Chemical Injury
Awareness
(also called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) or
Chemical Sensitivity)
Here are some key points that we believe are important for everyone to know:
People of all ages have developed the condition known as
Chemical Injury, often following either a single massive toxic chemical exposure or
repeated low-level exposures to toxic chemicals in their environment.
Chemical
Injury is preventable and it is acquired.
Chemical
Injury is a chronic condition for which
there is neither a proven treatment nor a cure, and which usually presents with
several of the following signs and symptoms: chronic fatigue, muscle and joint
pain, asthma, cognitive difficulties involving memory and concentration,
headaches, and other respiratory and neurological problems.
Chemical
Injury can progressively worsen, without adequate intervention. It can disable;
and it can be fatal.
Chemical
Injury can have a
profound impact in the area of employment, housing, access, personal relationships, and economic well
being for those who have this condition.
The health of the general population is
at risk from toxic chemical exposures, which can lead to illnesses that can be
preventable through the reduction or avoidance of toxic chemicals in the air, water,
and food in both indoor and outdoor environments.
Reasonable accommodations, educational
efforts, and recognition of Chemical Injury can provide opportunities for people with this
condition to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities, and other
settings where they can contribute their skills, knowledge, ideas, and
creativity.
Individuals
with Chemical Injury need the understanding and support
of family, friends, employers and co-workers, medical professionals, other
members of society, and governmental agencies at all levels to help them cope
with the significant and pervasive low-toxicity lifestyle changes imposed by this illness.
