their marriages and other relationships may end from the

stress of coping with this disabling condition. They may drag

themselves to work only to return home sicker and more exhausted each

day. They may be forced to leave their jobs and deal with the

devastating loss of income and health insurance. Some people

eventually recover, but few return to complete health.

What Can Cause MCS?

No one knows for sure what causes MCS. However, in non-industrial

workplaces, a number of common products and processes have been

identified as contributing to the onset of MCS. Some exposures that

have been linked to this condition are:

Agent Orange for Vietnam Veterans

antibiotics and other medication

carbonless paper, inks, copying machine and laser printer toner

cleaning supplies

DEET - an insect repellant which may have been a significant trigger

for Gulf War Veterans

formaldehyde in new clothes, books, and other products

gas stoves

house paints

insecticides, synergists, piperonal butoxide

new building materials and furnishings

off gassing of new carpets (styrene butadiene latex in flooring

adhesives and carpet backing)

pesticides and wood preservatives

second-hand tobacco smoke

toxic chemicals used in art, photography, printing, etc.

vehicle exhaust fumes

These substances contribute to indoor air pollution and are often

contaminants in our air and water. Many of the chemicals which

trigger MCS symptoms are known to be irritants or to be toxic to the

nervous system. One especially harmful group of chemicals, known

as " volatile organics, " readily evaporates into the air at room

temperature. Even low airborne levels of such contaminants can make

ordinary people sick. The impact on health of long-term, low level

exposure to most chemicals found in consumer products remains

untested. The products and other chemicals that cause problems varies

among affected individuals.

Commonly reported triggers include:

anesthesia

artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives in foods, drinks, and

drugs

detergents and other cleaners

electromagnetic fields

fluorescent lights

perfumes and fragrances

prescribed medications

smoke from tobacco products

solvents from dry cleaning, felt pens, etc.

When our bodies are assaulted with levels of toxic chemicals that

cannot be safely processed, many of us become ill. For some, the

outcome could be cancer or reproductive damage. Others may become

hypersensitive or develop other chronic disorders, while some people

may not experience any noticeable health effects. Even when high

levels of exposure occur, only a small percentage of people become

chemically sensitive. The threshold of toxic injury is not the same

for everyone because the ability to detoxify varies greatly from

individual to individual.

Treatments

MCS can be difficult for physicians to define and diagnose.

Physicians should take a complete patient history which includes

environmental and occupational exposures, carefully test for familial

or exposure-related tendencies like porphyria, use brain and brain

function scans, and act as diligent detectives in diagnosing this

condition. After the onset of MCS, a person's health generally

continues to deteriorate. It may only begin to improve once the

chemical sensitivity condition is uncovered. While a number of

treatments may help improve the health of some patients, there is

currently no " cure. " In almost all cases, avoidance of exposures must

be practiced to alleviate symptoms. No single test for MCS currently

exists.

Avoiding the exposures which may trigger reactions is essential, and

may permit dramatic improvement. Yet the large number of new and

untested synthetic chemicals we encounter in our daily lives makes

this extremely difficult.

Individuals affected by MCS have created " sanctuaries " relatively

free from chemical emissions and electromagnetic fields in their

homes. Because of the serious impact of even an accidental

unavoidable exposure, people often spend as much time at home as

possible and often cannot participate fully in society. As a result,

they may experience intense isolation, loss of self-esteem, and

depression from not being able to have an active work, family, or

social life. Supportive professional and peer counseling can help if

available.

MCS and the Medical Community

Many conventional allergists and other physicians claim that there is

not yet sufficient evidence that MCS " exists " . Research regarding the

mechanisms that cause MCS has been inadequate, and unfortunately is

often financed by the industries which benefit from chemical

proliferation. Generally, medical doctors have not been trained to

understand or seriously investigate conditions such as MCS. In fact,

the vast majority of physicians receive very little training (four

hours or less) in occupational and environmental medicine or in

toxicology and nutrition.

Therefore, many affected individuals have to consult with a large

number of specialists. People with MCS are sometimes misdiagnosed

with serious degenerative diseases. Often, baffled doctors tell

patients that their illness is psychosomatic...in their head. And

many whose health is impaired by MCS have never heard of the

condition. The lack of support from physicians, and the stress caused

by having no explanation for symptoms, may contribute to a high level

of anxiety and distress for people with MCS.

Conventional medicine offers very few medical treatments for MCS

besides avoiding offending products. Unfortunately, medications and

other conventional medical treatments offer little or no relief, and

may even prompt new sets of symptoms. Treatment with anti-depressants

may mask the underlying condition and can also cause other serious

health problems.

Physicians who clearly recognize MCS include some occupational and

environmental health specialists. A wide range of new

or " alternative " treatments have been utilized by people with MCS

with varying success. Some of these treatments are experimental and

may include a combination of: nutritional programs, immunotherapy

vaccines, food-allergy testing, detoxification regimens through

exercise and saunas, chelation for heavy metals, and other healing

treatments. Diagnosis may involve laboratory tests for chemical

contaminants, such as total body burden of pesticides, or for

porphyria, respiratory and brain function.

Unfortunately, these treatments and diagnostic workups are not often

reimbursed by insurance plans. Few practitioners or medical insurance

programs for people who are indigent support these alternative, yet

sometimes productive approaches. Some disabled workers have won

reimbursement for such care through Workers Compensation claims.

MCS Is Now Recognized as a Disability

Both the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the

Social Security Administration (SSA) have recognized MCS as a

disabling condition. People with MCS have won several Workers

Compensation cases. A recent human rights lawsuit in Pennsylvania

established the right of an affected person to safe living space in

subsidized housing. Both the land State Legislature and New

Jersey State Department of Health have commissioned studies of MCS.

The NJ study provides an excellent overview of medical and legal

issues related to MCS.

Just as physical barriers prevent wheelchair access, chemical use can

prevent entry and use of public facilities to those with MCS. The

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects people with

disabilities from many types of discrimination, requiring reasonable

accommodation for people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodations

can enable people with MCS to enjoy access to work, public facilities

and other settings. Whether an individual developed MCS at work or

was already sensitized prior to employment, the right to a safe

workplace must be established.

Injured workers who need Workers Compensation or Social Security

Disability benefits should find a physician who can diagnose MCS and

who will support legitimate claims. Establishing clear documentation

is critical in awarding such a claim, as well as for gaining

reasonable accommodation at work or for rental housing. If your

employer is discriminating, do the following:

get your condition diagnosed

if you work in a unionized workplace, consult with your union about

filing a grievance or taking legal action

seek legal counsel

join a support group

For further assistance, contact a worker health resource group or

support group in your area, as well as other organizations listed at

the end of this fact sheet. These cases can be difficult and take a

long time, but can be resolved.

Similarly, if you have been injured on the job, find an attorney

experienced with chemical exposure cases in the Workers Compensation

system or personal injury claims. You will not need to pay your

attorney up front. Your attorney receives a percentage from the

settlement if you win. It typically costs you nothing if your case is

unsuccessful. To find an attorney, consult your union or one of the

organizations listed below to obtain referrals. Select your attorney

carefully. Remember, you should trust and feel comfortable with him

or her.

Accommodating Individuals with MCS in the Workplace

These are some suggested ways to accomodate individuals with MCS at

work. While not adequate in all cases, these measures will help

prevent other workers from becoming similarly disabled, and

contribute to the creation of a healthier work environment.

windows that open to permit fresh air to circulate

well ventilated space free of pollutants such as tobacco smoke,

pesticides, toxic and fragrance-laden cleaning products, deodorizers

selection of least toxic/allergenic building furnishings, flooring

and supplies

" least toxic " integrated pest management (IPM) using no sprayed or

volatile pesticides in or around buildings

pre-notification prior to painting, pesticide applications, and

renovations, with provisions for alternative work arrangements

education of co-workers, management, and other employers to avert

stigma and harassment

scheduling which permits people with MCS to work when fewer co-

workers are present, whenventilation is at its peak, or where the

work environment is least problematic

allowing the option of working at home or off site

minimizing exposure to electromagnetic fields from computers,

fluorescent light ballasts, andother equipment

MCS Is Preventable

People with MCS are a driving force for improved indoor air quality

and for the adoption of less toxic housekeeping and building

maintenance practices. Good indoor air quality and substitution of

less toxic materials boost morale and productivity. A healthy

workplace lowers absenteeism and injuries. Complaints about indoor

air problems must be taken seriously by employers, labor unions,

regulatory agencies, and health care and social service providers.

For Help and Information

National Center for Environmental Health Strategies (NCEHS), (609)

429-5358

Lamielle, Director

1100 Rural Avenue

Voorhees, NJ 08043

Provides information, referral, and advocacy. Tracks scientific,

legislative, legal, medical, and policy issues. Twice yearly

newletter, " The Delicate Balance. " Information packets.

NY Coalition for Alternative Pesticides (NYCAP), (518) 426-8246

P.O. Box 6005

Albany, NY 12206-0005

Focuses on pesticide hazards and safer alternatives. Provides

information, referral, workshops, and advocacy " NYCAP News " is its 40

page quarterly newsletter. Incident reporting project.

MCS Referral and Resources, Inc.

Albert Donnay

508 Westgate Rd., Baltimore, MD 21229-2343

(410) 362-6400 Voice (410) 362-6401 Fax

Initiated by Grace Ziem, MD, DPH, to assist people with MCS,

physicians, attorneys, and other professionals. Distributes articles

and resources on prevention, diagnosis, accommodation. Contact Albert

Donnay online at: donnaya@... or visit their homepage at

http://www.mcsrr.org.

The Environmental Health Network, (415) 541-5075

P.O. Box 1155

Larkspur, CA 94977

Newsletter, " The New Reactor " , MCS advocacy and survival primer, " The

Good Old New Reactor, " by Molloy, is available for $8.95 plus

s/h.

Chemical Injury Information Network, (406) 457-2255

, Director

P.O. Box 301

White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645

" Our Toxic Times: monthly newsletter

Center for Safety in the Arts, (212) 227-6220

5 Beekman Street, Suite 820

New York, NY 10038

Provides information, referral, workshops, and fact sheets on art

hazards, safer substitutes and practices.

National Coalition for the Chemically Injured, (520) 536-4625

Molloy, contact person in Arizona

Ste.C-501 HC-63 Box 7195

Snowflake, AZ 85937

National Office of NCCI

2400 Virginia Ave., NW

Washington, DC 10034

The Labor Institute, (212) 674-3322

853 Broadway, Room 2014

New York, NY 10012

Produced " Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: An Emerging Occupational

Hazard " (28 minute video), and " Multiple Chemical Sensitivity at

Work: A Training Workbook for Working People, " (95 Pages). Order from

APEX Press, Publication Office, P.O. Box 337, Croton-on-Hudson, NY

10952. (914) 271-6500.

Human Ecology Action League (HEAL) of Southern Arizona, (520) 577-

9673

6655 E. Placita Alhaja

Tucson, AZ 85715-1251

The Dispossessed Project, (520) 636-2802

Rhonda Zwillinger

P.O. Box 402

den, AZ 86334-0402

Graphically depicts the plight of people injured by toxic chemical

exposure and who live with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, through a

collection of black and white photographs and biographical anecdotes.

Provides a forum for people with MCS where they can accurately

describe how they have lost their health and dignity.

Electrical Sensitivity Network, (520) 778-4637

Lucinda Grant, Director

P.O. Box 86302

Prescott, AZ 86302

Bi-monthly " Electrical Sensitivity News " .

American Academy of Environmental Medicine, (215) 862-4544

10 E. Randolph St.

New Hope, PA 18938

Professional association of environmental and occupational

physicians. Provides regional listings of member doctors.

American Indian Environmental Illness Foundation, (360) 665-3913

Terri Hansen, Director

P.O. Box 1039

Long Beach, WA 98631

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

US Social Security Administration...check your phone book under US

Government Offices, Health and Human Services. For general

information, call 1-800-772-1213.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Office of Fair

Housing and Equal Opportunity,(602) 379-4461. Request the MCS

Information Packet, which includes citations and descriptions of

helpful recent legal decisions regarding safe housing.

Additional Reading

Staying Well in a Toxic World: Understanding Environmental Illness,

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Chemical Injuries, and Sick Building

Syndrome, by Lynn Lawson (1993). $18.95

P.O. Box 1732, ton, IL 60201.

Neurobiology of MCS. An interview by Duehring with

Dudley, M.D., Neuroscientist and President of the Washington

Institute of Neurosciences in Gig Harbor, Washington. April 1996

Issue of " Our Toxic Times. " Chemical Injury Information Network, P.O.

Box 301, White Sulphur Springs, MT 59645.

*** Special thanks to Molloy for her assistance in the

creation of this fact sheet.

*** Portions of this fact sheet were reprinted with permission of the

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in the

Workplace Task Force, NY Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides,

353 Hamilton Street, Albany, NY 12210, (518) 426-8246.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

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For additional information on AzTAP please contact:

Arizona Technology Access Program Institute for Human Development

Northern Arizona University

FLAGSTAFF OFFICE:

Pamela Alcala, Administrative Assistant

Box 5630 Flagstaff, AZ 86011-5630

(520) 523-5879 - Voice

(520) 523-1695 - TTY

(520) 523-9127 - Fax

(800) 553-0714 - Toll Free

E-mail: Pamela.Alcala@...

PHOENIX OFFICE:

Jill Oberstein, Project Director

2715 N. 3rd. Street, Suite 104Phoenix, AZ 85004

(602) 728-9532 - Voice

(602) 728-9536 - TTY

(602) 728-9535 - Fax

(800) 477-9921 - Toll Free

E-mail: Jill.Oberstein@...