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Lawmaker seeks to increase awareness of multiple chemical sensitivity
TIFFANY L. PARKS
Special to the Legal News
Published: August 19, 2014
Sen. Michael Skindell, D-Lakewood, has introduced a bill into the Ohio General Assembly that would designate May as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month.
“Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a devastating and isolating illness that has many different triggers and can start at any age,” Skindell said in sponsor testimony for Senate Bill 187.
“It may develop after a single particular exposure to a toxic substance such as pesticides or industrial solvents (sometimes from a newly-decorated home or office). Others develop sensitivities after a period of ill health or viral infection, with symptoms getting worse over several years.”
In 2003, Skindell said research indicated that more than 12 percent of the country’s population — nearly 37 million people — suffered from severe MCS.
Since that time, the lawmaker said the numbers have continued to increase.
“Exact numbers of sufferers in the U.S. are still not known but include thousands of soldiers affected by Gulf War syndrome. Despite this, the medical profession still varies widely in its support and there are currently no clinical guidelines for the treatment of patients,” Skindell said.
“Individuals with MCS react to far more than one or two items. Severe sufferers cannot tolerate any synthetic or petrochemical substances, and some even react to natural products.”
Because of modern manufacture, Skindell said many people with MCS find themselves allergic to practically everything in their home.
“Although symptoms can be managed and sometimes improved, there is currently no known cure. Recovery involves avoidance of as many toxins and problem substances as practicably possible, to allow the body time to heal and prevent irreversible damage,” he said.
“This has a huge impact on everyday life but nutritional therapy and gentle detoxification can help repair the body’s systems.”
Skindell pushed lawmakers to support SB 187.
“Designating May as the Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month gives a voice to those suffering from this illness and a platform from which we can make the public aware of this debilitating condition,” he said.
The bill is before the Senate Medicaid, Health and Human Services Committee.
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