I am proud to report this week that The Environmental Illness Resource has joined the MICAGO initiative which is the brainchild of Gordon McHendry, a multiple chemical sensitivity sufferer and founder of the MCS International campaign and website.

MICAGO stands for MCS International Coalition of Allied Groups

and Organisations. It was created with the aim of unifying disparate groups from around the world who share similar aims with regards to improving recognition of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and calling for common sense in relation to the use of synthetic chemicals which are impacting human health and the wider environment in ways we can't yet fully comprehend.

The MICAGO Declaration 

The Environmental Illness Resource and the other MICAGO members agree to the following MICAGO Declaration:

I assert my right to the fundamental freedom to choose what is right for my health
I assert my right not to be poisoned by toxic chemicals in the name of corporate greed
I assert my right not to have my health damaged by either government action or apathy
And I fully acknowledge
My often-overlooked responsibility
To do all I can within the spirit of the law
To protect those vital rights
I call for an end to the pollution of my air, food, water and environment by toxic chemicals
I call for an end to the burden imposed on my body by the synergistic effect of known toxins
I call for an end to all the many daily violations of my body by unavoidable toxic chemicals
And I confront with all my honesty
My own complicity and past contributions
In helping to bring about
The present toxic holocaust we are all living under
I believe that all toxic synthetic chemicals can be replaced by safe and natural alternatives
I believe that a safe, pollution free world is possible - and that we can have it if we really try
I believe that the unity of the many - in common cause - can bring about true miracles of change
And I want now to add my voice
To the international choir of the just
For ending the insatiable greed of the few
At the great expense of the many

MICAGO Members

The Environmental Illness Resource becomes the 13th member (we're not superstitious!) of MICAGO. Founded in 2006 with a handful of members the initiative has suffered a period of little activity due to Gordon's health struggles but we're happy to say he is now able to push forward with this important undertaking once again.

Other MICAGO members include:

MCS America - A highly active group whose aim is to "gain medical, legal, and social recognition for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) as a disorder of organic biological origin induced by toxic environmental insults." The MCS America website provides a wealth of MCS news including reports on declarations by officials throughout America regarding recognition of MCS. Co-founder Lourdes Salvador is a qualified science write and does a fantastic job of translating MCS related research into easily understandable terms. Her articles feature in the monthly MCS America Newsletter and can also be read on the MCS America website and now here on The Environmental Illness Resource in the Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Column.  

James Madison University MCS Research Team - Led by Professor Pamela Reed Gibson the JMU MCS Research Team primarily studies the life impacts of living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity but their website and Professor Gibson's book Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: A Survival Guide also provide a lot of valuable information about the medical aspects of MCS from possible causes and triggers to treatment options. Professor Gibson has kindly allowed a number of her articles to be published on The Environmental Illness Resource and has helped me locate other resources on a number of occasions.

For a full list of MICAGO members please visit MCS International. If you are part of a group, organization, website or simply a concerned individual you may also sign up as a MICAGO member on the MCS International site.

I'd like to personally thank Gordon for his efforts and for inviting The Environmental Illness Resource to be a member of MICAGO. Even when people share similar experiences and suffering, as with those of us affected by MCS, it is human nature for there to be disagreements on what should be done to improve the situation. The MICAGO initiative will hopefully enable differences to be set aside and will foster cooperation amongst the MCS community as we focus on the important issues on which we all agree (MICAGO Declaration).

The Environmental Illness Resource will endeavour to further the aims of the MICAGO Initiative in any way possible and will provide updates on the activities of MICAGO as a whole and of the individual members.

As MCS sufferers we must do all we can to make people aware of the dangers of modern chemical use and prevent many others suffering in the future as we suffer today.

Towards a safer future!

For further information on the MICAGO Initiative please visit MCS International