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TO PROMOTE AND INCREASE AWARENESS, EDUCATION, UNDERSTANDING, AND RESEARCH INTO THE CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION OF MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY, "MCS", AND TO DESIGNATE THE MONTH OF MAY "MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS MONTH".
Whereas, people of all ages across our nation and throughout the world have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, "MCS", which is characterized by high sensitivity to very small amounts of petrochemicals and other irritants in our environment; and
Whereas, "MCS" can be caused by short-term or chronic exposure to one or more chemicals, frequently pesticides, and solvents and can start at any age, making everyone at risk; and
Whereas, common and often disabling symptoms of "MCS" include damage to the nervous, immune, respiratory, musculoskeletal, prophyrin metabolism, and endocrine systems and can be life threatening; and
Whereas, the symptoms of "MCS" include, but are not limited to, headaches; chronic fatigue; aching joints and muscles; burning sensation; metallic taste in mouth; difficulty breathing; poor concentration; short term memory loss; irritated eyes, nose, ears, throat, or skin rashes, of all of these; poor coordination; heart palpitations; and seizures; and
Whereas, "MCS" is a chronic debilitating condition for which there is no known cure, causing serious financial, employment, learning, housing, health, social, and other consequences, and it is crucial for those with "MCS" to have the support and understanding of their government, families, friends, and society as they struggle with the restrictions and isolations now placed on them; and
Whereas, recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, "MCS" also is recognized by the Social Security Administration, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency, as well as other local, state, and federal government agencies and courts; and
Whereas, invisible barriers stop those with chemical hypersensitivity from enjoying the same rights and privileges others take for granted but given a controlled environment and reasonable accommodations, many of the chemically ill could once again be self-reliant and financially independent; and
Whereas, "MCS" exists as a serious and widespread public health problem, appropriate action by medical, dental, and governmental agencies as well as private citizens is urgently needed; and
Whereas, awareness, education, prevention, and avoidance are of utmost importance and working together with other states, South Carolina can help prevent this tragedy from happening to yet more families. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the Senate promote and increase awareness, education, understanding, and research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, "MCS", and to designate the month of May "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month".
This web page was last updated on Thursday, June 25, 2009 at 9:26 A.M.