Welcome to Adobe GoLive 5

The following is an educational report, intended for the Hermiston Oregon community,with web links to documentation and research by many other reputable individuals and organizations. God Bless them for their dedication to understanding, educating on and increasing awareness of this problem. Because of space limitations what appeared in the East Oregonian on April 19th '04 in the OpEd section was severely edited. This is the original version. Subsequent articles and reports I've written follow that. Updated 4/25/06. O'yeah, being a web host is not my thing. I'm the first to admit I don't keep up on weblinks, if they've changed and you want to find them, a search with the title and some of the info will do it. You might first try cut and paste into your webbrowser as I don't remember how to add them, it's been so long and I probably did it wrong. :^D Please copy what you need. In order to keep us helping you, keep my name and their names with the info or quotes, just like I've done for all the other wonderful people that have done the research. This gives us the reputation and notoriety to make an impact. I've found it's necessary. God Bless you all and keep trying!

Hermiston has a far more insidious air quality problem than the Army Depot Chemical Incinerator. The source is not obvious, it is harmful and it is real. Many people are already effected by it. They just don’t know what’s causing their problems. The Federal Government knows; the EPA knows, the FDA knows, as do many other regulatory government agencies, as well as many Doctors, scientists and researchers. I didn’t know until 3 weeks ago; after suffering 2 violent episodes, I got a very rude awakening. I was informed I have an incurable, progressive, life threatening condition. The cause of which was something that I encountered everyday, almost everywhere, and you do too. Fragrance.

Just like I used to, you probably think that is silly. Sure, fragrances bother me, but disable me? It turns out that in 1996 there were 17 million people diagnosed with the same illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. And the numbers have been growing rapidly since.

It’s not the lovely smell that causes the problem. Its the petroleum based chemicals that make the smell or are used to enhance the natural smells. Chemicals that have been banned for use world wide because they are known carcinogens and central nervous system disrupters. They cause documented brain damage. Fragrances are “Trade Secrets” and therefore cannot be monitored by any Government agency. The research shows most fragrances have 600-700 ingredients with an average of 200 of those ingredients being known toxins. Fragrances usually contain sensitizers-chemicals to stimulate your brain into absorbing more of the fragrance and to make your skin more permeable, so the chemicals can absorb through it. They contain addictive chemicals in larger quantities than cigarettes do. They contain banned pesticides to keep away bugs. In addition Chemical Manufacturers are designing fragrances to hang in the air and cling to hair, clothing and skin longer.

All these chemicals are synthetic Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs. Once you become sensitized to one class of VOCs it spreads to other VOCs, like gas and diesel fumes, fiberglass and plastic resins, pesticides, paint, solvents, epoxy and glues. Your exposure may not start with fragrances, it could start with any continual small exposure, or a sudden, large exposure, to a VOC . Eventually, with continued exposure many MCS sufferers react to virtually everything in their environment, even natural VOCs.

I got exposed in the schools, by plug-in air fresheners. Heated VOCs are more toxic. Our children are in the schools. Some of them in extremely VOC saturated environments, for hours. Let me share with you some of the documented learning disabilities known to have been caused by fragrance and VOCs: Autism, ADD, ADHD, hyperactivity, and other general learning difficulties. For adults they’ve linked: Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, Lou Garrigg's Disease, Stroke and many other Central Nervous System (CNS) problems. That’s understandable when you consider the systems that are effected with exposure. They include: respiratory, digestive, neurological, endocrine, urinary, cardiovascular and immune function.

Lets look at some of the symptoms and see if you recognize any in yourself or your loved ones: tiredness, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches, memory difficulties, long term fatigue, digestive problems, joint pain, headache including migraine, irritability, tenseness, spacey feelings, insomnia, depression, difficulty making decisions, pressure in the head, rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, sleepiness, eye irritation, coordination problems, dizziness, slow response, chest pain, tingling fingers and toes, nausea, rashes, hives, and sexual dysfunction. Who can learn or function when they feel like that?

Incidentally, in an extensive 12 month study on Autism, by Karen M. Slimak, M.S., Principal Investigator and President of Applied Science and Technology International, Inc. there was dramatic return to normal health for even the most severely Autistic children when the VOCs where removed and a clean diet was maintained. Her report can be viewed at www.immuneweb.org/articles/slimak.html

In “An Open Letter to Schools” by Irene Wilkenfeld, a member of the American Medical Writers Association, the American Public Health Association and the National Writers Association, she cites a case of a seven year old child, Tracey, who was, along with severe medical problems, diagnosed with learning difficulties and unable to learn to read. Tracey’s mother insisted the teacher stop wearing perfume and remove solvents in the classroom. Two weeks after the removal of VOCs the little girl was reading fluently. Irene has more statistics available on her website at: www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools (+++Irene passed away 2 months following this article of toxic induced illness.+++)

Who’s responsible? Is it the people using the fragrances? Not one exposure to fragrance that I’ve had in the last 6 months was malicious. Every person using fragrance did so out of an honest desire to improve the “air quality.” The problem is, like cigarette smokers the consumer is deceived by the manufacturers. One report written by Ann McCampbell, MD and posted on Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, (the Pacific Northwest’s premier peer review journal,) documents with 57 citations the Chemical Manufacturer’s Union’s (CMU) stated objective to discredit MCS and obscure the facts and findings. They use reports by prominent physicians and organizations that are funded by their industry. Many physicians are hesitant to diagnose MCS because they are unfamiliar with the research, they may face negative peer pressure or disbarment from professional organizations with strong ties to the CMU.

What are the industries? Pay attention! If you think fragrance and/or VOCs aren’t bothering you then review the list of symptoms and check your medicine cabinet for any drug your taking to treat those symptoms. Pharmaceutical companies are subsidiaries of chemical companies, as are household cleaners and disinfectants, paints, perfumes, personal care products, make-up, pesticides, fertilizers, and the list goes on. If you’d like to read her article you can see it on the web: www.getipm.com/personal/mcs-campbell.htm

When you choose to use a product with fragrance you’re not just affecting yourself. Fragrances are designed to be aggressive. They don’t just stick to you. They affect everyone who comes near you. They cling to other people’s clothing, hair, skin, furnishings and are active for a long time. My disability is so severe, that when one of my family members comes home after coming in contact with someone who uses a fragranced product, I have an episode.

It’s not just people with MCS, but people with Asthma, Allergies, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Immune System Disorder, and many other health issues who are affected by exposure to fragrance. People with MCS need to avoid fragrance at all costs. Continued small scale exposure worsens the condition. That means we can’t get into Dr.s offices, schools, public buildings, stores, work places, public restrooms, churches and social functions. People with fragrance sensitivities of any kind are unable to interact with others in regular social settings , a basic human need. We’re virtually isolated. We need the help and support of our communities to survive. The ADA recognizes MCS as a disability. We have a right to attend all those public places. Yet, how do we do that, when the public is convinced by advertising that fragrance is a beneficial thing?

This spring my son graduates High School. Darce Driskel of the Superintendents Office and Mr. Gallagher, the principal of our High School are working with me to find a way that will enable me to attend. It will cost me physically to be there if I’m exposed to fragrances. We are trying to mitigate that cost. I need the members of my community to be educated on this issue. To make choices for their own health and the health of all of us. I need your help.

If you or your family members are bothered by fragrances you can let people know. Please start telling your school officials, your doctors, dentists, merchants, bosses, co-workers and city officials. Right now, most of the people I’ve talked to think that there are very few of us. Please speak up. If you know which fragranced products or kinds of products bother you, you can submit an incident report to the Consumer Product Safety Commission on the web @ http://www.cpsc.gov . Only then can the Federal government get involved.

Fragrances are found in: Perfumes, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, detergents, soaps, lotions, make up, hair care products, personal care products, deodorant, cat litter, air-fresheners, scented candles, potpourri, etc. There are many other sources of VOCs but eliminating fragrances will help a lot.

You personally can help by making the choice to use only “Fragrance Free” products. Another way to help is to get educated. One of the most comprehensive websites I’ve found is: www.ilru.org/ilnet/files/bookshelf/mcs/mcs1.html#accessplaces. This is Environmental Health Net’s web site. It also covers Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Immune System Dysfunction, Gulf War Syndrome and similar disorders.

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

Evidence Links Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems and Poor Academic Performance to Fragrance/VOCs
by Jennifer L. McKinnis, © 9/ 2004

Evidence is mounting, in an swelling wave of research that links Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems and poor academic performance to exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The American Lung Association has advocated, for years, that all allergens, lung irritants and VOCs be removed from academic locations due to the decreased academic performance of students suffering allergies and asthma.1 Now many more national agencies are pursuing research that directly links diminished mental ability to environmental toxins. Many highly respected researchers have announced definitive, conclusive proof of environmental toxins triggering conditions like: asthma, allergies, cancer; a wide prevalence of neurodevelopmental disabilities such as: ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, behavioral disabilities, mental retardation, developmental disabilities, disorders of endocrine function and reproduction. 2

Learning Disabilities Worldwide, Inc., The Institute of Medicine, The National Institute of Health, The National Research Council and the EPA join their voices with the American Lung Association in calling for dramatic reduction of environmental toxins in our children's academic environments.

The American Lung Association began the campaign because, Asthma alone is responsible for 100 million absences per year. The National Center for Health Statistics cites Asthma as the leading cause of admission of children to hospitals and school absenteeism. Allergy is the # 1 cause of chronic illness in children under age 17. Twelve percent of our school children are considered “medically fragile,” meaning that they have to contend with some serious, chronic medical condition.3 Perfumes, fragrances, molds and animal dander are listed as leading triggers of indoor allergy and asthma attacks. Incidence of these conditions have been reported as rising dramatically, and linked to increased exposure to environmental indoor air pollutants.2

Philip J. Landrigan, MD, pediatrician and Professor and Chair of the Department of Community & Preventative Medicine at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, has spent the last 30 years researching Environmental Medicine. His resumé includes work for the EPA, The Children's Environmental Health Network, the United States Public Health Service, the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta,and as Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine and past editor of Environmental Research magazine. In addition, he was a past chair at The National Academy of Sciences on Environmental Neurotoxicology. His Article, “Are Learning Disabilities Linked to Environmental Toxins?” asks and answers some disturbing questions. He states, ”Children today are surrounded by thousands of synthetic chemicals, most of which have been invented and developed in the past 50 years. Over 85,000 synthetic chemical compounds are now registered for commercial use in EPA's Toxic Substance Control Act (TSCA) inventory, and 2,800 high production-volume (HPV) chemicals are currently produced in quantities of one million pounds or more per year. These HPV chemicals are the most likely to be used in foods and consumer products and to be most widely disseminated in the environment. Many hundreds of HPV chemicals have not been tested for their potential toxicity to humans, and fewer than 20 percent have been examined for their possible developmental toxicity or toxicity to children.......Evidence is increasing, however, that chemicals in the environment are contributing to changing patterns of disease in children, the wide prevalence of neurodevelopmental disabilities such as ADHD and autism, increasing rates of asthma and certain childhood cancers, and, possibly, disorders of endocrine function and reproduction.”

He writes in his treatment of the subject of neurodevelopmental disorders that include learning disabilities, dyslexia, mental retardation, attention deficit disorder and autism that “5-10 % of the four million babies born in the United States each year are effected.” That it is known that “in utero and childhood exposure to lead, mercury, PCBs, certain pesticides and other environmental neurotoxicants are known to contribute to causation of these conditions.” He notes data from the National Research Council that concluded that “3 % of developmental disabilities are the direct consequence of neurotoxic environmental exposures and another 25 % from interplay of environmental factors and individual genetic susceptibility 4.” Dr. Landrigan addresses the importance of “subclinical toxicity.” In lay terms this translates as slow steady poisoning by repetitive and ongoing low dose exposure such that the cause of and extent of the damage is not readily apparent. He feels the effects of this kind of poisoning are permanent and irreversible.2

Translation: Continued exposure to even low dose toxic substances, a.k.a. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), excitatory neurotoxins (excitotoxins), synthetic chemical compounds,...is responsible for at least 28% of Neurodevelopmental disorders. A percentage of 3% in the scientific community is considered remarkable. This number reflects only those cases in which pathology has been established. The actual number of people effected by chemical poisoning is much greater. Many learning difficulties go undiagnosed, as do the behavioral problems including aggression and the decline in academic achievement that we are seeing in American schools.

George R. Schwartz, M.D. and Toxicologist, In his book, “In Bad Taste, The MSG Syndrome Complex” examines some of the chemicals being processed into our food and the disabling consequences of that application. He cites evidence based research that links neurodegenerative diseases as well as a number of other toxic reactions to ingested excitotoxins. 5 This book contains excellent information on preventing environmental poisoning from one of the three pathways that environmental toxins enter the body: Ingestion, absorption, inhalation. He includes numerous case studies from his own practice were even severe behavioral problems were eliminated by removal of excitotoxins from the diet.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, Neurosurgeon, in his book, “Excitotoxins the taste that kills” carefully explains the neuro-pathways used by, and the neuron destruction brought on by excitotoxins. Excitotoxins are central nervous system disrupting chemicals that stimulate brain cells to death in the circumventricular organs, the hypothalamus and the locus ceruleus in the brain stem. These areas of the brain are unprotected by the blood brain barrier. Toxic chemicals easily reach these critical areas. Excitotoxin destruction of nerve cells in these areas are evidenced in patients with Lou Gehrigs disease, Alzheimers, ADD, ADHD, Parkinson's Disease and a host of other neurodegenerative diseases. In children and persons who have under gone cancer treatment, have chronic disease or have had infections, the blood brain barrier is leaky. This leaves other areas of the brain unprotected.6 Dr. Blaylock's book deals specifically with ingested excitotoxins. The pathology is the same for inhaled or absorbed excitotoxins and toxic substances in VOCs. They enter the blood stream, progress to the brain and cause cellular damage resulting in loss of coordination, emotional control, fine and gross motor skills, cognitive ability, comprehension and memory. The good news is that with removal of all VOCs in environment and diet, there has been dramatic remission of symptoms and return to normal health, for those who's brains are not yet permanently damaged.

Karen Slimak, MS, an environmental chemist for over 30 years, who's work includes research for The National Research Council and Congress and The Environmental Protection Agency has compiled research for 20 years into the effects of environmental triggers on Autism. Through elimination of VOC's in environment and diet she has reduced and eliminated Autism in hundreds of sufferers. She states “none of these problems”... (of autism)...” occur when food and environmental contaminants (volatile organic compounds, plastics, resins, and moldy smells) are removed completely. With in 2-5 weeks of complete diet change and removal of all environmental contaminants, the physical manifestations of the disorder disappear.”7 Ms. Slimak's research has been extensive and thorough. She has definitively shown evidence of all three methods of environmental poisoning. More importantly, she has documented remission of symptoms when toxicants were removed.8 Clearly the environmental contaminants dramatically effect emotional, cognitive and physical behavior.

It is critical that we don't ignore this information. Children spend more than 50% of their waking hours in the school environment. More if they attend after school functions. A clean, safe, optimal learning environment for all our students, not just those who are chemically tolerant, is imperative. As teachers, you work with children daily that manifest the symptoms of environmental poisoning. These symptoms are: Hyperactivity, Inability to concentrate, short attention span, short-term Memory loss, impaired reasoning ability, lowered intelligence, frequent mood swings, chronic headaches, flu-like symptoms, recurrent respiratory problems, asthma, unexplained changes in handwriting or drawing, inconsistent classroom performance, restlessness or fatigue, aggressive or violent behavior, poor coordination and balance, dark circles under the eyes, reddened outer ears and chronic skin rashes.9 These conditions rob children of their ability to learn. They rob them of their health and in many cases, eventually their lives. Children can't perform well, concentrate or learn when they are suffering the debilitating symptoms of chemical poisoning.

Students aren't the only ones suffering in polluted indoor environments from VOCs. Hundreds of thousands of teachers and staff suffer with fatigue, irritability, inability to concentrate, rhinitis, sinusitis, flu-like symptoms, Chronic Fatigue Immuno-difficiency Syndrome Disorder, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Cancer, just to name a few of the additional diseases linked to Environmental Toxicity. These diseases are now being grouped under the heading Environmental Illnesses, or EI.

The EPA's list of contaminants that should be removed from indoor environments includes: Animal dander, molds, VOCs, formaldehyde, and pesticides. Animal dander, molds and pesticides are pretty self explanatory, lets look at VOCs and formaldehyde.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are any chemical with volatile or airborne activity. The list includes formaldehyde, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, solvents, cleaning agents, plastics, PVC, fragrance and flavorings.

Formaldehyde or it's more toxic mutagen Aldehyde are frequent components of fragrance, hairspray and personal care products. The EPA also notes unacceptable formaldehyde emissions from resins, polyurethane finishes, plywood, paneling, fiberboard, particle board, components of new furniture and building materials, carpets, permanent press fabrics and draperies.10

Fragrances are regarded as trade secrets and can't be monitored by government agencies. They are designed to be more aggressive, to not stay at the original source but to spread out. They are designed to volatize. Fragrance is not a personal choice. Like smoking, fragrance effects everyone it comes in contact with. Independent testing has shown that on average fragrances contain 600-700 synthetic, petroleum based,chemical ingredients. Of which, 200 ingredients, on average are known toxins, from the “World Banned as Toxic List” . They are carcinogens, and central nervous system disrupters. They include pesticides; sensitizers, to make skin more permeable; excitatory neurotoxins, to stimulate the brain, similar to LSD; addictive chemicals, more than cigarettes; Endocrine disrupting chemicals and chemicals to increase the range, strength and volatility of the fragrance. For the many developmentally disabled, the autistic, the allergic, the asthmatic, the chemically sensitive students, teachers or staff members, protection from this debilitating influence is critical.

Toxic fragrances are found in air fresheners, laundry products like dryer sheets, fabric softener, bleaches, detergents and dry cleaning solutions. They are found in candles, potpourri and essential oils. They are found in personal care products like perfume, hairspray, hand lotion, hair products, make-up, soap and deodorants. 11 Flavors in candy and gum volatize as well and can cause toxic reactions to the chemically injured. The warmer the fragrance gets, the more aggressively it volatizes. Plug in air fresheners are extremely toxic.

Mark A. Mason, U.S. EPA, Indoor Environment Management Branch, Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory in conjunction with Xiaoyu Liu, Kenneth Krebbs and Leslie Sparks wrote a research paper entitled “Full Scale Chamber Investigation and Simulation of Air-Freshener Emissions in the Presence of Ozone.” Their research paper documents the interactions of major VOCs: limonene, å-pinene, ß-pinene, 3-carene, camphene, benzyl propionate, benzyl alcohol, bornyl acetate, isobornyl acetate, and bensaldehyde, with O3. O3, or Ozone, when combined with these VOCs can produce even more toxic substances: aldehydes, ketones, Organic particles, and free radicals.
For their research model they used a pine-scented, plug-in air freshener and an ozone generator, commonly sold as an air cleaner. The data they collected clearly shows the presence of these VOCs, from the air freshener, and the presence of the even more toxic compounds when they combined with the ozone.13

In addition to fragrances it is important to remove solvents and solvent based items. Those items include dry erase markers, overhead markers, (unless labeled as non-toxic) overhead and dry erase board cleaning solutions, paint solvent, solvent thinned paints, glues and adhesive- (other than standard white glue), packaging or duct tape, correcting fluid or pens, glass cleaners, lubricants like WD-40 or silicone sprays, hand cleaners like Goop or orange oil cleaners.11

All these products and products like them have proven toxic to the chemically sensitive. The more exposure to toxins, the more manifest the symptoms. The numbers of chemically disabled are growing at a rapid rate. It is necessary to eliminate these toxins to protect the health and optimize the learning of every student in the school. It is critical not only for students but for the health and well being of teachers and staff.

The chemically disabled are the fastest growing disability in the world, these past two decades.12 ADA studies show that accommodations, eliminating these toxins saves, on average, $5,000.00 per year, for one employee, in lost work related expenditures due to absenteeism.14 That doesn't even bring into the equation the savings from other people not losing work time that were unaware of the correlation, or the increase in productivity, sense of well being, satisfaction and increased academic achievement for students.

As teachers, staff, Administrators and compassionate, caring adults, we must do everything within our power to provide healthy environments in the schools. We may not be able to do anything about their environments at home, but we can make a difference at school, for their sakes, and for our own.

1. American Lung Association; Asthma; School Programs; Asthma Management; facts about, www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK900E&b=23015
2. Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, FAAP and Jordan Slutsky, BA, “Learning Disabilities Worldwide, Inc.; Are Learning Disabilities Linked to Environmental Toxins?”
http://www.ldam.org/ldinformation/resources/01-04-LDToxins.htm
3. Symptoms of Sick School Syndrome, Irene Wilkenfield, assc. of American Medical Writers, † http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/h-stats.html
4. National Research Council. “Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment.” Washington: National Academy Press, 2000
5. George M. Schwartz, MD, Toxicologist, “In Bad Taste, The MSG Symptom Complex, 1999
6.Russell L. Blaylock, MD, Neurosurgeon “Excitotoxins The Taste that Kills, 1997
7. Karen M. Slimak, MS , “The Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program and “The Special Foods Diet” For Autistic Individuals”, http://www.specialfoods.com/CIP-Aut-Diet.html
8. Karen Slimak, “Reduction of Autistic traits following dietary intervention and elimination of exposure to Environmental Substances”, Proceeding of 2003 International Symposium on Indoor Air Quality and Health Hazards, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, USA and Architectural Institute of Japan, January 8-11,2003, Tokyo Japan, vol 2, pp 206-216. http://www.immuneweb.org/articles/slimak.html
9. Symptoms of Sick School Syndrome, Irene Wilkenfield, assc. of American Medical Writers,† http://www.head-gear.com/SafeSchools/symptoms.html
10. EPA's Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, co sponsored by the American Lung Association (ALA), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and The American Medical Association (AMA), US Government Printing Office Publication No. 1994-523-217/81322, 1994, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html#VOCs
11. Pamela Reed Gibson, PhD, Professor of Psychology, James Madison University, “Understanding & Accommodating People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Independent Living.”2002 http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/bookshelf/MCS.html
12. JAN Job Accommodation Network, ADA www.ada.edu
13. Mark A. Mason, Xiaoyu Liu, Kenneth Krebbs and Leslie Sparks,
U.S. EPA, Indoor Environment Management Branch, Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory “Full Scale Chamber Investigation and Simulation of Air-Freshener Emissions in the Presence of Ozone,” Environ. Sci. Technol. 2004, 38, 2802 - 2812.
14. National Center for Health Statistics, http://cdc.gov/nchs/

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

of the Disabled Population
by Jennifer McKinnis 10/2005

In 1996, seventeen million people were diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), also known as Chemical Hypersensitivity or Environmental Illness, and the numbers have been increasing rapidly since then. More recent studies indicate from 15% to 33% of the population report adverse reactions to chemicals. Denise Spielman of the American's with Disabilities Act (ADA), Portland office, says that
“It is the most rapidly increasing segment of the disabled population.” and that, “We get far more calls on this than on any other disability.” (2004) Ironically most people haven't heard about it. Why? Because people who get it, get so sick that they are forced to retire from public life. They lose their jobs, their access to schools, public buildings and offices, doctors, churches, stores, their friends and some of them, even their own homes. So what exactly is this disease? Bear with me and I'll explain it.
MCS is an inability to adequately process toxins that come into the body. Our bodies produce a number of biochemical de-toxers that are dispersed through the bloodstream, ready to meet and subdue any toxins they encounter. When these chemicals get used up in the blood stream, the toxins proceed through the body causing damage to all the cells and organs they encounter. They reach the brain and damage or destroy the cells that produce the de-toxers, rendering the person less able to handle any new toxic exposures.
The disease is spreading rapidly because synthetic chemical production and distribution has been increasing exponentially for the last 50 years. There are more toxic substances in the products that we use every day than at any other time in history. Food Additives and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are the culprits. There are 3 ways the toxins enter the body: ingestion (you swallow it), absorption (through the skin) and inhalation. VOCs are the biggest trigger. So what are they?
A VOC is a airborne chemical, most commonly associated with a smell. The most aggressive VOCs are associated with fragrance. It's not the lovely smell that causes the problem. Its the petroleum based chemicals that make the smell or are used to enhance the natural smells. Many of the chemicals used have been banned world wide because they are known carcinogens and central nervous system disrupters. They cause documented brain damage. Fragrances are “Trade Secrets” and therefore cannot be monitored by any Government agency. Independent research shows most fragrances have 600-700 ingredients with an average of 200 of those ingredients being known toxins. Fragrances usually contain sensitizers-chemicals to stimulate your brain into absorbing more of the fragrance and to make your skin more permeable, so the chemicals can absorb through it. They contain addictive chemicals in larger quantities than cigarettes do. They contain banned pesticides to keep away bugs. In addition Chemical Manufacturers are designing fragrances to hang in the air and cling to hair, clothing and skin longer.
Once you become sensitized to one class of VOCs it spreads to other VOCs, like gas and diesel fumes, fiberglass and plastic resins, pesticides, paint, solvents, epoxy and glues. Your exposure may not start with fragrances, it could start with any continual small exposure, or a sudden, large exposure, to a VOC. Eventually, with continued exposure many MCS sufferers react to virtually everything in their environment, even natural VOCs. (Like cedar oil or lavender flowers)
VOCs are found in: household cleaners and disinfectants, perfumes, personal care products, make-up, lotions, hair care products, dryer sheets, fabric softeners, detergents, soaps, deodorant, cat litter, pet products, air-fresheners, scented candles, potpourri, pesticides, fertilizers, paints, solvents, glues, construction products, and more.
Many people are already effected by it. They just don't know what's causing their problems. The Federal Government knows; the EPA knows, the FDA knows, as do many other regulatory government agencies, as well as many Doctors, scientists and researchers. The problem is that the information isn't getting to the public fast enough to prevent millions more from being severely disabled by this devastating condition. Currently it is viewed as “incurable, progressive, and life threatening.”
I got exposed in the schools, by plug-in air fresheners. Heated VOCs are more toxic. Our children are in the schools. Some of them in extremely VOC saturated environments. Let me share with you some of the documented learning disabilities known to have been caused by fragrance and VOCs: Autism, ADD, ADHD, hyperactivity, and other general learning difficulties. For adults they've linked: Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's Disease, Lou Gehrig's Disease, Stroke and many other Central Nervous System (CNS) problems. That's understandable when you consider the systems that are effected with exposure. They include: respiratory, digestive, neurological, endocrine, urinary, cardiovascular and immune function. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) cites fragrance as the number one initiating reason for asthma and for school absenteeism.
Lets look at some of the symptoms: tiredness, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches, memory difficulties, long term fatigue, digestive problems, joint pain, headache including migraine, irritability, tenseness, spacey feelings, insomnia, depression, difficulty making decisions, Autistic symptoms, pressure in the head, rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, sleepiness, eye irritation, coordination problems, dizziness, slow response, Lymphoma, kidney dysfunction, chest pain, tingling fingers and toes, nausea, rashes, hives, and sexual dysfunction.
Autism research shows dramatic return to normal health when the VOCs are removed and a clean diet is maintained. Like wise, new data is showing that with avoidance of VOCs, sufferers of MCS can regain most of their health, though they will continue to react to their triggers. Avoidance is the only recommended and effective treatment recognized at this time.
It's not just people with MCS, but people with Asthma, Allergies, Bronchitis, Emphysema, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Immune System Disorder, ADD, ADHD and many other Neuro-degenerative health issues who are affected by exposure to fragrance/VOCs. Even people who don't evidence symptoms are effected with more colds and flu's due to the pollutants in their environments.
Research by the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) shows that the average employer saves about $5000.00 per employee in revenue when fragrances and VOCs are removed or minimized in the work place, due to less absenteeism and increased productivity. Such accommodations as prescribed by the ADA and JAN cost on average $500.00 per work place.
People with MCS need to avoid fragrance at all costs. Continued exposure, even on a small scale, worsens the condition. This includes 1st, 2nd and 3rd hand exposures. People with fragrance sensitivities of any kind are unable to interact with others in regular social settings , a basic human need. We're virtually isolated. We need accommodation by those around us. You personally can help by making the choice to use only “Fragrance Free” products and to promote “Fragrance Free” work environments and public spaces.

Bibliography for: MCS; the Most Rapidly Increasing Segment of the

Disabled Population by Jennifer McKinnis

1. Understanding & Accommodating People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Independent Living, 2002 by Pamela Reed Gibson, Ph.D. James Madison University for the Independent Living Research Utilization as commissioned by the Federal Government to be a guideline for Voc. Rehab. Accommodations, http://www.ilru.org/ilnet/files/bookshelf.mcs/mcs1.html#access places

2. Are Learning Disabilities Linked to Environmental Toxins? by Philip J. Landrigan, MD, MSc, FAAP and Jordan Slutsky, BA, on Web sight for Learning Disabilities Worldwide, Inc. http://ldam.org/ldinformation/resources/01-04_LDToxins.html Dr. Landrigan was head of Mount Sinai School of Medicine's Toxicology and Pediatrics Dept. at the time this research was accessed.
3. “Excitotoxins The Taste that Kills” by Russell L. Blaylock, MD, Neurosurgeon 1997
4. “The Special Foods Comprehensive Intervention Program" and “The Special Foods Diet” For Autistic Individuals”, by Karen M. Slimak, M.S., Principal Investigator and President of Applied, http://www.specialfoods.com/CIP-Aut-Diet.html
5. “Reduction of Autistic traits following dietary intervention and elimination of exposure to Environmental Substances”, by Karen M. Slimak, M.S., Principal Investigator and President of Applied, for Proceeding of 2003 International Symposium on Indoor Air Quality and Health Hazards, National Institute of Environmental Health Science, USA and Architectural Institute of Japan, January 8- 11,2003, Tokyo Japan, vol 2, pp 206-216. http://www.immuneweb.org/articles/slimak.html
6. EPA's Indoor Air Pollution: An Introduction for Health Professionals, by Karen M. Slimak, M.S., Principal Investigator and President of Applied and co sponsored by the American Lung Association (ALA), The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and The American Medical Association (AMA), US Government Printing Office Publication No. 1994-523-217/81322, 1994, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/hpguide.html#VOCs 7. Symptoms of Sick School Syndrome, Irene Wilkenfield, assc. of American Medical Writers, † http://www.headgear.com/SafeSchools/h-stats.html
8. American Lung Association; Asthma; School Programs; Asthma Management; facts about,
www.lungusa.org/site/pp.asp?c=dvLUK900E&b=23015
9. Evidence Links Learning Disabilities, Behavioral Problems and Poor Academic Performance to Fragrance/VOCs by Jennifer L. McKinnis 2004
10. National Research Council. “Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment.” Washington: National Academy Press, 2000
11. George M. Schwartz, MD, Toxicologist, “In Bad Taste, The MSG Symptom Complex, 1999
12. JAN Job Accommodation Network, ADA www.ada.edu
13. Mark A. Mason, Xiaoyu Liu, Kenneth Krebbs and Leslie Sparks,
U.S. EPA, Indoor Environment Management Branch, Air Pollution Prevention and Control Division, National Risk Management Research Laboratory “Full Scale Chamber Investigation and Simulation of Air-Freshener Emissions in the Presence of Ozone,” Environ. Sci. Technol. 2004, 38, 2802 - 2812.
14. National Center for Health Statistics, http://cdc.gov/nchs/
15. Environmental Health Net (of California)
http:/users.lmi.net/wilworks Thousands of papers & sites, by Doctors, researcher, MCS sufferers, legal actions and responses by Governments world wide, support groups and links to pertinent info.
16. Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Under Siege, by Ann McCampbell, MD.

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

Oregon's Governor Ted Kulongoski steps up to the plate and signs the official Toxic Injury Awareness and Education Proclamation for May of 2006.
mcsbeaconofhope.com has the petition. I joined them and became the Oregon State Representative for World~Wide Toxic Injury Awareness and Education, lobbying my legislators with copies of all barrier issue letters and reports. :^) The squeaky wheel gets the organic olive oil!