MCS stakeholders sign petition to the World Health Organization

WHO receives delegation of representatives for the environmentally ill

On May 13, a petition from the WHO delegation of stakeholders from MCS and EMS patients, physicians, scientists, lawyers and journalists in Geneva will be received. The delegation will be welcomed by Dr. Maria Neira, Director General of Public Health and Environment, WHO confirms.

WHO confirmed hearing from MCS organizations

Dr. Neira will receive the relevant documents from the delegation, a bibliography regarding environmental diseases, a list of countries that already have a ICD-10 code for MCS and / or EMS, and some other relevant documents for the meeting. All documents being submitted support the science-based arguments, and finally create a mandatory basis for environmental health conditions worldwide, so that the medical care of patients can be assured.

MCS and EMS organizations sign the WHO petition

The petition, which seeks to ensure that the situation for people, who are chemically sensitive or electro-sensitive, was improved by the Spanish organization „Asquifyde”. The petition was signed by many organizations, researchers, and practitioners from around the world. The hope is that WHO will implement this petition, which would apply a consistent international code of disease (ICD) in all countries worldwide for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS). This ICD code is important because it will allow patients’ doctors to give an accurate diagnosis with expected benefits from the health insurance, which already exists for other disabilities and illnesses. The existence of MCS and EMS has already been demonstrated.

In all countries, binding ICD-10 code for MCS and EMS

Currently, Japan (T65.9) and Germany (T78.4) have the ICD-10 code for MCS. Other German-speaking countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg and Austria ,through their Ministry of Health, say that in their countries the ICD-10 code for MCS, T78.4, is valid and can be used as well.

WHO press conference after hearing

According to the WHO, a press conference will take place after the hearing. It will be headed by Sonia Miguel Jara and journalists. To fund this important press conference following the WHO hearing, Asquifyde and other MCS and EMS organizations, are asking anyone who is concerned about the environmental concerns of those ill from environmental factors to contribute financial support.

Help the environmentally ill

Scientists estimate that about 15-30% of the general population in industrialized countries suffer with MCS. The number of EMS stakeholders increases by the progressive expansion of mobile networks also. These people are almost without exception, without the help and support, which contradicts the international disability convention and applicable laws. Ignoring and negation of environmental diseases in recent years has led to indescribable suffering and to considerable financial losses to the economy. It is hoped that the leaders at the WHO, will respect the suffering of those patients with MCS and EMS and take seriously the international petition and act according to their stated mission which is to provide assistance to those disabled internationally.

Author: Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 2 May 2011

Politicians Support Environmental Patients who React to Chemicals

Education Campaigns for the Chemically Sensitive

The governor from the state of Washington in the U.S. has signed a proclamation this year which will support people who suffer from MCS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. The month of May each year highlights information regarding this environmental disease and how tiny traces of everyday chemicals can cause suffering and completely alter the lives of those with MCS.

During the month of May, the United States holds various events and campaigns which are carried out in order to give the public more information on MCS. The public acceptance of environmental disease could be significantly improved by these educational events. In recent years, more new MCS organizations have begun from different parts of the world, and perhaps this American initiation of chemical sensitivity awareness can become an international affair to improve the situation chemical sensitive worldwide.

Governor Christine O. Gregoire

The State of Washington

Proclamation

WHEREAS, people of all ages in Washington have developed a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a result of a single massive exposure or repeated low level exposures to toxic chemicals and other irritant in the environment; and

WHEREAS, MCS is recognized by numerous organizations which support the health and welfare of the chemically injured including the World Health Organization, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Environmental Protection Agency; and

WHEREAS, MCS is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure; symptoms include chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pains, rashes, asthma, headaches, and other respiratory and neurological problems; and

WHEREAS, MCS can result in major financial, employment, housing, health, and social consequences for people who have this disability; and

WHEREAS, reasonable accommodations and raising awareness of MCS can provide opportunities for people with this disability to enjoy access to work, schooling, public facilities, and other settings where they can continue to contribute their professional skills, ideas, creativity, abilities, and knowledge; and

WHEREAS, people with MCS need the support and cooperation of family, friends, coworkers and society as they manage their condition and adapt to new lifestyles;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Christine O. Gregoire, Governor of the state of Washington, do hereby proclaim May 2011 as

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month

in Washington State, and I urge all citizens to join me in this special observance.

Signed this 24th day of January, 2011

Governor Christine O. Gregoire

Author: Silvia K. Müller, Silvia K. Müller, CSN – Chemical Sensitivity Network, 18. Feb. 2011

Literature: Governor Christine Gregoire O., Proclamation 2011 MCS Awareness Month