Mississippi

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) Awareness Week

May 7-13, 2000

Office of the Governor
State of Mississippi

WHEREAS, people of all ages have developed the condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, often following a single massive chemical exposure or repeated low-level exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment; and

WHEREAS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a chronic condition for which there is neither a proven treatment nor a cure, that typically affects several major organ systems with multiple symptoms that can include, but are not limited to: difficulty breathing, sleeping and/or concentrating, memory loss, migraines, nausea, abdominal pain, chronic fatigue, aching joints and muscles, disorders of the skin, and sensory dysfrmnctions; and

WHEREAS, people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity often have profound problems with health, finances, employment, housing and public access to buildings and transit; and

WHEREAS, the health of the general population is at risk from repeated toxic chemical exposures in common personal care household cleaning/maintenance products, which can lead to illnesses that may well be preventable through the reduction or avoidance of superfluous toxic chemicals in the air, water, and food in both indoor and outdoor environments; and

WHEREAS, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is recognized by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other state and federal governmental agencies and commissions, which have supported the health and welfare of people with this condition; and

WHEREAS, reasonable accommodations, educational efforts, and recognition of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can provide opportunities for people with this condition to enjoy access to work, schooling, health care facilities, public facilities, and other settings where they can contribute their skills, knowledge, ideas, and creativity; and

WHEREAS, individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity need the understanding and support of family, friends, employers and co-workers, medical professionals, and other members of society, and governmental agencies at all levels to help them cope with the significant and pervasive lifestyle changes imposed by this illness;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Ronnie Musgrove, Governor of the State of Mississippi do hereby proclaim that the week of May 7-13, 2000 will be known as

I further proclaim that May 12 will be designated as

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF,
I have affixed the Great of the State of Mississippi ...
this the PROCLAMATION