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At a Glance

                       Multiple Chemical Sensitivity 

WHAT IS IT?:      That's open to debate. Some physicians and
                  psychiatristsconsider it an anxiety disorder or
                  phobia. Other doctors, scientists, and advocates call
                  it a form of poisoning caused by chemical exposurem
                  which leads to an exaggerated sensitivity to a wide
                  range of substances.

SYMPTOMS:         Vary with individuals, but may inclued rashes, sinus
                  problems, headaches, fatigue, gastrointestinal upsets,
                  weakeness, exaggerated sense of smell, wheezing,
                  coughing, sore throat, and impaired memory or
                  concentration.

TRIGGERS:         Air fresheners, perfumes. newsprint, tobacco smoke,
                  paint, pesticides, auto exhaust, photocopiers,
                  disinfectants, plastics, aftershave, fabric softeners,
                  drycleaning chemicals, adhesives, inks, carpeting,
                  floor wax, potpourri, laser printers.

ADVOCACY GROUPS:
             
                  Human Ecology Action     
                  PO Box 49126
                  Atlanta, GA 30359

                  Publishes The Human Ecologist quarterly; offers
                  information and assistance to those injured by
                  chemical exposures; advocates nontoxic products.

                  National Center for Environnmental Health Strategies
                  1100 Rural Ave.
                  Voorhees, NJ 08043
                  Telephone: 609-429-5358

                  Publishes a newsletter; acts as an information
                  clearinghouse; lobbies on MCS issues in Congress.

                  International Institute of Research for
                    Chemical Hypersensitivity
                  PO Box 879
                  Alto, NM 88312

                  Sponsors research and publishes Informed Consent
                  magazine, PO Box 1304, Minot, ND 58702

[Martinsburg Journal, November 9, 1994]

ABLEnews Editor's Note:     For a look at the human dimensions of
                            Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, see Retreat
                            into Isolation Is Self-Imposed Cure, MJ,
                            11/9/94 in ON9502B.*.

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