As we begin June, are you more aware of asthma and allergies? Better sleep? Hepatitis? High blood pressure? Well, May was awareness month for these important health issues as well as others -- it was National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, too, and the public is reportedly better informed about all twenty-three of the issues brought to their attention last month.
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But "awareness" of an imaginary, phantom illness does not do us any good. So a thumbs-down to Louisiana governor Kathleen Blanco (D) who made May 2004 the first "Chemical Sensitivity Awareness Month," at least in Louisiana.
Those who claim they have multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) do indeed suffer greatly. As recently as the 16th day of MCS awareness month, former Boston University football coach Dan Allen, 48, died, according to the Boston Globe, "of complications from multiple chemical sensitivity." Despite years of searching, though, there is still no scientific evidence to support this diagnosis.
Those promoting the legitimacy of such a disease are mainly professed "victims," not medical professionals.
As a matter of fact, no mainstream medical institutions recognize this diagnosis. The strongest support for the theory that MCS exists will be found among the plaintiff's bar. A Google search for "multiple chemical sensitivty" yielded a paid advertisement in the upper right-hand corner for a law firm that may not rid you of your disease, but will at least try to make it financially rewarding for you (and them).
To compensate for heightened MCS awareness in May, perhaps June should be "junk science awareness month."
Jeff Stier is an associate director of the American Council on Science and Health.
