New Meaning for ACCESS?

Access is not just a problem for those in wheelchairs. Those with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) are also covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act but are denied access daily due to numerous chemical barriers in our everyday world. For those of you unfamiliar with MCS, this disease causes hypersensitivity to most chemicals and makes it virtually impossible to be exposed without experiencing severe pain and distress. Some experience asthma, irritability, memory loss, confusion, depression, arthritis, chills, headaches, convulsions, seizures, swelling and other physical symptoms as immediate reactions to exposure. Long-term symptoms can involve anemia and blood clotting problems and even nutritional deficiencies and hair loss (similar to the effects caused by chemotherapy). So it is not just a matter of mere discomfort - exposures for some can become life-threatening and therefore, MCS victims must be properly accommodated. MCS can be caused by either chronic, low-level exposures to chemicals or by a single major exposure. A National Academy of Sciences Report estimates that at least 15% of the population is sensitive to chemicals.

     Quite unlike the quiet acceptance of a disability which can be visually perceived (wheelchairs, crutches and other tangible evidence), MCS is sometimes not quite so obvious except in extreme cases when those afflicted must wear masks or respirators. More often than not MCS victims are ridiculed rather than accommodated and spend precious time and energy “defending” their illness. As you may recall, even the national news media made jokes about Marin County in California where a law was passed prohibiting the use of perfumes at public meeting places.

     Prejudice will again take the front seat -- if we let it. But hopefully, by education, we can stop it. This disease does not take much, if any, money to help “fix” what is wrong. Substitutions and avoidance usually will do the trick and permit the disabled person to gain access to places they could not otherwise go.

     Very recently, the Institute of Medicine published a report entitled Environmental Medicine and the Medical School Curriculum. This report addressed the much-needed competency based education of our physicians concerning the seriousness of the effects of the environment on human health. Implementation recommendations are expected to follow shortly. Doctors will be expected to take appropriate detailed environmental exposure histories, including work histories, of all patients and will learn to recognize symptoms of chemical poisoning. But the public needs to be educated too. A good point to remember is that “there, but for the grace of God.....go I”. Give others the consideration you would like to have if MCS were to strike you tomorrow.

     Housing for MCS victims is another critical area which I will address at a future time.


HERE ARE A FEW EXAMPLES OF CHEMICAL BARRIERS:

1. Maintenance chemicals which include strong cleaning disinfectants, carpet shampoos, waxes and polishes, etc. Some may contain banned pesticides as inert ingredients. ( Inert ingredients are not required, by law, to be listed on the label.)
2. Cigarette Smoke
3. Remodeling Chemicals (paints, wallpapers, solvents, glues, varnishes, etc.)
4. Pesticides of any kind. Don’t forget the “poisoned pansies” i.e., all those lovely plants which may make a room or office attractive but which are loaded with pesticides, fungicides and insecticides.
5. Construction chemicals which have not yet “gassed out”. New panels, desks, shelving and furniture containing formaldehyde can also be a big problem.
6. New Carpeting and the foam rubber padding and glues used to install it can be highly toxic. In addition, carpeting retains toxic dust from perfumes, dry cleaning, and other chemical agents.
7. Fragrance emission devices (room air deodorizers, etc.) especially those that run through heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. I read in a U.S. Air Magazine article that the “cookie smell” in the malls and the “popcorn smell” in movie shows come from a chemical! The cookies and popcorn are made elsewhere but the “chemical smell” is used to “lure” us in.
8. Odors from copy and fax machines, computers, treated papers (particularly chlorinated papers and triplicate copy papers) and other office machines.
9. Strong odors, solvents and lacquers from perfumes, deodorants, hair sprays, body and laundry soaps, fabric softeners and dry cleaning.

1. Providing extra ventilation with fresh air
2. Cutting way back on the use of perfume by other people in the workplace and especially who are working in the same room with someone with MCS.
3. Completely banning any and all fragrance emission devices
4. Investigating (by use of MSDS sheets) the contents of their cleaning and remodeling products and then using safer alternatives
5. Providing flexible working hours to reduce exposures during peak rush hours and lunch hours, etc.
6. Provide safer work areas (i.e., without carpeting, etc.)
7. Educating themselves concerning their legal responsibilities
8. Educating other employees

1. Do not question, disbelieve or criticize anyone who indicates that certain odors or products are making them ill.
2. Educate yourself concerning the effects of chemicals on the body--you may be shocked by what you learn. Many publications concerning pesticides and toxic agents are available free from the government.
3. Limit your use of perfumed products and strong chemicals. Your own chronic headache or other ailments may miraculously disappear!
4. Treat others as you would like to be treated. Imagine that you have this disease. What considerations would you want from others? What would you want others to do to help you? Then do it!

1. Ask for the considerations you need in a straightforward manner.
2. Do not apologize for your illness--it is not your fault.
3. Do not expect everyone to understand immediately (including your family or your best friend)
4. Try not to take any negative comments personally.
5. You do not ever have to defend yourself or your illness. Make calm statements such as “You have obviously not been educated about this disease. May I suggest some reading materials which will familiarize you with MCS?”