Wearing something symbolic that starts a conversation, and writing letters to the editors of your local papers, are both excellent ways to increase MCS awareness!
Kris Kuipers and friends sewed electromagnetic shielding cloth into a cape for her to wear when out in public, and appliqued the canary on the front as a conversation starter for educational purposes on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Electromagnetic Sensitivity. "It works!" Kris says.
Canary Report member Kris Kuipers shares with us a letter to the editor she’s written. She says you are welcome to use it as a template for your own letter.
Dear Editor,
May is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, MCS is a diagnostic label for people who suffer with multi-system illnesses as a result of contact with, or proximity to, a variety of airborne agents and other substances. Sufferers develop symptoms of toxic exposure from a variety of agents. The most common are molds, smoke, and products containing fragrances, petroleum, formaldehyde, pesticides, and herbicides. Fragrances are added to everything from personal care products to laundry and cleaning products. Symptoms of exposure to these agents ranges from headache and fatigue to reactive airway distress, neurological problems, and seizures.
I want to take this opportunity to increase awareness of this serious illness and encourage prevention. Over 48 million men, women, and children of all races that are affected. According to MCS America, “Even though MCS is of widespread epidemic prevalence, public awareness of the toxicity of common environmental insults and ways to manage and accommodate MCS remains limited.”
Chemical exposure creates functional limitations for people with MCS, which requires reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Fragrance free policies for work places, schools, churches, and public bathrooms can be implemented. MCS develops from either a single large or chronic exposure to chemicals. Replacing all chemical filled products in the home with natural and fragrance free safe products, as well as caring for lawns and dealing with bugs in a non chemical way, may help to prevent the development of MCS.
I hope this letter helps educate our public in the use of these fragrances and chemicals and how harmful they are not only to people with MCS, but to all of us. I welcome questions. Please do not hesitate to give me a call. I would love to chat with you in how to implement these positive changes.
Sincerely,
Kris Kuipers
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