The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) is an independent federal agency devoted to accessibility for people with disabilities. The Access Board is responsible for developing and maintaining accessibility guidelines to ensure that newly constructed and altered buildings and facilities covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Architectural Barriers Act are accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. In November 1999, the Access Board issued a proposed rule to revise and update its accessibility guidelines. During the public comment period on the proposed rule, the Access Board received approximately 600 comments from individuals with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) and electromagnetic sensitivities (EMS). They reported that chemicals released from products and materials used in construction, renovation, and maintenance of buildings, electromagnetic fields, and inadequate ventilation are barriers that deny them access to most buildings.

This website is the result of that process and includes much valuable information. Of particular interest is the section covering "Designated Cleaner Air Rooms":

• Operations & Maintenance
• Designated Cleaner Air Rooms
• Design & Construction
• Building Products & Materials

Commission on Life Sciences, from National Academies Press.

By Louise Kosta. Chief writer, The Human Ecologist. What happens to patients with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) when they seek health care for conditions not related to MCS?

Centres around providing a supportive environment for optimum patient care. Made available by the Canadian Society for Environmental Medicine and co-authored by L.M. Marshall, MD and J.G. Maclennan, MD. NOTE: This document is currently being revised by CSEM. Please check back for updates.

Focuses on enhancing staff environmental awareness to assist in the provision of optimum care, particularly for those with environment-sensitive illnesses. Made available by the Canadian Society for Environmental Medicine and co-authored by L.M. Marshall, MD and J.G. Maclennan, MD. NOTE: This document is currently being revised by CSEM. Please check back for updates.

A number of documents are available at the Ohio Network's Healthier Hospitals Campaign page, but those listed below are of particular interest:

• Sample Letter to Hospitals to Request MCS Accommodations
• Healthier Hospitals Enables Health Care Centers To Meet Needs Of The Chemically Disabled
• Basics of MCS Accommodation
• Goals of the Campaign
• Healthier Hospitals Order Form

See in particular 10 Step Guide to Green Cleaning Implementation

(revision pending) - See in particular portion titled "How is the issue of pesticides relevant to Canadian physicians and their patient population?" Dr. Kelly Martin. This brochure was developed based on a review of the literature completed in 1990's. Brochure will be updated following completion of research project to renew current scientific evidence on pesticides. Environmental Health Committee Environmental Newsletter on Ontario College of Family Physicians.

by Catherine McIver. The chemicals used in hospitals cause symptoms in people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). However, the indoor air quality in hospitals can be improved to make hospitals more accessible and healthier environments for everyone. This article describes some of the problems people with MCS experience when in hospitals, either as patient or visitor, and outlines what can be done to make hospitals more accessible for people with MCS.