MCSA NEWS – Online Edition

The prevalence of brain diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and motor neuron disease has soared in the last 20 years, as has the occurrence of depression and anxiety disorders. This rise has been correlated with increased use of pesticides, car exhaust, fragrances, and particulate matter pollution which target the brain in oxidative stress and leads to neurodegeneration.

Whether neurotransmitter balance is altered by drug abuse or chemical exposures, the brain attempts to compensate for this change and create homeostasis again. This leads to impaired cognitive function.

Unexplained outbursts of anger, despair, or anxiety are common in the general populace. Most people know someone who has such outbursts. The scientific community, frequently guided by industry interests, works to convince the medical community and society at large that these mood swings are “mental health problems” for which expensive prescriptions and time consuming cognitive behavioral therapy should be prescribed.

In many cases, however, these diseases and symptoms are cases toxic exposure to everyday substances which may be corrected by eliminated the contaminants. This often occurs via chemical trespass against the victim’s knowledge or will.

Chemical trespass happens when the human body is involuntarily contaminated with toxic or potentially toxic chemicals. Chemicals are capable of altering brain function similar to the way narcotics and inhalants provide a “high”. The difference is that a person who takes narcotics wants to be impaired, while chemical trespass drugs people against their will.

Psycho-pharmaceutical drugs, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, inhalants, and illicit drugs are also chemicals which work in the brain by altering neurotransmitter release, thus the brain's communication system. This interferes with the way the brain processes information and alters mood and behavior.

Inhalants are volatile substances found in many household products, such as oven cleaners, gasoline, spray paints, and other aerosols, which young people abuse for their mind-altering effects. However, one can experience mind altering effects unknowingly and unwillingly without abusing inhalants.

The fragrance industry often uses the fact that fragrances alter mood as an advertising ploy. It’s not uncommon to see ads that claim a fragrance will “enhance sexuality”, “take you away”, or “remind you of good times”.

Fragrances are often marketed as “mood enhancers”. Scent marketers deliberately design and market fragrances which impact mood, emotions, and behavior. As they indeed alter the mind, they are also equivalent to drugs and should be classified as such.

A scent wearer is usually not aware of the drug-like effect their fragrance has. Anyone sharing the same airspace is also subjected to drugging by others’ fragrances. There is little difference between force feeding someone a drug and exposing them to second-hand fragrances that have the same devastating effects in uncontrolled doses.

Despite laws which regulate drugs, the fragrance industry is self-regulated. No independent governing authority regulates the fragrance industry, tests fragrances for toxicity, or even knows what is in fragrances. Fragrance manufactures do not have to reveal what is in a fragrance under current “trade secret” laws. Independent tests show that fragrances are a combination of anywhere from 3 – 5,000 chemicals, 95% of which are derived from petroleum and over 80% of which have not been tested for human safety.

Scent makers contaminate the air with these toxicants and carcinogens by encouraging businesses to add fragrance everything from air conditioning systems to food packages. This is accomplished through claims of fragrances causing shoppers to linger in stores longer and therefore buy more.

Fragrances contain highly toxic substances, including:

Acetone damages the central nervous system and causes slurred speech.

Benzaldehyde, a central nervous system depressant (similar to alcohol and sedatives) and causes kidney damage.

Methylene chloride decreases the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood, resulting in headache, giddiness, stupor, fatigue, and irritability.
Limonene, which is hazardous to apply to the skin, causes respiratory irritation, and the EPA advises “do not inhale limonene vapor” because it can cause delirium, stupor, tachycardia (as in a panic attack), as well as symptoms similar to food poisoning.
Linalool, which is known to cause central nervous system disorders and respiratory problems.
Terpenes, which may be harmful if inhaled, cause asthma and central nervous system disorders.

Children are more susceptible to the effects of these ‘drugs’. If customers are buying more than they planned to buy, this unconscionable tactic is equivalent to mind control. Any substance which alters the mind should be reclassified as a drug under FDA guidelines and made illegal.

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Applying for Disability Benefits for MCS Issues to Consider Part 2

Michael Walkup, Attorney at Law

In the last article I briefly reviewed some of the various disability programs that are potentially available to someone who has become unable to work due to MCS and related conditions. I recommended that disability insurance claims need to be undertaken with some reticence for various reasons and that a claim for Social Security Disability and/or Supplemental Security Income might be a better idea, at least initially.

In this article I will explain further the pitfalls in pursuing disability insurance claims for MCS/EI.

First of all, it is important to understand the difference between two types of disability insurance plans, as the rules and procedures are quite different for each.

Employer Sponsored Plans

For most people, the only type of disability insurance they will have when they become unable to work is one provided by their last employer. These plans, which are known as employer sponsored plans, are governed by a special federal law known as the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, or ERISA.

As has become common in recent years, (the “Clear Skies Initiative”, “ No Child Left Behind”, “Patriot Act”, etc.), the name for this law sounds like the opposite of what it really does, which is to take away legal rights from people who have either health or disability, or retirement insurance through their employers. With the incoming Administration, efforts may be made to amend various aspects of ERISA but, for now at least, we have to deal with the law as it stands, (and has stood since it was signed into law by Richard Nixon in 1974 immediately before he went on the air to announce that he was resigning in disgrace as President of the United States).

Under ERISA, once you have exhausted your appeals within the insurance policy with the claims department of the insurer, (who obviously don’t want to pay you if they think they can get away with it), your only other recourse is to file for a review in court. Although you can file in state court in your jurisdiction, it can be “removed” to the federal court on motion of the insurance company (which always happens).

Once in federal court, the review of the decision of the insurance company is basically presumed to be correct unless you, the insured, can prove that the insurance company’s decision was ‘arbitrary and capricious’. As you might gather from the way that sounds, this essentially means t hat you have to prove that the insurance company denial of benefits was basically “out in left field”, and cannot be supported by any rational view of the evidence.

You also have the additional burden in federal court to use only medical and scientific evidence which has been generally accepted by the medical and scientific community. In MCS, this is definitely not the case as there is a huge dispute about the validity of the MCS diagnosis or the mere existence of the condition. You also cannot introduce any new evidence in the federal court than that which you gave to the insurance company on your application and appeals.

Individual (Private) Plans

In some cases you may have a private disability policy. To get one of these you would have had to go out and buy one and pay 100% of the premiums yourself. Usually the only people who have these are self employed professionals like doctors, lawyers and dentists, or small business owners. Some people may have a variation of this in terms of a policy that pays their mortgage or car payment in case of loss of income due to a disability.

The good thing about the private policies is that ERISA has no application to them. They are treated as regular contracts and you can sue on them in state court as soon as you are denied benefits. Once in state court you can request a jury trial and the jury decides the case as an original review. This means that if they feel you are disabled, you win. Depending on the state, you may or may not have to contend with the “generally medically accepted” rule of evidence.

On the down side, the case can be removed back to federal court under “diversity” jurisdiction, if the insurance company is incorporated in a state different from yours, or has designated a place of suit in the contract. In that event you may find yourself having to deal with it in say, Delaware or California, and getting a lawyer in that state in addition to the one you originally consulted in your state.

Also, a jury trial is very time consuming, and lawyers usually are not going to do it on a contingency basis, especially if it involves a controversial diagnosis such as MCS. You are probably looking at a six figure legal fee, plus thousands in expert witness costs, and the case will take several years.

The Large Print Giveth: The Fine Print Taketh Away

Many insurance policies, whether employer sponsored or not, may also have various exclusions and limitations that can affect your situation in particular. For example, many policies have a limitation on “mental impairments” where they will only pay benefits for two years if the claim involves any sort of mental problem. It is easy to put MCS in a category where it is considered to be a mental problem, the most common being to consider it as a “somatoform disorder.” This is not quite the same as saying you are malingering or that it is “all in your head.” What it means is that you have an actual physical reaction, but the physical reaction is being caused by a mental state of some kind. In either event, it can lead to a limitation of benefits, and so is a prime defense in MCS, FMS and CFS cases.

In a new twist, some policies have added a similar limitation if the condition causing the disability is “self reported”. This means that there is no ‘accepted’ medical test that can objectively prove the impairment so the only evidence is what the patient says about their symptoms, which is typically the case in MCS, FMS, and CFS cases. I suspect that this wrinkle was introduced precisely to allow the insurance companies to get out from under these types of claims and avoid endless litigation. Ironically, this may allow for more companies to approve these cases with a settlement where they agree to at least pay the two years of benefits but not after that.

Also, be sure you are aware that there are both Long Term and Short Term disability plans. You have to apply for the Short and then the Long after six months if you are still out of work.

For more information: www.MCSLegalHelp.com

Michael Walkup is an experienced disability practitioner with over 25 years of experience in the disability law field. In 2001 he became disabled due to MCS, CFS, and FM. He is now providing a service to advise clients with potential disability claims who have MCS, CFS, and/or FM. As these programs and law are usually Federal, he is able to practice in all 50 states, so your location does not matter.

Michael is a long time Sustaining Member of the National Organization for Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR), the only national body for disability representatives. He is also certified as a Federal Trial Lawyer and is admitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veteran’s Claims.

Michael would welcome the opportunity to try to help you with your legal claims. His web site may be found at www.MCSLegalHelp.com. , or he may be contacted at MJWalkup@Amertech.net , or at 866-880-HURT (4878).

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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosis and Treatment Part 1

What is CFS?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is an illness primarily characterized by profound, debilitating fatigue which has been ongoing for at least 6 months and is not relieved by rest.[1] Other symptoms include:[1]

· Cognitive difficulties, impaired memory, and poor concentration.

· Postexertional malaise (exhaustion and increased symptoms) lasting more than 24 hours following physical or mental exercise.

· Unrefreshing sleep.

· Joint pain (without redness or swelling).

· Persistent muscle pain.

· Headaches of a new type or severity.

· Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes.

· Sore throat.

The dramatic decline in activity level and stamina is often severe enough to result in substantial occupational, educational, and social limitations that lead to defining CFS as a major functional impairment.[1] At least one quarter of those afflicted are either unemployed or on disability.[1] Some patients may also experience:[1]

· irritable bowel, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea or bloating

· chills and night sweats

· brain fog

· chest pain

· shortness of breath

· chronic cough

· visual disturbances (blurring, sensitivity to light, eye pain or dry eyes)

· allergies or sensitivities to foods, alcohol, odors, chemicals, medications or noise

· difficulty maintaining upright position (orthostatic instability, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, balance problems or fainting)

· psychological problems (depression, irritability, mood swings, anxiety, panic attacks)

· jaw pain

· weight loss or gain

An intermittent pattern of relapse is common in CFS[2] as is an overall lower level of performance and activity than suffers were capable of prior to the illness. [3,4]

Prevalence

More than 4 million Americans suffer from CFS and over 2.5% of the population aged 18-59 years meet the diagnostic criteria.[1,5] Only 20% have been properly diagnosed.[6] Though more frequent in women aged 40-59 years, people of all ages, ethnicity, economic status, and gender may develop CFS.[6,7]

Diagnosis

The onset of CFS may be acute or gradual over a period of a few months.[1] Under current diagnostic strategies for CFS, a diagnosis is made after other diagnoses have been eliminated and two criteria are met: [1]

1. Unexplained, persistent fatigue that is not due to ongoing exertion, is not substantially relieved by rest, is of new onset (not lifelong), and results in a significant reduction in previous levels of activity.

2. Four or more of the following symptoms are present for 6 months or more:

· Impaired memory or concentration

· Postexertional malaise (extreme, prolonged exhaustion and exacerbation of symptoms following physical or mental exertion)

· Unrefreshing sleep

· Muscle pain

· Multijoint pain without swelling or redness

· Headaches of a new type or severity

· Sore throat that is frequent or recurring

· Tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes

As of the writing of this paper, two new biomarkers have been discovered for CFS and confirmatory clinical tests have been developed.[8,9]

The “ATP profile” test confirms a CFS diagnosis for patients who have insufficient energy due to mitochondrial cellular respiration dysfunction.[8] The function of mitochondria in producing ATP (adenosine triphosphate) for energy and recycling ADP (adenosine diphosphate) to replenish the ATP supply is determined by the ATP profile.[8] Patients who are not diagnosed with CFS by the ATP profile may not have CFS or may suffer from energy wastage due to other factors.[8]

The “serum chemokine and cytokine profile” shows a distinct pathogen associated signature for the inflammatory serum chemokines IL-8, IP-10, MIP-a and MIP-1b, as well as the pro inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNFa and IL-1b.[9] Cytokine and chemokine patterns can be used diagnostically for CFS in subgroups.[9]

Other disorders may resemble CFS and these include multiple sclerosis, mononucleosis, hypothyroidism, Lyme, and lupus, as well as sleep disorders, certain prescription medications, and major depressive disorders.[1]

Tests which may be run to exclude other fatiguing conditions include urinalysis, total protein, glucose, c-reactive protein, phosphorus, electrolytes, complete blood count (CBC) with leukocyte differential, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, globulin, calcium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate transaminase serum level (AST), thyroid function tests (TSH and free T4), ANA, rheumatoid factor (if indicated), and lyme serology (if indicated).[1]

CoMorbidity

“Comorbid conditions that clinicians should be alert for include fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivity, Gulf War syndrome, temporomandibular joint disorder, and overactive bladder or interstitial cystitis.”[1]

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 2008, November 18. Retrieved January 21, 2009, from FirstGov -- The U.S. Government's Official Web Portal Department of Health and Human Services “Safer Healthier People” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/

Nisenbaum R, Jones JF, Unger ER, Reyes M, Reeves WC. A population based study of the clinical course of chronic fatigue syndrome. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2003;1:49.

Buchwald D, Pearlman T, Umali J, Schmaling K, Katon W. Functional status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Am J Med. 1996;101:364-370.

Christodoulou C, DeLuca J, Lange G, et al. Relation between neuropsychological impairment and functional disability in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatr. 1998;64:431-434.

Reeves WC, Jones JF, Maloney E, et al. Prevalence of chronic fatigue syndrome in metropolitan, urban, and rural

Georgia

. Popul Health Metr. 2007;5:5.

Reyes M, Nisenbaum R, Hoaglin DC, et al. Prevalence and incidence of chronic fatigue syndrome in Wichita, Kansas. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:1530-1536.

Jones JF, Nisenbaum R, Solomon L, Reyes M, Reeves WC. Chronic fatigue syndrome and other fatiguing illnesses in adolescents: a population based study. J Adolesc Health. 2004;35:34-40.

Myhill S, Booth NE, McLauren-Howard, J. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Int J Clin Exp Med (2009) 2, 1-16.

Lombardi VC, Redelman D, White DC, Fremont M, DeMerirleir K, Peterson D, and Mikovits JA. Serum cytokine and chemokine profiles of individuals with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) reveal distinct pathogen associated signatures. September 2008:43(3):245.

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Electromagnetic Fields and Health

Membrane leakage

All the living cells in our bodies are surrounded by membranes just two molecules thick. Most of these molecules are negatively charged and tend to repel one another. However, they are held together by positive ions (mainly calcium) that fit in between them. The ions’ forces of attraction for the negative molecules on either side help to bind them together like mortar holding together the bricks of a wall.

Extremely weak alternating electromagnetic fields, similar to those produced by Wifi, cell phones, cordless phones, and their respective base stations, can act on these calcium ions and dislodge them. This weakens the membrane and makes it more inclined to leak. Very little energy is required since the calcium has to be moved only far enough from the membrane for an alternative ion (usually potassium) to sneak into its place. Since potassium (with only one positive charge) is less good than calcium (which has two charges) at holding the membrane together, it still leaks.

Effects on fertility and cancer

This leakage can have all sorts of unwanted biological effects totally unconnected with their so-called thermal effects. These include allowing foreign materials, such as toxins, carcinogens and allergens to enter cells more easily. Also, the leakage of digestive enzymes through their internal membranes can damage the DNA, leading to the formation of genetically aberrant cells. When this occurs in the sex organs, there is a loss of fertility. Also, genetically damaged cells in any part of the body can be carcinogenic, although this may not become evident until later on in life when the natural ability of the immune system to deal with carcinogens deteriorates.

Electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS)

All of us are electrosensitive to some degree, but some more so than others. This too seems to be due to membrane leakage. The precise effects depend on which cells leak and the source of the radiation.

When the cells of the skin leak, it causes inflammation. When our sensory cells leak, it can make them send false signals to the brain, so we may get sensations of heat, burning, pins and needles, etc.

If the cells of the inner ear leak, we can get false sensations of sound (tinnitus) or our sense of balance is affected so we feel dizzy and may get all the symptoms of motion sickness.

When neurons in the brain leak, they become more inclined to transmit nerve impulses. This makes the brain hyperactive so that it is more difficult to get to sleep and we may get stress headaches.

Another effect of brain hyperactivity is to speed our reaction times to outside stimulation. However, because some of the nerve impulses are false, it tends also to cloud our thinking; we lose concentration and become more easily distracted.

This may cause attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. In adults, it may be partly responsible for the increased accident rate when people use cell phones while driving. You are four times more likely to have an accident, even with hands-free types.

On the whole, the body sees these effects as harmful and does what it can to minimise them, but the best solution is to avoid the radiation.

Some of the symptoms may be the body’s way of telling us to do just that. We become sensitised to the radiation, just as a wound remains tender (i.e. more sensitive to pain) for some time after an injury. This forces us to protect it from further damage while it is healing. In the case of EHS, it may not be easy to escape the radiation and the symptoms continue. The consolation is that these symptoms are not life-threatening; they do go away when you remove the source of radiation and, if there is no further exposure, you may gradually become desensitised.

References and more information (including effects of CFLs) at:

http://tinyurl.com/55286a and http://tinyurl.com/92r7nc

Andrew Goldsworthy BSc PhD

Reprinted with Permission

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Dealing with Construction Emergencies

We all make mistakes. Heaps of them. I’ve made enough mistakes to fill a book of stories, like the time I was running new phone cable through the house and ordered 25 feet of cable, only to realize that I actually needed about 28 feet. Mistakes can be made by all of us and for the most part with little consequence besides another trip to the hardware store. Making mistakes when working on homes happens all the time too, from short wire to dropping paint on a finished floor to any number of other things.

Making mistakes on a job when someone in the house has MCS is a whole different ball of wax however, and that’s what I’d like to talk about.

Preparing for the Worst

With all the work to hire contractors, sub-contractors and organize the work to be carried out in a renovation it’s easy to over look some detail, such as the wood filler used to cover up the nail holes in the trim for example. Tiny little things that the contractor may not even give a second thought to, could send you into a tailspin. Something even more obscure could set you off and set you back, so you need to have a battle plan ready.

Isolating yourself from the work is the best solution. You may be planning on staying in the house during the renovation, but to prepare, have a safe bag full of everything you need for a few days always at the front door or in the car. When someone with MCS is impacted by chemicals, trying to plan an escape, pack, consider all the details of where, etc, is too much. Have a note ready for the contractor with the contact information of where you are going to be staying, with friend, in the car, etc. This is obviously the worst case scenario, but if you are not prepared for it, when it hits you will be more impacted because of the time spent wandering around your house thinking of what you need to do and collect. Every minute in a house you are reacting to is a minute too long and may mean days of recovery. Getting out quickly is the priority and sorting out how to fix the problem is secondary. Please remember this.

Since the contractor has gone through all the checks and balances to begin working on your house, they should have a plan of action ready in case something causes you to react. This would be something like a full containment of the offending material, depressurizing the space with a large fan in the room, exhausting out, maybe your filter running, or whatever. This emergency plan is something that you both have discussed prior to the work starting and it’s maybe even in writing. You may not be functional enough to have this conversation during the event, so don’t. They have the emergency plan and carry it out while you carry yourself out of the house.

So you still may be staying inside the house for all the numerous reasons that don’t allow you to stay anywhere else safely. You need an emergency plan for this as well. This means maybe one room in the house where you can bunker down with another layer of containment. Somewhere that has it’s own filtration in it, and is as far away from the issue as possible. Remember that forced air systems move air, so that the other area should have already been sealed off from the ductwork but if not, it is during this situation. Make sure you have some food and water in the containment for at least the rest of the day, so that you can keep out of the other area (separated by your containment and it’s containment). Come out to use the bathroom with your respirator on, and then right back in. Do not spend time to see how bad it is now, especially if the workers have gone home for the night. Because nothing can be done now, don’t bother trying. It could overload you and if things are better in the morning you may be too sensitive from the prior exposure to not react.

Remember, they have worked hard to set things up for you safely, and you have to trust them. Mistakes happen. You too make mistakes, and going in for a sniff would fall under that category as well. Let them tell you where things are at and when they’ve dealt with the issue and made things better. When you are feeling strong/healthy enough, then and only then, consider checking again.

Your contractor will also understand that you may be out of commission for a few days, and if you are still in the house, this may mean a postponement of work. Do the best you can during these times, but ideally they come back and keep working the sooner the better, as they hopefully make things better for you.

Taking Matters Into Your Own Hands

The frustration of MCS is overwhelming at times to everyone who lives with it. The desire to just get the job done yourself quickly to get it done is tangible. This is when we make mistakes. We all make mistakes when we work this way. Once, I almost cut my thumb completely off because I wanted to just finish this job and then I’d take a longer break. We all make mistakes in judgment. Maybe you’ve heard of a product that seems like it should hopefully work, or you are confident if you just take that old shelving unit out of the basement, things will be better right away. Unless you have the back up emergency plan in place and the proper safety precautions laid out, you’ll possibly be in serious trouble if something goes wrong. I’m not even talking about the whole hospital trip by yourself, while impacted, and then that whole environment. That’s another article. I’m talking about wandering around your home, feeling the effects of the MCS and trying to deal with the issue you created.

People with MCS have to analyze everything to the nth degree to stay safe and well. Mistakes happen, both on your part and on the part of others. By analyzing the safest way to execute an emergency plan during those times, you will ensure your health and safety during the unlikely event that something goes wrong. This will allow you and the workers to keep their heads, move quickly and effectively, and get things back on track in the shortest amount of time. Plan for the best, but prepare for the worst and potentially large events will hopefully turn into small bumps.

Stephen Collette is a Building Biology Environmental Consultant and LEED accredited professional, who owns Your Healthy House, and is living with his family in Lakefield, Ontario.

www.yourhealthyhouse.ca

705-652-5159

stephen@yourhealthyhouse.ca

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Our Disposable Society

Suzanne Fisher

Throw aways, cast offs, disposable – are terms we would use for trash or waste, right? We certainly would not use these terms to describe our friends, our families, our loved ones, or ourselves. However, large corporations, hand in hand with our government, are now telling us that many of us in our society are disposable.

In our world, the ‘quick fix’ has become the preferred method of dealing with things. We spray away odors, bugs, weeds, and anything else that bothers us. Our penchant for haste and ease has led us to want increasingly more products we can use in this manner. Moreover, our government and industry have tacitly formed a partnership to bring them to us, many times without prior studies to determine the hazards posed by these timesaving products.

Throughout the past twenty years, many pesticides in particular (a term that includes herbicides) have been developed to replace the DDT and dioxin-related ones that caused so many past environmental problems. The newer pesticides are supposedly safer, but are they? We assume that our government would not allow products to be sold that were hazardous to society. But, is our assumption correct?

We depend on our governmental agencies to protect us from products that are harmful. But the misshapen and deformed thalidomide babies born in the seventies showed us that these agencies are not as watchful as we would like them to be. Nor do most of them have the regulatory authority to adequately protect the American public.

The watchdog for pesticides, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is a case in point. The EPA and the chemical industries have a revolving door, through which chemical industry executives go to work at the EPA, and EPA employees are hired by the chemical industry. The pesticide-producing chemical companies are huge contributors to Presidential and congressional campaigns. Any incentive to toughen laws on pesticides to adequately protect the public from their potential harm is lost in these massive contributions. Many EPA employees are dedicated to their jobs and concerned about the effect of pesticides on humans and the planet we inhabit. Their job of protecting the public, however, is complicated by the lack of adequate laws and regulations.

These regulations include the one that allows pesticides to be registered by the EPA (and offered for sale) after manufacturers supply information on the toxicity of the active ingredient. Unfortunately, there have been many instances in which the toxicity information supplied to the EPA was wholly or partially fraudulent. Most people assume that the EPA tests these products when they are submitted for registration. The EPA not only does not test pesticides, it does not even have a system for ensuring that the tests that are done by the manufacturers are accurate. Registration of pesticides is based solely on the test data submitted for the active ingredient.

The active ingredient, however, is only one part of the full pesticide toxicity. Pesticides contain inert ingredients (surfactants, stabilizers, etc.) that in many cases are much more toxic to humans (and other animals) than the active ingredient. Some pesticides have even been found to contain toxic waste. Since the full formulation of the pesticide is never tested, the synergy between the inerts and the active ingredient (which can be even more toxic than the inerts and active ingredients separately) remains unknown. The full formulation of a pesticide is only tested after it causes poisoning incidents, and by then it is too late to protect the public.

Therefore, what we end up with on the market are pesticides whose actual formula has not been tested. These products are then used around the chronically ill. They are used in homes and in yards where children (whose detoxification systems are still forming) live and play. They are used in nursing homes where the elderly (whose bodies cannot withstand environmental toxins due to lowered detoxification capacities) live. Only after illnesses begin to develop in people who use (or are exposed to) the products are medical studies begun to identify and quantify the problems caused by these pesticides. Before that, they are presumed safe by the public because they are registered with the EPA.

However, the EPA is the first to say that no pesticide is "safe." In the EPA's registration process, they require a designation for each pesticide called the ‘LD50.’ LD50 stands for ‘Lethal Dose 50,’ or according to the EPA, "the dose at which 50% of the animals died." According to the EPA, the "lower the LD 50, the more toxic the compound. " There are oral, inhalation, and dermal LD50 studies for pesticides. These studies are performed on laboratory rats, rabbits, and sometimes guinea pigs.

A better overview of what the term 'LD50' means can be found at Alberta Agriculture Food and Rural Development, http://tinyurl.com/86sqt7

“LD50 values are used to rate the toxicity of the pesticides. The LD50 is an abbreviation for the dose (expressed in milligrams per kilogram of body weight of the test animal) that is lethal to 50 per cent of the group of test animals. For example, if a pesticide has an oral LD50 value of 10 mg/kg, and the test animals each weigh 1 kg, 50 per cent of the animals would die of poisoning if each ate 10 mg of the pesticide.”

The LD50 values for pesticides are developed using healthy adult animals. (There is still doubt about whether data from rats, rabbits, and guinea pigs can be reliably extrapolated to humans.) However, most toxicologists would agree that there are three groups of people who are more vulnerable to the effects of pesticide overexposure: children, the elderly, and chronically ill persons. Recent studies have also shown that a growing fetus is far more susceptible to pesticide damage than previously thought.

Using just the first three groups (children, chronically ill, and elderly) leads us to a startling discovery - a whopping 59.07% of Americans fall into the category of being more vulnerable to overexposure to pesticides. Since pesticides are now touted as a panacea for everything from fleas to weeds, they can be found everywhere. Schools spray on a weekly basis in cafeterias, and almost as frequently in other school areas. Public buildings usually have a maintenance contract with a pesticide contractor. Lawns are ChemLawned, TruGreened, and zapped with RoundUp everywhere from parks to golf courses to homes.

Therefore, the underlying message here is a very profound one. Persons with chronic illnesses, children and the elderly are disposable commodities insofar as our government and the chemical companies are concerned.

Recent research has also shown that women, because of their much higher estrogen production, are far more susceptible to the ravages of pesticides than men. Many pesticides have been found to be estrogenic, meaning that the pesticides link with estrogen receptors to disrupt many bodily functions. According to the U. S. Bureau of the Census' 1998 estimates, women comprise 51% of the American population. So, does that mean that women are disposable too?

What we are left with when we have removed the chronically ill of both sexes, healthy women, children and the elderly is that the only non-disposable category left is healthy males. Is this truly the message we want to offer the citizens of this country? Is it the way we want our nation represented to the world? Even more important, is this the message we want to give to the next generation?

The chart on the next page shows the numbers of persons estimated by the Center for Disease Control to have chronic illnesses that are widely accepted by the medical community. Census figures are from the US Census Bureau's estimated 1998 population figures.

Isn't it time we changed this message and stopped operating by Risk Factors? The Risk Factor method of doing business presumes that a certain number of persons will be harmed by a product. If the alleged positive benefit value to society from the product outweighs the possible law suits generated by persons harmed by the product, then the product is okayed for sale. In other words, the Risk Factor means some people may be maimed or killed by using the product in the manner suggested by the manufacturer. The people who are maimed or killed are the losers in the Risk Factor gamble. But, are we who are not maimed or killed truly the winners?

How can we continue to justify progress at all costs? We, as a nation, a culture, a world, need to recognize that without public demand for this type of product, it would not be created or marketed. So, the next time you reach for that bug killer or weed killer, please remember - you could end up being part of the Disposable Society yourself - the key word here is "killer." In the Risk Factor game of chance, it could well be your number that comes up.

Information for the above chart comes from the following CDC statements assessing the prevalence of the chronic illnesses represented, found at http://www.cdc.gov .

CFS .2%

HIV/AIDS 665,357

Arthritis and other rheumatic conditions are chronic and disabling, and affect an estimated 4 million Americans. Nearly 50% of persons 65 years of age have arthritis; younger people have a lower risk of having arthritis but still comprise half all people affected.
Asthma affects 14-15 million Americans, including almost 5 million children.
The American Cancer Society estimates that 8 million Americans have a history of cancer. In 1999, about 1.22 million new cancer cases will be diagnosed. This estimate does not include carcinoma in situ or the approximately 1 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer to be diagnosed this year. Cancer costs this nation an estimated $107 billion annually, including health care expenditures and lost productivity from illness and death.
Cardiovascular disease includes heart disease and stroke. About 57 million Americans live with some form of cardiovascular disease, which causes more than 40% of all deaths in the United States; 950,000 Americans every year. Heart disease and stroke cost the nation almost $260 billion annually.
About 16 million Americans have diabetes, but only about 10 million have been diagnosed. Approximately 798,000 new cases of diabetes are diagnosed annually in the United States. The number of persons diagnosed with diabetes has increased sixfold, from 1.6 million in 1958 to 10 million in 1997. Diabetes is the nation's seventh leading killer and contributed to about 187,800 deaths in 1995.
An estimated 47 million (24.7 percent) adults were smokers in the United States in 1995 --24.5 million men (27 percent) and 22.4 million women (22.6 percent).
How many cases of Lyme disease are reported each year? More than 16,000 cases were reported by 45 states to CDC in 1996. Over 99,000 cases have been reported since 1982.

Editor’s Note: This Article Is Reprinted with Permission

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CoQ10 Supplementation Beneficial for Fibromyalgia

Researchers in Spain say that Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant.

“It is a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance present in every cell of the body and serves as a coenzyme for several of the key enzymatic steps in the production of energy within the cell. It also functions as an antioxidant, which is important in its clinical effects” (Langsjoen, 1994).

According to the Mayo Clinic (2008), CoQ10 is produced by the human body and is necessary for the basic functioning of cells and formation of cellular energy.

However, CoQ10 decreases with age and chronic illness. Low blood levels of CoQ10 have been found in people with hypertension (Mayo Clinic, 2008), cancer (Folkers, 1993), and heart disease (Langsjoen, 1994).

Dr. Peter H. Langsjoen of the University of Washington says, “CoQ10 deficiency may be caused by insufficient dietary CoQ10, impairment in CoQ10 biosynthesis, excessive utilization of CoQ10 by the body, or any combination of the three.”

Now scientists have evidence of altered CoQ10 levels in the blood and mononuclear cells of patients with fibromyalgia (Cordero et al, 2008). These low blood levels of CoQ10 lead to the oxidative stress commonly observed in fibromyalgia (Cordero et al, 2008).

“Fibromyalgia is a disease process characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, non-restorative sleep, fatigue, headache, morning stiffness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, paresthesias (numbness and tingling) and overall impaired functioning in both social and occupational settings. The severity of the pain is typically more constant than other forms of pain and may come and go rapidly, move around to various parts of the body, and worsen with touch” (MCS America, 2006 - 2009).

Researchers are now recommending CoQ10 supplementation as beneficial for fibromyalgia patients (Cordero et al, 2008).

References

Cordero MD, Moreno-Fernández AM, Demiguel M, Bonal P, Campa F, Jiménez-Jiménez LM, Ruiz-Losada A, Sánchez-Domínguez B, Sánchez Alcázar JA, Salviati L, Navas P. Coenzyme Q10 distribution in blood is altered in patients with Fibromyalgia. Clin Biochem. 2008 Dec 25. [Epub ahead of print]

Folkers, K (1993). Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 192:241-5.

Langsjoen, P.H. (1994). Introduction to coenzyme Q10 . University of Washington, Retrieved January 17, 2009, from

http://faculty.washington.edu/ely/coenzq10.html

Mayo Clinic, (2008, March 1). Coenzyme Q10. Retrieved January 17, 2009, from Mayo Clinic Web site:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/coenzyme-q10/NS_patient-coenzymeq10

MCS America, (2006 - 2009). What is Fibromyalgia (FM)?. Retrieved January 17, 2009, from MCS America Web site: http://mcs-america.org/index_files/FM.htm

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Toxic Chemicals Emitted by Dryer Sheets and Scented Laundry Products

Reference

Steinemann AC. Fragranced consumer products and undisclosed ingredients. Environ Impact Asses Rev (2008), doi:10.1016/j.eiar.2008.05.002.

http://www.ce.washington.edu/people/faculty/bios/documents/Steinemann2008.pdf

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Lack of Balance in Fibromyalgia

When it comes to bad balance and frequent falls, we tend to think of the frail and elderly as being at the highest risk. However, new research shows that patients with fibromyalgia have significantly impaired balance and increased fall frequency.

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science University believe that peripheral and central mechanisms of postural control may be affected in fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia is a disease process characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, non-restorative sleep, fatigue, headache, morning stiffness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, paresthesias (numbness and tingling) and overall impaired functioning in both social and occupational settings. The severity of the pain is typically more constant than other forms of pain and may come and go rapidly, move around to various parts of the body, and worsen with touch.

Fibromyalgia is the 2nd most common disorder seen by rheumatologists, affecting roughly 2% of the population of the United States. Middle aged women are afflicted at a higher rate, with a prevalence of 3.4% for women, and 0.5% for men.

The study subjects were aware of their balance problems in this study.

There are several recommendations which may help to maintain and improve balance.

Examine your Medications

Some medications may increase dizziness or reduce blood pressure. Certain medications may interact with one another to create additional effects. Be sure your doctor knows all the medications and supplements you take and ask about any suspect medications.

Exercise

Both regular exercise and balance specific exercises may be helpful. Before beginning any exercise program, check with you a doctor. Weight training will help improve muscle strength, which can improve balance. Tai chi, yoga, Pilates, and dance are all fun ways to work on balance, strength, and flexibility while improving core strength for postural stability. Specific exercises may help with balance, such as practicing walking on a line heel to toe forwards and then backwards.

Think Ahead

If you know that your balance is not good or suffer from dizziness and/or orthostatic hypotension, take a look around your home for obstacles which may cause a fall. Arrange furniture to leave plenty of floor space for walking, keep the stairs clean, locate the bedroom on the ground floor to avoid the stairs, check for sharp objects which could cause injury in a fall, avoid area rugs which may be a tripping hazard, and install no-slip grip strips or no skid mats in the bathroom and kitchen.

Reference

Jones KD, Horak FB, Winters-Stone K, Irvine JM, Bennett RM. Fibromyalgia Is Associated With Impaired Balance and Falls. J Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Dec 19.

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Safe Dental Materials Selection

Q: I need to have dental work done. What materials are safe for those with MCS?

A: Sensitivity varies from person to person, so it is difficult to make a specific recommendation. The best way to check compatibility is to have biocompatibility testing done and research the dental materials for safety concerns.

Biocompatibility testing may be done to determine allergy and toxicity reactions for the assorted crowns, cements, filling materials, anesthetics, and other materials used in dentistry.

Clifford Consulting and Research offers the Clifford Materials Reactivity Testing (CMRT), which is a laboratory screening process used to help identify existing sensitivity problems to various chemical groups and families of compounds in an individual patient. The test reports on over 7100 trade-named products and 89 chemical groups and families. More information may be obtained (nfi) at:

http://www.ccrlab.com/

or by calling (719)550-0008.

VEGA bio-dermal testing is a biocompatibility testing method first used in Chinese medicine which uses a VEGA machine. The VEGA machine is connected by a wire to a hand-held electrical probe which the physician presses against the individual acupoint of interest while the patient holds a brass tube in one hand, permitting a completed electrical circuit to occur when the metal-tipped probe touches the acupoint. Micro voltage electrical information is communicated to the VEGA Machine and displayed on a readout device or computer. A metallic platform for placing the material being tested is also attached. This information provides a reading of the electrical energy generated.

If both tests show that a material is acceptable, you can then try holding some in your hand, placing it in your mouth, and inhaling it to see if there is any detectable "toxic" effect to you beyond those basic reactivity tests. Place some of the material on your night stand while you sleep to determine how well tolerated the substance is in your immediate environment..

Finally, take the list of acceptable materials and research each of them. Looking for any red warning flags, such as materials or brands which have been shown to have contaminants. Then select the needed materials from the potential list with your dentist.

A good holistic dentist should be very familiar with these procedures and insist upon testing before beginning any work once you alert him/her to your medical condition.

A resource for holistic dentists may be found at:

http://mcs-america.org/dentistlist.pdf

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Q&A The Difference Between Chemical Allergy and Chemical Toxicity

Q: What is the difference between a chemical allergy and a chemical toxicity?

A: An allergy produces hay fever like symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itching, nasal stuffiness, watering eyes, wheezing, and coughing. Allergy symptoms are generally regarded as different degrees of a nuisance. The symptoms are usually easily observable by a physician and therefore and easily accepted and diagnosed. Diagnosis can be confirmed with typical allergy tests for elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE).

The symptoms of chemical toxicity are typically neurological and include headache, extreme fatigue, dizziness, weakness nausea, disorientation, memory problems, slowed reaction time, peripheral neuropathy, sensory neuropathy, and personality/mood changes. Other symptoms may include respiratory difficulty, rash, burning sensations in the nose and mouth, and gastrointestinal disorders. Serious toxicity may result in impaired speech, seizures, stroke, and paralysis.

Chemical toxicity is not regarded as a nuisance, but rather a major life-altering crisis. Victims of toxicity will take extreme measures to avoid further exposure to substances which add to their toxic load and produce a multitude of symptoms as a result of toxicity induced cellular inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, malabsorption, and impaired detoxification.

The symptoms of toxicity are not easily observable by a physician and often seem vague and subjective as reported by the patient. The extreme measures taken to avoid further exposure often seem out of proportion to the person’s otherwise normal appearance and may lead to an incorrect conclusion that the person is psychotic, paranoid, or anxious.

Diagnosis is initially difficult unless the patient was poisoned on the job or has had a sudden acute exposure to a known toxic substance. Patients suffering from chronic low-level exposure to a toxic substance may not even be aware of the substance that has made them ill. Instead they may report illness when in a certain building or exposed to certain chemicals.

Typically chronic low-level poisoning cases include chronic environmental pesticide, mold, or formaldehyde exposure in the home or workplace.

Typical allergy treatments such as antihistamines and provocative neutralization don’t reduce the symptoms of toxicity. In fact, since the body is already toxic, antihistamines and other drugs often add to body burden and make the symptoms worse.

Through identifying and ceasing the source of exposure and treating the physical damage caused by the toxicant, symptoms from toxicity can be reduced and/or eliminated. A physician specializing in this area is recommended.

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Courts Rule in Favor of MCS

Two courts recently ruled in favor of allowing multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) legal claims to move forward.

First, seven former employees of Moore County, North Caroline were given permission to continue pursuing their worker compensation claims for sick building syndrome.

Their health problems started in 1994 when something in the building was suspected for having caused chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, lesions, mood swings, respiratory and nervous problems, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and other symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity.

The Court of Appeals ruled that since the workers first filed their claims a decade ago, medical science has made advancements to understand fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivity, two conditions which the workers suffered as a result of their employment in a sick building.

Fibromyalgia, the 2nd most common disorder seen by rheumatologists, is a disease process characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, non-restorative sleep, fatigue, headache, morning stiffness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, paresthesias (numbness and tingling) and overall impaired functioning in both social and occupational settings. The severity of the pain is typically more constant than other forms of pain and may come and go rapidly, move around to various parts of the body, and worsen with touch.

Multiple chemical sensitivity is an affliction in which low levels of toxic chemicals impact neurological function and may trigger cardiac and pulmonary symptoms with a myriad of effects. This may occur when hepatic detoxification is impaired as a result of injury or toxic exposure.

Though it was claimed that no employees other than the seven who filed claimed became ill, the employees’ supervisor was also ill.

Lennon, the employees’ attorney, said he is confident that the seven employees will prevail because they have a case in which the medical evidence of cause-and-effect is indisputable.

Second, another New Jersey woman has filed a lawsuit over a co-workers perfume.

The New Jersey appellate court has allowed Doris Sexton to proceed with a lawsuit for worker’s compensation. Sexton worked in the nursing home where she was employed for nearly 40 years before she became disabled by her co-workers repeated spraying of perfume in the work area.

According to the appellate court, "The air Sexton had to breathe in order to fulfill her contract of service, contaminated by a co-employee, was a condition of the employment for Sexton. Therefore, if inhaling the substance injured her, the injury arose out of the employment."

As fragrances and chemicals become more pervasive in our indoor and outdoor environments, legal cases such as these are increasing. Though these cases have previously been barred from courts under Daubert for lack of scientific evidence, new data is rapidly emerging which confirms the toxic impact of mold, fragrances, cleaners, and chemicals in buildings along with the devastating effects of many of these illnesses.

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Chemical Related Disability

Often misunderstood as a mere allergy, the nature of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is far from a simple allergy. An allergy occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to otherwise benign substances such as pollen, dust and dander. Symptoms are usually only annoyances, such as sniffling, sneezing, and coughing.

MCS, on the other hand, is a devastating affliction in which low levels of toxic chemicals impact neurological function and may trigger cardiac and pulmonary symptoms. This may occur when hepatic detoxification is impaired as a result of injury or toxic exposure.

MCS differs from allergy in that it is not an overreaction of the immune system to something benign, but rather a toxicological state induced by a low level of known toxicant contained in everyday chemicals after the detoxification pathways have been damaged.

Detoxification pathways may be damaged by a large chemical exposure or chronic low-level chemical exposure. Some people may be more susceptible to this damage than others or may become susceptible after a chemical injury.

The glutathione S-transferases (GST) represent a major group of detoxification enzymes which may be permanently damaged by chemical injury and results in glutathione deficiency. Glutathione is required for normal detoxification processes and its deficiency is not easily remedied because oral glutathione is not readily absorbed. Thus, toxic buildup occurs to the point where even a slight chemical or fragrance exposure will trigger symptoms of toxicity.

Repeated exposure to carcinogens found in air fresheners, laundry products, and perfumes may lead to cancer when the liver is unable to break down this foreign matter effectively.

MCS was defined in a 1989 multidisciplinary survey of 89 clinicians and researchers, and modified in 1999. The top consensus criteria (Multiple chemical sensitivity: a 1999 consensus, 1999) are:

The symptoms are reproducible with repeated chemical exposure.
The condition is chronic.
Low levels of exposure result in symptoms of the syndrome.
The symptoms improve or resolve when the incitants are removed.
Responses occur to multiple chemically unrelated substances.
Symptoms involve multiple organ systems.

“Understanding the impact of the health condition is crucial to communicate with and treat persons who experience the sensitivities,” says Pamela Reed Gibson, a researcher at James Madison University. “Informed providers can both avoid iatrogenic (illness caused by physicians, hospitals, drugs, and medical procedures) harm due to medical exposures and provide any possible treatment for the chemical sensitivities.”

Few providers specialize in the treatment of MCS, which is poorly understood in the medical field. Gibson says, “This lack of treatment and the ubiquity of chemicals engender severe life impacts such as job loss, financial loss, social isolation and even homelessness for persons who experience these sensitivities.”

The chemicals rated as causing the most symptoms in Gibson’s study are pesticide, formaldehyde, fresh paint, new carpet, diesel exhaust, perfume, and air freshener. Because these chemicals are so pervasive in our indoor and outdoor living environment, they become “invisible” barriers for access to jobs, housing, and virtually all public places.

It is crucial for people with MCS to control chemicals in their environment to have any functional capacity at all. This is often negatively perceived by others as trying to control their life and choices too. This is further complicated by the outward symptoms of neurotoxicity, which may be misunderstood by others as behavioral or anxiety induced.

Unlike allergies, where an antihistamine can control annoying symptoms, MCS is a toxicity for which no drug can relieve symptoms. Avoidance of all chemicals and fragrances is crucial to managing the condition and living a normal life.

MCS symptoms go beyond mere annoyance into major life-altering functional impairments. At its most severe, smelling another person’s perfume in a shared airspace may impact neurological function enough to result in a temporary loss of the ability to speak, seizure, stroke, respiratory difficulty, unconsciousness, a drunken appearance, and an inability to process information and think clearly.

The most crucial thing to remember is that when there is no exposure, there are no symptoms and functioning returns to normal with no noticeable alterations other than avoiding exposures.

The highest rated symptoms in a study by Gibson and colleagues were tiredness/lethargy, difficulty concentrating, muscle aches, memory difficulties, and long-term fatigue.

Gibson says, “Multiple chemical sensitivity is an important health care issue because it often includes serious dysfunction, is poorly understood by providers and poses extensive financial and treatment obstacles for those who experience it.”

Though appearance frequently remains normal, MCS may present a more severe functional limitation than other obvious and visible disabilities. Learning how to accommodate people with MCS is not only required by law, but is also protective for everyone as it limits exposure to toxic chemicals and fragrances which may cause MCS.

References

Gibson PR, Vogel VM. Sickness-related dysfunction in persons with self-reported multiple chemical sensitivity at four levels of severity. J Clin Nurs. 2009 Jan;18(1):72-81.

Multiple chemical sensitivity: a 1999 consensus. Arch Environ Health. 1999 May-Jun;54(3):147-9.

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Resources and Support

MCS America Forums

MCSA Public

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcsa-public/

Open to the general public open to discuss MCS, support, ideas, information, announcements, news and activism. No application is required.

MCS America Members Activist/Support

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcs-america-members-support

This group also fulfills the function of discuss support, ideas, information, announcements, and/or share personal activism like the MCSA-Pubic group, only with a closed membership that requires a membership application. This group also has the added benefit of being a place where individuals and other organizations and activists can engage in collaborative efforts with MCS America and being recipient to all the news feeds (see MCSA Feeds below). Members of this group are considered associate members of MCS America. Members do not operate MCS America in any way, but rather collaborate with the organization and are privy to some internal operations, activities, and events.

MCSA Feeds

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcsafeeds

The purpose of this public access group is to receive daily distribution of news and research studies on multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical injury, environmental concerns, and other related environmental illnesses and disorders. Anyone can join without an application. Only the moderator posts to this group. This is not a discussion group. This group distributes about 15 articles on average each day.

MCS Salvage and Share

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSA-safer-salvage-and-share

A public access group similar to Freecycle, except it's a free recycling program for safer reusable's geared towards individuals with MCS, CFS, FM, and other related disabilities correlated with the environment. The purpose of this program is to find, give, and recycle needed "safe" or "safer" items. All items are exchanged for free. Shipping cost are arranged between donor and recipient. Anyone can join without an application.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Toxic Injury

http://groups.google.com/group/mcs-ti

This is a small non-Yahoo based group open to the general public to discuss MCS, support, ideas, information, announcements, news and activism.

MCS Hawaii

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcs-hawaii

Open to the general public residing in Hawaii to discuss support, ideas, information, announcements, and/or share personal activism. No application is required. This group is currently recipient to all the news feeds (see MCSA Feeds above). This list is operated in part by a state subsidiary volunteer who resides in the state.

MCS Nebraska

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCS-Nebraska

Open to the general public residing in Nebraska to discuss support, ideas, information, announcements, and/or share personal activism. No application is required. This list is operated in part by a state subsidiary volunteer who resides in the state.

or subscribe at:

MCS Michigan

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcs-michigan

Open to the general public residing in Michigan to discuss support, ideas, information, announcements, and/or share personal activism. No application is required. This list is operated in part by a state subsidiary volunteer who resides in the state.

Support Forums Outside the MCS America Network

4Mom

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/4MOM/

According to Mt. Sinai Medical School, there are many illness' caused by toxic substances such as pesticides. They are studying the role other toxins play on the new childhood diseases triggered by environmental factors. They call this the new epidemic. Mothers of Many is for all parents with children who are ill and are affected by toxic chemicals such as Attention Deficit Disorder, Asthma, Cancer, Autism, Tourettes Syndrome, Multiple Chemicals Sensitivities (MCS), Parkinson's, and any other condition affected.

Bay Area MCS

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/bayareamcslist/

Classified ads and notices for people with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) in the San Francisco Bay Area.

CFS CFIDS ME

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CFS_CFIDS_ME/

This Group is to promote friendly discussion about places where people have gone and feel more or less recovered from CFS/ME/CFIDS.

Chemical Disability Australasian NETwork

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CDANET/

A Discussion/Chat/Mutual help list run by and for the chemically disabled.

CMCS-EI Christian MCS, CFS, FM, and EI Group

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CMCS-EI/

We are a Christian group who have invisible illnesses like MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) or Environmental Illnesses like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome ( CFS ), Fibromyalgia ( FM ), GWS, Lupus, Anxiety, etc.

Creative Canaries Community

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/CreativeCanariesCommunity

This group is an online meeting place for creative artists with Chemical Sensitivities. We offer connections between - and information for - artists whose (artistic) life is affected by Chemical Sensitivities and the consequences they have.

Detox

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcs-america-members-support

"Detox" is a group to serve chemically injured, environmentally ill, multiple chemical sensitivity, and related illness such as chronic fatigue, candidiasis, hypoglycemia, lupus, and others.

Disinissues

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Disinissues/

The purpose of Disinissues is to share experience and advice about the processes of obtaining and maintaining Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and long-term disability insurance. The group is targeted mainly towards those with invisible disabilities, such as CFIDS and other conditions not on Social Security's Listing of Impairments.

EMF Refugee

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/emfrefugee/

This ML has been created with the intent of bringing refugees together in countries around the world to form their own EMF-free communities in natural environments where they can heal and create healing environments for the Earth and others.

Environmental Illness 001

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/environmental_illness001/

This group is dedicated to curing / resolving all issues related to Environmental Illness, including but not limited to: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Multiple Food Allergy, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Candida, Epstein Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Heavy Metal Poisoning, Porphyria, endocrine system dysregulation, etc.

eSens - Electrical Sensitivity

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/eSens/
Do you feel ill when you're near computers, cell phones, fluorescent lights, or wireless internet? If so, you may have "electrical sensitivity".

Gasslist-L (Glutaraldehyde, Aldehyde, and Solvent Sensitivity)

http://www.ncchem.com/snftaas/gasslist.htm

This list has been established to serve persons interested in Glutaraldehyde, Aldehyde, and Solvent Sensitivity, especially darkroom personnel, radiographers, and diagnostic medical sonographers. The purpose of the list is to promote internet-wide exchange of research and information.

Green Canary

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/GreenCanary

This list is dedicated to a life free from toxic chemicals, and the health problems that they can cause. Here we can come together and share the information and experiences that have taught each of us a piece of the knowledge necessary to survive and thrive, eliminating unnecessary toxic chemicals from our lives, and replacing them with the elements of health and the alternatives offered by the natural world around us.

Immune

http://immuneweb.org/lists/immune.html

This is the list for support and information about multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, lupus, multiple sclerosis, porphyria, allergies, asthma, and other immune-related ailments.

Immune Parenting

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/immune-parenting/

This list is for both men and women who have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, or other immune system medical issues--or their partners--who are parents, pregnant, trying to conceive, or who are thinking about parenthood.

Live Chat at the Health and Environment Resource Center (HERC)

http://www.herc.org/chat

This chatroom is not associated with any group. It is unmoderated and no password is required. Chat Times: Saturday - 7 pm ET, 6 pm CT, 5 pm Mtn, 4 pm Pac; Monday - 9 pm ET, 8 pm CT, 7 pm Mtn, 6 pm Pac; Wednesday - 8 pm ET, 7 pm CT, 6 pm Mtn, 5 pm Pac.

MCS Canada

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCS-Canada/

This group was formed to assist patients and concerned parties from all nationalities learn to cope with environmental injury, including disorders such as MCS,ME, CFS, FM, Lyme, Lupus, GWS, PPS, as well as related and associated illnesses.

MCS Canadian Sources

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCS-CanadianSources

MCS Canadian Sources is a support, information and resource exchange for those living and coping with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Environmental Illness (EI), or Chemical Injury (CI).

MCS Photography

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSphotography/

MCS Photography is a group for those with multiple chemical sensitivity who capture and share the world and their life through photography.

MCS Recycle

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSRecycle/

The objective of this group is to be able to share with each other items that are chemical free and have been used in a non-toxic environment. This group is planet-wide.

MCS Safe Shelter USA

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcssafeshelterusa/

Short-term and long-term housing for people with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity). Check our database for listings by state. (Please use the two-digit code.) Find rentals, hotels, and housing to purchase.

MCS Survivors

http://communityzero.com/mcsurvivors

For those who experience environmental illness or multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), here is a place to gather, exchange ideas, links to helpful websites, even have live chats. Enjoy!

MCS Toxic Injuries

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCS-Toxic-Injuries/

MCS-Toxic-Injuries is a self-moderated, secular, apolitical newsgroup for toxically-injured environmentally sensitive people to support one another and exchange coping methods, treatments and experiences.

MCS Village

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MCSVillage/

The purpose of this group is to discuss the feasibility of building a village(s)or community in which MCS/EI patients can live safely, and to provide a forum in which the legal, medical, geographic, architectural, social and funding issues relating to building such a community(ies) or village(s) may be discussed and resolved.

MCS Writers Group

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/mcswritersgroup/

A place for writers who have chemical sensitivities (or chemical injury) to share their stories and articles, work on and develop public writing skills, exchange editing skills and perspective, and develop ideas in order to bring awareness and education to the published world about what it is like to live with MCS/ES/CI/EI.

Midwest Oasis MCS E-mail Support

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MO-MCS/

Midwest Oasis MCS E-mail Support is the e-mail arm of the Midwest Oasis MCS Support Group. Although people from all geographical areas are welcome to join, a partial focus of this list will be discussion of regional issues affecting MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) in Missouri and other Midwestern states.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (Chemical Sensitivity, Porphyrin & CO)

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MultipleChemicalSensitivity/

Discussion group where people afflicted with Chemical Sensitivity, Chronic Carbon Monoxide Poisoning &/or Disorders of Porphyrin Metabolism can talk about their illness, inquire with others on avoidance, methods of cleaning & products one can use for necessary hygiene.

Old Dominion MCS-FMS_CFIDS Support Group · A Virginia Fibro MCS CFIDS Group

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/OldDominionMCS-FMS_CFIDSsupportgroup/

Too many people in Va. have Fibromyalgia, Myofascial Pain Syndrome, CFIDS, Gulf War Syndrome (GWS), ES, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. The group owner wanted to create an informative, supportive group for Virginians, and others.

Planet Thrive

http://www.planetthrive.com/

A dynamic online community for those activity seeking answers and support for a variety of health concerns. A place where people around the world help each other get well and stay well.

Sick Buildings

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/sickbuildings/

Toxic molds are running rampant in our homes, offices and schools. Exposure to mycotoxins has been linked to the death of infants, as well as immune-compromised adults. Despite increasing reports of mold-induced illness and health problems associated with mold exposure, our public health agencies offer little, if any support or funding for research into this growing problem.

Sprayno

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sprayno/

This is a list to exchange information regarding environmental issues in the northern suburbs and NY metro area focusing especially on encouraging activism in this area and educating the public about toxic effects of pesticide/herbicide usage.

Tenth Paradigm Society

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/TenthParadigmSociety/

The Tenth Paradigm Society mailing list is for the dissemination and discussion of information concerning the NO/ONOO- cycle mechanism, a new paradigm of human disease, proposed by Martin L. Pall, Ph.D. Dr. Pall adopted the term "Multisystem Illness" to describe those diseases that fall under the tenth paradigm. They include: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/CFIDS/M.E.), Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), Fibromyalgia (FM/FMS), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Gulf War Syndrome (GWS).

The Sanctuary

http://www.mcs-international.org/phpBB3/

MCS-International.Org's Holistic Support Forums For sufferers of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and all other forms of Chemical Injury and Environmental Illness.

Toxics Discussion

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ToxicsDiscussion/
If you're keen on a toxics-safe future for the planet, then this is the discussion group for you. Toxics are defined here as naturally occurring or man-made chemicals (elements/compounds/mixtures) that have a toxic effect.

WSMCSN (Washington State MCS Network)

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WSMCSN

WSMCSN is a decentralized network of groups and individuals in Washington State who share information about the issues of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.

Additional Forum Listing Webpage

http://ww.mcs-america.org/forums

Physician & Dentist Referral Lists

Physician Referral List by State

http://mcs-america.org/doctorlist.pdf

Proper medical care is most crucial to recovery for individuals with MCS. Some of the physicians on this list specialize in MCS, others in FM and CFS. It is recommended that patients and doctors consult with one another prior to beginning any treatment to ensure understanding of the patient’s needs and compatibility of patient and physician.

Dentist Referral List by State

http://mcs-america.org/dentistlist.pdf

Dental care is often challenging for individuals with MCS. Dental materials may cause reactions and should be tested for biocompatibility prior to use. A holistic dentist Is generally more familiar with the needs of individuals with MCS. Some of the dentists on this list are specifically familiar with MCS, others are not. It is recommended that patients and dentists consult with one another prior to beginning any treatment to ensure understanding of the patient’s needs and compatibility of patient and dentist.

Air Quality Reports

Air Now Air Quality Reports

http://www.airnow.gov/

EPA State and Regional Indoor Environments Contact Information

http://www.epa.gov/iaq/whereyoulive.html

The National Association of Clean Air Agencies 4 Cleaner Air

http://www.4cleanair.org/

American Lung Association: State of the Air

http://lungaction.org/reports/stateoftheair2007.htm

Current Local & National Allergy Levels

http://pollen.com/Pollen.com.asp

Scorecard: Pollution Index by Area

http://www.scorecard.org/

Toxmap Hazardous Waste Site Locations

http://toxmap.nlm.nih.gov/toxmap/main/index.jsp

USA Smoke/Fire Pollution Map

http://www.firedetect.noaa.gov/viewer.htm

Antenna Search (USA)

http://mcs-america.org/index_files/www.AntennaSearch.com

EPA Safe Drinking Water Information by State

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/dwinfo/

EPA Radon Zone Map

http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html

Brochures

Air Fresheners & Plug-Ins

http://mcs-america.org/airfresh.pdf

Chemical in Air Fresheners Reduces Lung Function

http://mcs-america.org/lung.pdf

Consequences of Childhood Chemical Injury Poster By Margaret S. O’Nan

http://mcs-america.org/onan.pdf

Electrosensitivity Brochure by Kato Yasuko

http://mcs-america.org/KatoYasukoElectrosensitivityBrochure.doc

Fabric Softener

http://mcs-america.org/fabricsoftener.pdf

Fragrances

http://mcs-america.org/fragrances.pdf

Grandma’s Cupboard: General Cleaning Solutions

http://www.mcs-america.org/general.pdf

Grandma’s Cupboard: Kitchen Cleaning

http://www.mcs-america.org/kitchen.pdf

Grandma’s Cupboard: Personal Care

http://www.mcs-america.org/personal.pdf

Grandma’s Cupboard: Laundry

http://www.mcs-america.org/laundry.pdf

Household Mold brochure from Quebec government

http://publications.msss.gouv.qc.ca/acrobat/f/documentation/2002/02-214-01A.pdf

ILRU: Understanding & Accommodating People with MCS in Everyday Living

http://mcs-america.org/ilru.pdf

Indoor Air Chemistry

http://mcs-america.org/indoorair.pdf

Interior Design and MCS

http://mcs-america.org/interior.pdf

Jill Mellum: Breathe Easier, Hold the Fragrances Brochure

http://mcs-america.org/fragrancefacts.pdf

MCS Task Force of New Mexico Brochure

http://mcs-america.org/newmexico.pdf

MCS Public Accommodations

http://www.nettally.com/prusty/PUBLIC%20ACCOMMODATIONS.pdf

MCS Statistics

http://www.mcs-america.org/MCSStatistics.pdf

No Scents Makes Sense Brochure

http://www.nb.lung.ca/pdf/NoScentsMakeSense.pdf

Theory on the Cause of MCS: Peroxynitrite and Nitric Oxide

http://www.mcs-america.org/cause.pdf

Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

http://www.mcs-america.org/understanding.pdf

Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide

http://mcs-america.org/fungicide.pdf

Vaccine Poster - Are We Poisoning Our Children?

http://www.generationrescue.org/pdf/080212.pdf

Visiting a Person with MCS

http://mcs-america.org/visiting.pdf

What you should know before visiting a person who has NRLA and/or MCS

http://mcs-america.org/VisitingNRLA-MCS.pdf

Signs

Acute Toxic Effects of Fragrances Business Card

http://mcs-america.org/acutetoxiceffectsoffragrancescard.pdf

Chemical Awareness Ribbon

http://mcs-america.org/ribbon.gif

Electrosensitivity Sign - Please Turn Off Your Cell Phone

http://mcs-america.org/KatoYasukoElectrosensitivtySignTurnOffYourCellPhone.pdf

Facemask on Tweety

http://mcs-america.org/tweety.jpg

Fragrance Free Sign: Brooks University

http://www.brocku.ca/oehs/graphics/Fragrance_Free_Sign.pdf

No Scents Makes Sense Sign

http://mcs-america.org/scentssign.pdf

No Latex Sign by Jane Sagmoe

http://mcs-america.org/nolatex.JPG

You Could Be Next Sign

http://mcs-america.org/nextsign.pdf

Want to Put Your Friends and Family in Jail?

http://mcs-america.org/jail.pdf

Wood Smoke Trespass Flyer 8 1/2 x 11

http://mcs-america.org/woodsmokeflyer.pdf

Activist Materials

Fragrances on Mail and/or Catalogs

http://mcs-america.org/FragrancedMailCatalogBillsLetterforActivists.doc

Air Freshener Use

http://www.mcs-america.org/customairfreshenerletter.doc

Use of Fragrance, Cologne, and Perfume

http://mcs-america.org/UseofFragranceLetterforActivists.doc

Fabric Softener Emissions
http://www.mcs-america.org/LetterAboutFabricSoftener.doc

Letter to State Representatives to Ban Woodsmoke

http://mcs-america.org/woodsmoke.doc

Letter to Doctors and Medical Boards Supporting MCS as a biological Illness (fully cited and scientifically supported)

Website: http://mcs-america.org/MCSPositionStatement.htm

PDF: http://mcs-america.org/MCSPositionStatement.pdf

*This work is copyrighted. Permission granted for personal use in activism provided that original copyright and authorship are maintained. For permission to reprint, mail admin@mcs-america.org.

Request for Accommodations Under the Americans with Disabilities Act

http://www.mcs-america.org/RequestforAccomodation.doc

Public Service Announcements

Public Service Announcement #1
Air fresheners have been pulled off thousands of shelves nation-wide!
http://www.mcs-america.org/AirFreshenerPSA1.pdf

Public Service Announcement #2
When you use fragranced products, did you know you are wearing toxic chemicals!?
http://www.mcs-america.org/WhenYouUseFragrancedProductsPSA2.pdf

Public Service Announcement #3
Secondhand Fragrances are Like Secondhand Smoke!
http://www.mcs-america.org/SecondHandFragrancesPSA3.pdf

Public Service Announcement #4
Scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners pollute indoor and outdoor air!
http://www.mcs-america.org/ScentedLaundryDetergentsPSA4.pdf

Public Service Announcement #4 (SPANISH)
Scented laundry detergents and fabric softeners pollute indoor and outdoor air!
http://mcs-america.org/mcsamerica/ScentedLaundryDetergentsPSA4Spanish.pdf

Public Service Announcement #5
Wood Smoke... The Other Secondhand Smoke!
http://www.mcs-america.org/WoodSmokePSA5BurningIssues.pdf

Public Service Announcement #6
Fragrances undermine public health!
http://www.mcs-america.org/FragrancesPSA6.pdf

Public Service Announcement #7

Fragranced Laundry Products Pollute Our Air
http://mcs-america.org/PSA7FragrancedLaundry.pdf

Clothing & Novelties for Activism

MCS America Store for the Environment

http://www.mcs-america.org/MCSstore..htm

Zona’s T-Shirts and Stuff Zone

http://members.shaw.ca/zonaszone/shop/tshirts.html

Virtual & Work-at-Home Jobs

Agent, Staffing at Home

http://www.staffingathome.com/

Agent, West at Home

http://www.westathome.com/

Agent, Working Solutions

http://www.workingsol.com/home.htm

Blogger, PayPerPost.com

http://payperpost.com/blogger_signup.html

Call Center Representative, Accolade Support

http://www.accoladesupport.com/

Call Center Representative, Overflow USA

http://www.overflowusa.com/

Call Center Representative, Overflow USA

http://www.overflowusa.com/

Caller Employee, Customer Loyalty Concepts

http://www.customloyal.com/Employment.aspx

Chef Instructor, Chefs Line

http://www.chefsline.com/

Customer Care, VIP Desk

http://www.vipdesk.com/info/default.asp

Customer Service, Alpine Access

http://www.alpineaccess.com/external/index.html

Editor, EditFast.com

http://www.editfast.com/

Expert, JustAnswer Corp

http://www.justanswer.com/

Freelancer, Team Double-Click

http://www.teamdoubleclick.com/freelance.html

Guide, About .com

http://beaguide.about.com/

Guide, ChaCha

http://www.chacha.com/

Home Agent, Convergys

http://www.convergysworkathome.com/

Independent Call Center Agent, LiveOps

http://tinyurl.com/5xfv7n

Telemarketing, Intrep Sales Partners

http://www.intrep.com/

Online Juror, eJury.com

http://www.ejury.com/

Online Juror, OnlineVerdict.com

http://onlineverdict.com/

Online Juror, Trial Practice Inc.

http://trialpractice.com/

Third Party Verifier, BSG Payments LLC

http://tinyurl.com/4vcldx

Virtual Assistant, Virtual Office Temps

http://virtualassistantjobs.com/

Virtual Services, Arise Virtual Solutions

http://www.arise.com/Content/default.asp

Writer, Associated Content

http://www.associatedcontent.com/

Writer, CyberEdit Inc.

http://www.cyberedit.com/

Writer, MyEssays.com

http://www.myessays.com/sell.php

National Telecommuting Institute, Inc.

http://www.nticentral.org/

Environmentally Safer Housing

Allergy And Environmental Health Association Of Quebec (AEHAQ) Environmentally Adapted, Social Housing Project For People Suffering From Environmental Sensitivities

http://www.aeha-quebec.ca/bb_housingproject.htm

Barrhaven Non-Profit Housing Inc.

Environmental Sensitivity Units
Steepleview Crossing,
3001 Jockvale Road, Nepean, Ontario, K2J 4E4
(613) 823-6230 Fax: (613) 825-7724

http://ehaontario.ca/barrhaven-housing.htm

http://www.bnphi.org/es.htm

Canada-wide Housing Connection

1-613-278-0463

http://ehaontario.ca/interview.htm

Ecology House, San Rafael, California (built in 1994)

375 Catalina Blvd

San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 456-4453

http://www.tikvah.com/cc/eh

eh@ecologyhouse.net

Escalante House
P.O. Box 652
Escalante UT 84726
Phone/Fax: (435) 826-4778
toripat@color-country.net

Green Homes for Sale

http://greenhomesforsale.com/

Safe Haven Community Housing
P.O. Box 25281
Portland, Oregon 97298

judiths@teleport.com

http://www.geocities.com/safehavencommunity/#ntact

The Pandora Initiative (Canada)

http://tier10.com/

Quail Haven - MCS Housing
Just North of Tuscon, AZ
Call Diane Ensign for details:
May through January call: (406) 586-3658 (Montana).
January through May call: (520) 825-7276 (Tucson).
http://madelinx.tripod.com/

Seagoville Ecology Housing
15126 Beckett Road

Seagoville, Texas 75159
(972) 287-2059 Fax: (972) 287-7682

http://www.ehcd.com/resources/ecologyhousing.html

The Natural Place Environmental Residence and Hotel

1962 NE 5th St.
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
954-428-5438

http://www.thenaturalplace.com/default.htm

Safer Building & Regulations

Alliance for Healthy Homes

http://www.afhh.org/

American Lung Association: Resources & Referrals for and from the Master Home Environmentalist program.
http://tinyurl.com/5vvk9e

Architectural House Plans Healthy Homes Construction Guidelines

Information: http://tinyurl.com/6dteuz

Booklet: http://www.architecturalhouseplans.com/products/

Assessment of the Indoor Air Quality of a Suite for an Environmentally Hypersensitive Occupant

http://mcs-america.org/IAQforanEIOccupant.pdf

Considerations For Safer Construction And Renovation By Preston Sturgis
http://www.environmentalhealth.ca/w9394safer.html

Dr. Grace Ziem’s Environmental Control Plan for MCS Patients

http://www.mcsrr.org/resources/articles/S3.html

The Eco Building Guild

http://www.ecobuilding.org/

The Effect of Housing on Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

http://tinyurl.com/6gor7u

Building for Health Materials Center
http://www.buildingforhealth.com/

Environmental Home Center
http://tinyurl.com/5ssv8a

Heal Your Home Center

http://tinyurl.com/6dteuz

The Healthy Housing Coalition: Basic Needs for Rental Housing for Chemically Sensitive Persons

http://www.herc.org/hhc/Basicrentalneeds.html

Healthy Housing Practical Tips

http://tinyurl.com/5bfgzd

IEQ Indoor Environmental Quality

http://ieq.nibs.org/ieq_project.pdf

International Institute for Building Biology and Ecology

http://www.buildingbiology.net/

LEED® Canada Green Building Rating System

http://www.cagbc.org/leed/systems/index.htm

The Medical Perspective on Environmental Sensitivities: Building codes, regulations and guidelines

http://tinyurl.com/6ztmqh

Moving House - Things To Look For If You Suffer From MCS

http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/article.cfm?id=147

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS): The Controversy and Relation to Interior Design

http://www.idec.org/publication/JIDarticleMCS.pdf

Optimum Environments for Optimum Health &Creativity: Designing and Building a Healthy Home or Office, William J. Rea, M.D.

http://www.ehcd.com/books/home_building_designing.html

Recommended Architectural Features for Multi-Family Housing to Better Accommodate Chemical and Electrical Sensitivities, Susan Molloy, M.A,

http://www.ctaz.com/~bhima/recommcshous.htm

Research House for the Environmentally Hypersensitive

http://tinyurl.com/5prrv3

Safer Construction Tips for the Environmentally Sensitive

http://tinyurl.com/5tgx7l

Understanding & Accommodating People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Independent Living, Chapter 4, The Housing Challenge in MCS

http://www.ilru.org/html/publications/bookshelf/MCS.html#chapter4

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development National Healthy Homes Conference

http://www.hud.gov/offices/lead/2008NHHC.cfm

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Healthy Housing Reference Manual

http://tinyurl.com/5apna5

Builders and Building Material Suppliers

Green Building Store

http://www.greenbuildingstore.co.uk/naturalpaints.php

Healthy Buildings, Inc (Air Quality Testing)

http://www.healthybuilding.com/html/about_us.html

Resources for the Chemically Injured: Building Materials

http://www.lassentech.com/eibuld.html

Tad Taylor’s Healthy Homes, LLC

http://www.healthy-homes.com/

Other Housing Resources

Extreme Home Makeover

http://abc.go.com/primetime/xtremehome/index?pn=apply

Ontario Human Rights Code: Policy and Guidelines on Disability and the Duty to Accommodate Non-Evident Disabilities

http://tinyurl.com/6ejep8

Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program for Persons with Disabilities (Canada).

http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_003.cfm

Disclaimer

This date is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace the examination, diagnosis and treatment of a licensed physician and no such claims are inferred. MCS America will not be responsible for misuse of this information or the misuse of any information provided by it’s member organizations. Articles, citations, links and information are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America and printing does not constitute MCS America’s endorsement.

Return to Top

Community News

Subscribe to News & Media Articles
To receive free daily news and research feeds about MCS & the environment as they happen,
send an e-mail to:
mcsafeeds-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Vicks VapoRub May Imperil Toddlers
http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pediatrics/GeneralPediatrics/12423

Vote delayed on antennas near San Rafael's Ecology House
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_11447920

Behind the label: Listerine teeth and gum defence
http://www.theecologist.org/pages/archive_detail.asp?content_id=2037

New Children's Product Safety Law Goes Into Effect Soon
http://www.thebostonchannel.com/health/18472108/detail.html

The Value of Flu Shots
http://www.planetc1.com/cgi-bin/n/v.cgi?c=1&id=1231872666

MEPs ban toxic pesticides
http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/6133003/MEPs-ban-toxic-pesticides

South Whitehall Township 'bubble' loses again
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5bubble.6742934jan13,0,326486.story

Using mouthwash could increase risk of cancer by nine times, claim scientists
http://news.scotsman.com/health/Using-mouthwash-could-increase-risk.4868162.jp

A dangerous dish?

Actor's claims of mercury poisoning renew debate over safe consumption of fish
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/localnews/ci_11441792

Dangers May Be Lurking In Home Cabinets
http://www.kolotv.com/health/headlines/37452854.html

Return to Top

Featured Research Studies

J Hazard Mater. 2008 Dec 3. [Epub ahead of print]

Assessing hazardous risks of human exposure to temple airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

Chiang KC, Chio CP, Chiang YH, Liao CM.

Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan, ROC.

We proposed an integrated probabilistic risk assessment framework based on reported data to quantify human health risks of temple goers/workers to airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from incense burning in typical Taiwanese temples. The framework probabilistically integrates exposure, human respiratory tract, and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) models to quantitatively estimate size-dependent PAHs exposure in human lung regions and cancer risks for temple goers (moderate and high exposures) and temple workers (extreme exposure).

Our results show that the ILCRs are greater than the acceptable level of 10(-6) for extreme and high exposure groups through inhalation route. The result also indicates that the higher ILCRs (10(-6) to 10(-4)) are found in ingestion and dermal contact routes for temple goers/workers. For personal extreme exposure to carcinogenic PAH in the temple, 95% probability total ILCR (TILCR) (9.87x10(-4) to 1.13x10(-3)) is much greater than the range of 10(-6) to 10(-4), indicating high potential health risk to temple workers. For temple goers with high and moderate exposure groups, however, the 95% probability TILCRs were estimated from 6.44x10(-5) to 7.50x10(-5) and 5.75x10(-6) to 6.99x10(-6), respectively.

This study successfully offers a scientific basis for risk analysis due to incense burning to enhance broad risk management strategies for temple indoor air quality.

PMID: 19131162

Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol. 2008;27(4):303-5.

The food and drug administration agrees to classify mercury fillings.

Edlich RF, Cross CL, Wack CA, Long WB 3rd, Newkirk AT.

Legacy Emanuel Verified Level I Shock Trauma Center for Children and Adults, Legacy Emanuel Hospital, Portland, OR, USA. richardedlichmd@gmail.com

In the United States Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit, the Appellants Mom's Against Mercury, Connecticut Coalition for Environmental Justice, Oregonians for Life, California Citizens for Health Freedom, Kevin J. Biggers, Karen Johnson, Linda Brocato, R. Andrew Landerman, and Antia Vazquez Tibaul filed a petition for review of Regulatory Inaction by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

On Monday June 2, 2008, the lawsuit was settled with the FDA after it agreed to classify mercury fillings. During its negotiation session with the Appellants, the FDA indicated that it would change its website on mercury fillings. The FDA no longer claims that no science exists about the safety of mercury amalgam or that other countries have acted for environmental reasons only.

On its website, the FDA now states the following: "Dental amalgams contain mercury, which may have neurotoxic effects on the nervous systems of developing children and fetus." The FDA also states that "Pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure, including individuals with existing high levels of mercury bioburden, should not avoid seeking dental care, but should discuss options with their health practitioner."

The FDA decision to classify mercury fillings is a reflection of the legislations enacted in Europe and Canada that highlight the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings.

PMID: 19105536 [PubMed - in process]

Oxidative stress "extremely powerful" in the airways of children with asthma

Dut R, Dizdar EA, Birben E, Sackesen C, Soyer OU, Besler T, Kalayci O.
Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Unit.
1: Allergy. 2008 Dec;63(12):1605-9.

Background: There is ample evidence for the existence of a systemic oxidative stress in childhood asthma but relatively little information on the oxidant stress in the airways.

Objective: To determine the extent of oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and describe its determinants in the airways of asthmatic children including asthma severity and the genotype of the antioxidant enzymes.

Methods: One hundred and ten children with mild asthma, 30 children with moderate asthma and 191 healthy controls were included in the study. Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) was collected from all children with EcoScreen((R)). Levels of malondialdehyde were measured as the indicator of oxidative stress, and of reduced glutathione as the indicator of antioxidant defense. Children were genotyped for the presence of null variants of glutathione S transferase (GST) T1 and GSTM1, and ile105val variant of GSTP1. Risk factors were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.

Results: EBC contained significantly higher levels of malondialdehyde and lower levels of reduced glutathione in asthmatic children compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001 for each), whereas there was no difference between mild and moderate asthmatics. Multivariate logistic regression identified asthma as the only independent factor contributing to oxidative stress. Genotypes of the antioxidant enzymes had no effect on the oxidative burden.

Conclusions: Asthma is associated with an extremely powerful oxidative stress not only in the systemic circulation but also in the airways.

PMID: 19032232 [PubMed - in process]

Disclaimer

This newsletter is for informational purposes and is not intended to replace the examination, diagnosis and treatment of a licensed physician and no such claims are inferred. Articles are not necessarily the opinion of MCS America and printing of others’ opinions does not constitute endorsement. MCS America, Lourdes Salvador, Board Members, and associate members of MCS America will not be responsible for misuse of this information.

We welcome appropriate submissions for articles, letters-to-the-editor, poetry, artwork, jokes, cartoons, photos, and whatever else is physically printable. Submissions may be sent to publisher@mcs-america.org . We attempt to publish monthly.

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