News Release
<http://www.aeha-quebec.ca/media/2007-04-28/NewsRelease_en.jpg>        




Canadian Human Rights Commission commissioned Report to summarize scientific
information about environmental sensitivities
Avoidance of Toxins and Triggers key in Prevention and Management of Illness


Montreal, Québec - May 7, 2007 - The Allergy and Environmental Health
Association of Quebec (AEHAQ) applauds and commends the Canadian Human
Rights Commission (CHRC) for its outstanding Report entitled 'The Medical
Perspective on Environmental Sensitivities,' by Margaret E. Sears
(M.Eng., Ph.D.). AEHAQ also wishes to congratulate and thank the author of
the report and the prominent physicians and architects who collaborated on
the project, for presenting the complete picture of this illness in very
clear terms. This report confirms what people who suffer from environmental
sensitivities already know - that avoidance of toxins and other triggers is
key to management of environmental sensitivities.
        aeha-quebec.ca <http://www.aeha-quebec.ca>  

For information:

Rohini Peris, President
(514) 683-5701
Michel Gaudet, Vice-President and Spokesperson
(514) 795-5701         

Accommodation provided to people with environmental sensitivities to improve
environmental quality in the workplace is likely to improve the performance
of other workers as well, and in addition may help prevent the onset of
sensitivities in others.

"Environmental sensitivities" describes a range of reactions to
environmental factors including chemicals, foods, biological agents, and
electromagnetic radiation, at levels of exposure tolerated by most people.
It includes overlapping chronic conditions such as Multiple Chemical
Sensitivity (MCS), Electromagnetic Sensitivity, Chronic Fatigue
Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Fibromyalgia.

MCS is a disorder that occurs when people become sensitive to chemical
exposures in their everyday environment at levels well below those commonly
tolerated or considered acutely toxic.

Statistics Canada reported in January 2007 that approximately 3% of
Canadians have been diagnosed with MCS, which commonly overlaps with chronic
fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. 5% of Canadians (1.2 million people) have
been diagnosed with at least one of these disorders. Of the 5% of Canadians
diagnosed, 2.4% reported MCS, 1.5% FM and 1.3% CFS. Among these individuals,
at least 14% had two of the three conditions. Overall prevalence rose with
age from 1.6% at ages 12 to 24 to 6.9% at ages 45 to 64.

As with any other illness, a key for healing is recognition of the illness
and provision of adequate care of an equal standard across the country.
AEHAQ strongly advocates for the Government of Canada to take responsibility
for the many Canadians who suffer with MCS and to push vigorously for MCS to
be included in the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and
Related Health Problems (ICD-10) which is published by the World Health
Organization. Further, it is vital that MCS be supported by the federal
government for inclusion in provincial health care billing codes.

Dr. Lynn Marshall, who represented the Ontario College of Family Physicians
Environmental Health Committee among collaborators on the report, indicated
that she was pleased that the Canadian Human Rights Commission had
undertaken such a sorely needed literature review and summary of the complex
clinical issues surrounding environmental sensitivities. "I was impressed
with the thoroughness of the scientific review by Dr. Sears, which should be
of major help in guiding physicians, other health professionals, employers,
insurers, and governments to take accelerated action to serve the urgent
needs of this largely overlooked population of patients."

Rohini Peris, President, AEHAQ states, "The Report clearly shows that we
need immediate action to address this issue - not more committees and
deliberations, but tangible, constructive help such as providing safe, less
chemically contaminated, affordable housing, adequate clinics, and
accommodation in the workplace, hospitals and all public areas." She adds,
"More than a million Canadians diagnosed with MCS represent a large,
unnecessary and avoidable tragedy, as well as a drain on society and the
economy."

Michel Gaudet, Vice-President and spokesperson for AEHAQ adds, "This report
clearly shows that the time is now for the Government of Canada to implement
legislation that will result in increased public health protection. It is
time to reduce the quantities and variety of toxic chemicals in products,
buildings, landscapes and foods, as Canadians move to using only least-toxic
strategies, products and materials."

A survey of its members done by AEHA Québec (129 responses; 57% response
rate) showed that 81% are women, 56% are college/university-educated and 17%
are post-graduates. They have worked in a variety of professions such as
medicine, physiotherapy, psychotherapy, the military, administration, real
estate, factory workers, aerospace, farming, etc. 53% are unemployed because
they are now unable to work due to their poor health, while many others are
underemployed compared to their previous accomplishments.

Those who must, and are still able to work, find it very hard to continue
gainful employment due to a lack of workplace accommodation. A few are
accommodated with adequate ventilation, perfume-, pesticide- and smoke-free
policies, the use of non-toxic cleaning products, use of safe products for
renovation, and appropriate notice during and after renovations. A majority
were unable to find a safe, chemical-free workplace where they could work
productively to support themselves and their families. The majority of those
with gainful employment work from home.

98.5 % of respondents had neurological symptoms brought on by exposure to
chemicals found in a variety of consumer goods. 99.2% of people could
identify specific exposures which they thought had made them ill. Of these,
38% blamed exposures to commonly encountered chemicals, 35% to pesticides
and 26% to work-related exposures. The longest that participants had been
impaired/disabled was 22 years.

AEHAQ anticipates that the Province of Quebec will take appropriate notice
of this Report. The AEHAQ looks forward to the Quebec government making the
necessary changes required to address the problems faced by people who
suffer from environmental sensitivities and taking steps to better manage
this illness, as outlined in the Report. AEHAQ can attest to the fact that
many of its members are suffering a great deal due to a lack of proper
medical treatment in Quebec, non-existent support services and a lack of
adequate accommodation in the workplace, schools and hospitals.

The Allergy and Environmental Health Association of Quebec was formed in
October 2004 by people whose health has been damaged by a contaminated
environment. AEHAQ is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising
awareness on issues surrounding environmental sensitivities, and, through
support and information, helping people who have been incapacitated by
exposures in toxic buildings or other contaminated environments. By working
with doctors, scientists, interested groups and individuals across Canada
and creating ties with similar organizations throughout North America and
overseas, AEHAQ is promoting prevention, education and awareness within
communities, corporations, governments, educational institutions, the
medical profession and the general public, intending to prevent the onset of
new cases of environmental sensitivity. Prevention encompasses the use of
non-toxic products and methods which are sustainable and friendly to human
health. We therefore urge the Province of Quebec to take immediate
responsible and adequate care of its environmentally sensitive citizens.


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Association pour la santé Environnementale, les Hypersensibilités et les
Allergies du Québec
The Allergy and Environmental Health Association of Quebec
Tel : (514) 683-5701            Fax : (514) 683-2468            Email :
aehaq@aeha-quebec.ca