WHEREAS multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and toxic injury affect people of all ages, ethnicity, cultures, and religions, and
WHEREAS MCS and toxic injury are often characterized by heightened sensitivity to minute amounts of air pollution, petrochemicals, and other toxins, and
WHEREAS MCS and toxic injury are chronic conditions for which there is no known cures, creating multiple, often disabling illnesses, which can be life-threatening, and
WHEREAS raising public awareness to educate citizens of the dangers of MCS and toxic injury is one of the many ways we can battle the devastating effects of this chronic incurable condition, and
WHEREAS the State of Colorado recognizes those who suffer from MCS or toxic injury , and acknowledges these victims deserve the same rights, respect, and support allotted for those with other illnesses and disabilities.
Therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of Colorado, do hereby proclaim May 2007,
MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AND
TOXIC INJURY AWARENESS MONTH
in the State of Colorado
Given under my hand and the executive Seal of the State of Colorado,
this second day of April, 2007.
Some backgound on this proclamation -
May 1, 2007 -- Salem, NY -- 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 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 condition impacts 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, said Lourdes Salvador, Founder and President of MCS America. No one is immune to developing MCS. All it takes is one accident, added Salvador who is also the chief editor of MCS America News.
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, which was recently recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, who cites chemical sensitivities as a symptom of MCS. 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, tobacco smoke, news print, new carpets, and many other items encountered in day to day living.
Salvador and other members of MCS America suggest 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, said Salvador. MCS affects a persons ability to earn a living, travelsocialize, 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 MCS America; http://www.mcs-america.org/
Follow the links below to learn more about RMEHA and Environmental Illness.