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MCS Accommodation Guidelines
Indoors, where we spend an estimated 90% of our time, air can be
up to 100 times as polluted as outdoors, according to the US Environmental
Protection Agency. Poor air quality jeopardizes the health of people with MCS
and can prevent access to services. The following simple measures that cost little or nothing
can help provide access to services for people with MCS in compliance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act. They also improve air quality for
everyone’s benefit and can save money for businesses and institutions by reducing illness and its
associated costs, while boosting morale, alertness, productivity, and
attendance. 1.
Whenever practical, conduct
business with an MCS person by phone, fax, mail, or e-mail. 2.
On-site, provide a well-ventilated area free of
fumes from: - smoke, including smoke odors on clothing
and people -
- scented personal products: perfumes, hand lotion, etc.: see Less
Toxic Personal Products - air fresheners or potpourri - see the Dirty Dozen - harsh cleaning products (including
Lysol, bleach, Windex.): see Less
Toxic Cleaning Products - gas appliances - office machines or equipment
(particularly copying machines and printers) - high ambient
air levels of formaldehyde or other contaminants from furniture or carpeting. - idling trucks, cars or machinery - pesticides - see Alternative
Pest Control Some individuals may need to sit near an open window, or step out
periodically for fresh air, while others may need to use oxygen, or wear a
respirator or charcoal mask. In some cases, if practical, it may be necessary
to sit outside or meet in a better-tolerated location, possibly at the
individual’s home (if so, discuss the use of Less
Toxic Personal
Products). Be sure to provide advance notification if construction, remodeling,
refurnishing, or pesticide treatment has recently taken place. 3. Health Care Practitioners: see Hospital
Access 4.
Service Providers: the following can be used as
examples for specific situations: Work-Site Accommodation Ideas
for Individuals Who Experience Limitations Due to Chemical Sensitivity or Environmental Illness,
Job Accommodation Network, A Service of the U.S. DOL Office of Disability
Employment Policy Job accommodation Network. New Meaning For Access,
Commentary by the MCS Accessibility for
United Methodist Churches The Access Board " A federal agency dedicated to accessible design" has at least adopted a fragrance free policy for its own meetings. Sample Letter to Access Board
with minimum Access Requirements form the Ohio Network for the Chemically
Injured (ONFCI) to the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance
Board to take steps to create minimum guidelines Accommodating The Allergic Employee In The
WORKPLACE From the 5.
Right to access for those with MCS are
defined by the federal disability laws.
Including: Back
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