People with disabilities have a long history of needing to convince physicians, researchers, and even family members that they experience very real ailments. Most recently, people with multiple sclerosis, Gulf War syndrome, and post-polio syndrome had long intense battles with physicians to convince them that the incapacitation they experience is not “in their heads,” or a manifestation of a “poor attitude.”

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which persons become ill following exposure to certain chemicals encountered in everyday life. Such chemicals include smoke, pesticides, plastics, synthetic fabrics, perfumes, scented products, petroleum products, fumes, and paints. Environmental Illness (EI) includes not only this but also a broad range of conditions triggered by airborne pollution, food, naturally occurring substances such as molds and pollens, and electromagnetic fields.

Both MCS and EI are very real conditions, even though many medical doctors are not yet trained to identify this disability. The Social Security Administration and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recognize MCS as a disabling condition, as do numerous other government agencies and judicial bodies.

Here are ten recommendations which would make your facility accessible to most people with MCS/EI:

1. Adopt and enforce no smoking and no fragrance policies and post signs accordingly, including on paths of travel (to restrooms, the parking lot, common areas, etc).
2. Discontinue chemical pest control, such as structural chemicals and flea bombs, and replace them with non-toxic pest controls.
3. Remove or disarm fragrance emission devices and systems (FEDS).
4. Discontinue using toxic, fragrance-laden cleaning products, and use only non-toxic paints on the walls and ceilings.
5. Attach carpeting to floors using nails or adhesive strips rather than glue; ventilate the room thoroughly.
6. Prohibit staff and visitors from idling vehicles near the entranceway or windows of the facility.
7. Purchase only metal and real wood furniture (look for used furniture) and avoid synthetic cloth-covered room dividers and curtains, which collect dust and contaminants.
8. Landscape with ornamental rock and pebbles. Avoid juniper, olive, acacia, and cedar trees. Discontinue use of lawn care chemicals.
9. Incorporate notice of your MCS/EI safeguards into all center literature and correspondence. For example, “To allow (name of organization) to be fully accessible to all people with disabilities, including persons with multiple chemical sensitivities/environmental illness, please do not wear scented products (perfume, aftershave, deodorant, shampoo, etc.) to any meetings, demonstrations, groups, or workshops held at or by (name of organization). We appreciate your cooperation. Meetings are wheelchair accessible, and assistive listening devices, as well as materials in alternate formats, are available upon request.”
10. At a minimum, make one room “safe,” that is, create an environmentally safer room with a separate entranceway, if possible. This well-ventilated room would be free of carpeting, curtains, fluorescent lights, the microwave oven, electromagnetic fields, natural gas, and toxins.

From IL NET, a collaboration of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL), the Independent Living Research Utilization (ILRU) Program and organizations and individuals involved in independent living nationwide. For the full text and additional resources on this topic, visit IL NET.

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