Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Month

This is information Toni Temple of the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured. This applies to ALL of us. Please read and share. Get your mayors or people in charge of your town or township to proclaim May MCS (Mulitiple Chemical Sensitivity) Month
PLEASE SHARE THIS INFORMATION!
Jaime (Long) Chimner
Northern Michigan


Improve Your Indoor Environmental Quality

TIPS TO TRY AT HOME
  
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) June 2009 Indoor Environmental Quality Policy was created to protect their employees from exposures that harm health. You can adopt their Policy to make your home environment a safer place to live and raise your family.
 
Here are some suggestions to improve your home environment and your health:
 
1.Avoid using perfumed personal care products. These may include essential oils, perfumes, deodorants, hand lotions, shampoos, and hair sprays that contain fragrances.

2.Use unscented detergents and fabric softeners.

3.Purchase “green” cleaning products and building materials. “Green” products are biodegradable, of low toxicity, fragrance-free, and less hazardous to human health or the environment. Ask retailers for Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to determine toxicity levels.

4.Do not use pesticides in your home or on your lawn unless absolutely necessary. Utilize the least-toxic chemicals and use only when needed. Ask for a MSDS for any products you are considering using. All pesticides are dangerous and by federal law, must be registered with the U.S. EPA.

5.Tie up trash bags and take them out daily to avoid attracting insects that may prompt the use of pesticides.

6.Store food in airtight containers and keep your home clean to prevent contamination of indoor air and conditions conducive to insect infestations.

7.Vacuum frequently and thoroughly using vacuums with high-efficiency filters (HEPA). Use fragrance free, non-petroleum based carpet cleaners and vacuum bags.

8.Contact a furnace/HVAC engineer for assistance if your home has temperature or humidity problems, is drafty, there is a lack of air or “stuffy” air, or if there is dirt or particulates coming from your furnace ventilation system. Ask if your furnace repairman has had formal training.

9.Keep your plumbing in good repair. Small leaks can cause major problems including mold and toxic out-gassing of building materials. This may cause health problems that include asthma, chemical sensitivity, memory loss, and more.

10.Use an electric mower or close doors and windows when operating your gas powered lawn mower or other gas powered equipment. Also close them when neighbors are idling vehicles, mowing their lawns, painting, and conducting other activities that emit toxic gases and fumes.

OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED
(ONFCI)
P.O. BOX 29290 PARMA, OH 44129
(440) 845-1888
 
HELP SUPPORT THOSE WITH MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY (MCS)
AND RELATED HEALTH DISORDERS

Those who have been harmed by chemical exposures and have developed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and/or related disorders need your support. Be kind, understanding, and empathetic to their needs, even though you may not fully understand the nature of the disability and its symptoms.

The Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI) is a not-for-profit corporation that educates about and advocates on behalf of those who have been harmed by toxic chemicals in our everyday environment. We urge you to join the growing number of those who have taken the time to educate themselves about MCS and have supported our efforts.

Wendy Jelinek, Greater Cleveland Endometriosis Association Support Group spokeswoman, supports the notion of taking small steps to improve our indoor air quality. Studies indicate that environmental toxins may be related to the cause of endometriosis.

SUPPORTERS OF MCS AWARENESS AND EDUCATION MONTH

“May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month. It is important for everyone to be more aware that toxic chemicals are in products in everyday use and may cause serious ill effects, especially for those who are particularly sensitive to them. Problems commonly arise from fragrances, paints, coatings, solvents, cleaning fluids, chemicals used around office equipment, and vehicle exhausts. Symptoms of chemical sensitivity can be severe, including trouble breathing, irregular or rapid heartbeat, fatigue, headaches, disorientation, dizziness, gastrointestinal distress, muscle and joint pain, and skin rashes. One important thing that can be done is to have businesses and institutions adopt indoor environmental policies to ensure that workplaces are clean, safe, comfortable, and fragrance-free, and that efforts are made to protect the chemically sensitive. Encouraging development of such a policy at your place of work would be an excellent observance of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month this May.”
Dale Miller, Ohio State Senator

James Raggio, General Counsel for the U.S. Access Board, in a memo to ONFCI concerning accommodations for those with the disability of MCS stated: “The United States Federal Access Board has developed a fragrance free policy for all of its meetings and public gatherings… This is required to ensure that people with MCS and ES are able to participate fully without encountering the barrier of perfumes and other products that can cause severe reactions. Such a policy is reasonable and costs nothing. Further information about the Board’s fragrance-free policy can be obtained at: http://www.access-board.gov/about/policies/fragrance.htm

Local Proclamations for MCS Awareness and Education Month have included: Ohio Governor Ted Strickland, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell, Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem and former Berea Mayor Joseph W. Biddlecombe, Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak, and Middleburg Heights Mayor Gary Starr.

Visit any Cuyahoga County Public Library or Cleveland Public Library’s Downtown Science and Technology Department to see MCS displays during MCS Awareness and Education Month in May.

For more information and to see an article about MCS in the Ohio Environmental Council’s 2010 Briefing Book go to www.theoec.org/PDFs/LobbyDay/BriefingBook 2020.pdf and the ONFCI website at www.ohionetwork.org , or contact ONFCI at (440) 845-1888.
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PART 2

NEWS FROM ONFCI
THE OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For Further Information Contact:
Toni Temple, President (440) 845-1888


ONFCI URGES ADOPTION OF CDC
FRAGRANCE-FREE POLICY TO PROTECT HEALTH

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is on record affirming that some building conditions have the “potential to adversely impact the health of building occupants. Potential hazards include chemicals, biological agents, fragrant products, and physical conditions that may cause irritation, illness, or exacerbate existing health conditions.”
The CDC’s June 2009 internal Indoor Environmental Quality Policy protects employees from many harmful health effects by: controlling VOC emissions that are found in many buildings and commercial products; using integrated pest management to ensure the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment; utilizing a safety official with qualifications to assess indoor air quality; using biodegradable, low toxicity, fragrance-free cleaning products; and other preventive measures.
In conjunction with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness and Education Month during May, the Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI), a not-for-profit corporation that educates about and advocates on behalf of those who have been harmed by toxic chemicals in our everyday environment, urges all employers, businesses, and homeowners to review and adopt the CDC policy in order to reduce illness, disease, and disability.
Readily achievable policies include prohibiting the use of any air fresheners, air wicks, plug-ins, incense, candles, reed diffusers, fragrance-emitting devices of any kind, plug-in or spray air fresheners, and toilet blocks. Encourage fragrance-free personal care and laundry products and request employees to be as fragrance-free as possible. The CDC Policy prohibits applying personal care scented products on any CDC premises. The use of “green” cleaning chemicals and building materials along with monitoring for appropriate ventilation will not only reduce indoor air contamination, but will reduce employee absenteeism as well.
In a letter to Governor Strickland, Senator Dale Miller asked for the Governor’s “…consideration to develop and put forward an Indoor Environmental Quality Policy for use in all state facilities. The model proposed by the Centers for Disease Control would be an excellent starting place for development of this policy. We need to make every effort to provide work environments that are clean, comfortable, and safe. We also should pay particular attention to protecting those who are particularly sensitive to chemical irritants.”
Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 28 branches and their administrative office building will participate in MCS Awareness Month. Some branches will display related books and provide other information. A copy of the CDC Policy will be available for copying. The Downtown branch of Cleveland Public Library will again have an MCS Awareness Month display in the Science and Technology Department.
Many mayors including Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem, and Strongsville Mayor Thomas Perciak, will again issue Proclamations supporting MCS Awareness and Education Month in May.
An MCS article appears in the 2010 Environmental Briefing Book on the Ohio Environmental Council’s website. http://www.theoec.org/LobbyDay2010.htm . For further information about MCS and the ONFCI visit our website at www.ohionetwork.org or contact ONFCI at (440) 845-1888.

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PART 3

EN NO COST/LOW COST WAYS TO IMPROVE INDOOR AIR QUALITY
(Give this to your building manager)

1.Organize a Volunteer Air Safety Task Force
Each building is unique and has its own set of environmental problems. The volunteer team can talk to occupants, install suggestion boxes, conduct anonymous surveys to determine health complaints, gather suggestions, make appropriate recommendations to management and publish informational bulletins to educate tenants and occupants.

2. Prevent Unpleasant Odors (instead of covering them up)
Fragrance Emission Devices and Deodorizing Agents are used in public buildings to mask unpleasant odors. Most people do not realize these products are designed to affect the human central nervous system and can cause many health disorders (read the label and check out the potential health effects of the chemicals).

Prevent odors through actions including: covering trash receptacles, removing trash on an as-needed basis, using detergents in toilet bowl dispensers rather than deodorizers, cleaning on a routine basis, restricting the use of aerosols (including perfumes, hairsprays and deodorants), using fragrance-free hand-soap in restrooms, creating a smoke-free policy; installing and operating efficient exhaust fans.

3.Post Advance Warning Signs
Post prominent signs to alert sensitive populations (pregnant women, children, the elderly, those undergoing chemotherapy, the immune compromised and those with disabilities) in advance of remodeling, painting, and heavy cleaning activities. Signs should include dates, times, pertinent locations and the activity.

Provide temporary alternate work areas and other reasonable accommodations for those who may be affected by remodeling activities.

4.Educate Your Maintenance Staff
Instruct your staff to scrutinize all cleaning chemicals and disinfectants before purchasing and/or using them.

Purchase least toxic products and use disinfectants only when and where absolutely necessary. Many cleaning chemicals contain pesticide ingredients. All disinfectants are pesticides. Pesticide registration with the U.S. EPA is required by law to ensure that proper warning and use directions are on pesticide labels.

Alert your staff that cleaning chemicals and disinfectants may also contain petroleum-based fragrances and other toxic substances that are harmful to health, especially when they are not measured appropriately, are over applied, and/or used in enclosed spaces. .

5.Avoid Pesticide Use
Routine pest control applications are expensive, unnecessary, contaminate buildings, and affect the health of the people in the buildings. The National Environmental Educational Training Foundation (NEETF) is conducting a massive campaign to educate physicians and nurses about the health effects of pesticides on humans (www.neetf.org). The Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta has conducted studies recently and
documented the retention of pesticides in human blood. The highest levels of pesticides appeared in the blood of children.

Cancel all routine and scheduled pesticide applications. Use prevention and integrated pest management practices to control insects and other pests. Use pesticides only when and where absolutely necessary when all other methods have failed. Organic products for lawns and herbal remedies to prevent pest infestations are proving to be popular and successful.

6.Purchase only low VOC products
Be on the lookout for safer paint formulations, adhesives, sealants, furniture and other products that will provide your building with a safer indoor air environment. Manufacturers are now aware of the health risks of products containing VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and are creating less toxic products.
7. Ventilate, ventilate, ventilate…
Adequate ventilation will reduce mold problems, remove the exhaust from copy machine and other office equipment, lower ozone levels, provide more oxygen in the air, and remove stale odors. Install efficient exhaust fans where needed.

Increase fresh air ventilation of elevator shafts and monitor the effects of wind direction on building pollution. Underground parking garages and those attached to buildings create the potential for carbon monoxide in building air. Create parking garage idling/warm up prohibition policy to avoid unnecessary emissions.

Increase fresh air to 100% during remodeling to reduce/eliminate unnecessary occupant illness.

8. Carpet Do’s and Don’ts
Thoroughly vacuum carpeted areas daily (or more often when/where required) to remove trapped dirt and residues from perfume, smoke, and pesticides that are tracked in from the outdoors. Avoid scented vacuum cleaner bags, potpourri or other carpet fresheners as these products pollute the air.

Clean carpeting safely by using least toxic, perfume free carpet cleaning products. Do not use deodorizers and stain repellant chemicals as these become imbedded in carpeting fibers and padding and outgas to create more indoor air pollution.

When carpeting needs to be replaced, consider using safer alternatives that include hardwood flooring, ceramic tile, and other low VOC flooring materials. Carpeting harbors dirt, mold, pesticides and other toxic chemicals that are nearly impossible to completely remove and which become airborne when disturbed. Most carpet padding and adhesives contribute to indoor air pollution.

9. Pick storage areas wisely
The location of storage areas is crucial to good indoor air. Never store gasoline, toxic chemicals, cleaning products, disinfectants, equipment, machinery and other toxic or air polluting items near ventilation systems or fresh air intakes.

Do not store sanitary paper products near disinfectants and cleaners because they will absorb the chemicals and their odors.

10. Maintain, maintain, maintain…
Properly maintain furnace and filters using additional HEPA or other types of filtration

Fix all leaks in roof/flashing

Keep plumbing in excellent repair to avoid leaking and subsequent mold

Maintain low humidity in the building to avoid mold problems


The Ohio Network for the Chemically Injured (ONFCI) conducted an informal poll to determine the above “top ten” causes of building air pollution and any potential solutions that would be readily achievable and no/low cost. The Indoor Environmental Quality Report recently published by the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS), under the auspices of the U.S. Access Board (http://www.access-board.gov/news/ieq.htm), was used as a resource. ONFCI’s president, Toni Temple, participated in the NIBS/Access Board project both as a Project Steering Committee member and as a member of the four working committees. A copy of the NIBS report is available on the NIBS website at http://ieq.nibs.org . The report will provide additional information and serve as a useful reference tool.

OHIO NETWORK FOR THE CHEMICALLY INJURED
(ONFCI)
P.O. BOX 29290
PARMA, OHIO 44129
(440) 845-1888