(Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is also known as "Allergic To the Twenty First Century". Unfortunately though there are a vast number of sufferers it is not well understood by many non-sufferers. And like all physical disabilities sometimes they are judged the lesser for being disabled.

I hope this lighthearted but realistically based piece will help overcome this - because I myself am severely MCS. In many ways this could be a reference for me.

PLEASE NOTE the names are fictitious - as if the initials didn't give it away!)

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I have known Ian Michael Stouffed for many years as an alert, pleasant natured individual who socialises well and is an active participant in his community. Ian has been a keen sportsman and has been involved in a number of hobby and special interest groups. - Then he became afflicted with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.

Ian is a highly intelligent individual who frequently cannot string two sentences together and is likely to "space out" on you during a conversation. Memory is no longer his strong point but if you don't mind the occasions where he will forget what he is saying/writing, what you said/wrote, your name, his name, where he is going, what he is supposed to be doing, and other such "minor" matters, this should not cause TOO many problems.

Ian is highly motivated but often does not have the strength or stamina to tie his own shoelaces. At such times you can be assured that he will remain highly motivated - he just will not be able to do anything about it. He prides himself on his punctuality (when he remembers where he is going), and his application to his work (when he can remember what it is and has the strength and stamina to do it). However the slightest exposure to a wide variety of commonly used chemicals that pervade our modern world and buildings will render him too ill to work for an indefinite but often lengthy period.

Ian possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills and relates well to both his fellow staff members and to customers. It is therefore very unfortunate that he frequently has violent reactions to chemicals and chemical residues on them and their clothing and must flee their very presence or cough, gag, or throw up all over them. In such cases he is unlikely to be able to explain his somewhat unusual behaviour because either his voice will have gone - or he will have gone.

He is highly skilled in his work but of course will be unable to do it if it involves or is near or otherwise exposes him to computers, photocopiers, fax machines, printed materials, artificial fabrics, carpets, glues, cleaning products, perfumes, deodorants, , pesticides, herbicides, certain plastics, new paint, disinfectants, some modern building/ furniture materials, and a plethora of other products and compounds.

Ian has brief periods where he actually feels quite strong but any physical activity beyond an ill defined level or for an ill defined duration will cause Ians body to begin releasing and/or creating toxins stored in his fat cells and elsewhere which will make him very ill and require him to rest totally in order to recover.

Therefore I am pleased to be able to recommend Mr Stouffed to any position that provides a totally controlled and protected environment which has eliminated all chemicals to which he reacts; requires extremely minimal and controlled personal contact with staff, visitors and customers; provides appropriate effective shielding and ventilation should he be required to use or handle any materials, machinery, or equipment to complete his tasks and to which he has a reaction; allows him to work only as and when capable and at a pace and level he can sustain albeit a much reduced pace and level to most people, with unlimited sick leave or leave without pay if he can be compensated for lost workdays by some other agency; and recognises that he will frequently be unable to perform at even this capacity.

I wish Ian all the best for his future and luck - lots of luck - in finding a suitable employer and employment.

Yours faithfully,


Andrew Simon Iffman.

D.J. Ludlow Copyright 2000.