Presented for signature and denied!

Office of President George W. Bush

National Proclamation

WHEREAS, people of all ages across our nation and throughout the world have developed a condition know as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. "MCS" is characterized by high sensitivity to very small amounts of petrochemicals and other irritants in our environment. It can be caused by short-term or chronic exposure to one or more chemicals, frequently pesticides, and solvents and can start at any age. It knows "NO" boundaries. Every person, young, old, rich, poor, regardless of color, creed or education, "EVERYONE" is at Risk!

WHEREAS "MCS" includes many, often disabling, symptoms affecting the nervous, immune, respiratory, musculoskeletal, porphyrin metabolism and endocrine systems and can be life threatening. Symptoms may include but are not limited to headaches, chronic fatigue, aching joints and muscles, burning sensation, metallic taste in mouth, difficulty breathing and concentrating, short term memory loss, irritated eyes, nose, ears, throat, and/or skin rashes, poor coordination, heart palpations and seizures.

WHEREAS, "MCS" is a chronic debilitating condition for which there is no known cure, causing serious financial, employment, learning, housing, health, social and other consequences. It is crucial for those with "MCS" to have the support and understanding of their government, families, friends and society as they struggle with the restrictions and isolation now placed on them.

WHEREAS, "MCS" is recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act, Social Security Administration, U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Protection Agency as well as other local, state and federal government agencies and courts.

WHEREAS, Invisible Barriers stop those with chemical hypersensitivity from enjoying the same rights and privileges others take for granted but given a controlled environment and reasonable accommodations many of the chemically ill could once again be self-reliant and financially independent.

WHEREAS, "MCS" exists as a serious and wide spread public health problem appropriate action by medical, dental and governmental agencies as well as private citizens is urgently needed. Awareness, Education, Prevention and Avoidance are of Utmost Importance. Working together we can prevent this type of tragedy from happening to yet more families.

THEREFORE, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States Of America, in support of increased awareness, education, understanding and research into the causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of "MCS", do hereby officially designate the month of May beginning 2002 and forward as MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS MONTH

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SEAL President of the United States of America