This petition is for government funding for research for and to adopt (NIRS) Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of the brain before and after low-level exposures to be standard protocol and covered services by Medicare and Medicaid for the diagnosis of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. MCS refers to an unusually severe hyper-reactivity that can produce painful inflammation throughout multiple body systems, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment following a low-level exposure to various chemicals and fragrances. The severity of symptoms and items reactive to are highly variable from one patient to the next. Near Infrared Spectroscopy is cost effective and does not need contrast dye that most MCS patients might react to. MCS patients require chemical/fragrance free air quality  in their homes and on individuals in their daily lives. This can lead to total isolation for those suffering from MCS without awareness and support from family, friends, communities, government assistant agencies, therapists, and primary care providers. Currently the most common form of information given is a suicide prevention hotline contact phone number. We need funding for NIRS brain imaging research. We need funding for the purchases of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy devices for clinics and hospitals and physician training for the use of MCS diagnostics. We need funding for further research to find a cause and a possible cure for the hyper-reactivity brain response so that we may one day re-join the in person work force. 

The study can be found here:

Pub Med MEDLINE database

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24278291