Amputated Lives: Coping with Chemical Sensitivity

The condition of multiple chemical sensitivity has been rapidly growing with the proliferation of new, untested chemicals in our environment. In recent decades, people from many walks of life have developed a new intolerance for the chemicals found in perfume, air fresheners, cleaning products, fabric softeners, diesel and auto exhaust, new carpet, paint, and other products. Their ranks include large numbers of Exxon Valdez cleanup workers, Gulf War veterans, 9/11 First Responders, and FEMA trailer residents. Part I of Amputated Lives analyzes the development of chemical sensitivity in these various groups and its consequences. Part II illustrates with stories from various individuals how this condition can quickly wreck what was once a good life. The American Academy of Environmental Medicine recognized the importance of Alison Johnson s books and documentaries and her Chemical Sensitivity Foundation in 2004 when it gave her its annual Carleton Lee Award for 'exemplary efforts in furthering the principles of Environmental Medicine.' In Amputated Lives, Alison Johnson once again very effectively sounds the alarm about the spread of chemical sensitivity to more and more Americans. Philip Ranheim, M.D. President, American Academy of Environmental Medicine