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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 2003 and forward as MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY AWARENESS
MONTH
__________________________
SEAL President of the United States of America
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