WILLIAM DONALD SCHAEFER, Governor

No. 8

(Senate Joint Resolution No. 32)

A Senate Joint Resolution concerning

Chemical Hypersensitivity Syndrome

FOR the purpose of requesting the Department of the Environment
to prepare a study concerning chemical hypersensitivity
syndrome; specifying certain criteria to be used in
preparing the study; and specifying that the Department
report the findings and recommendations of the study to the
Governor and the General Assembly by a certain date.

WHEREAS, Chemical hypersensitivity syndrome is purported to
be a complex systemic condition and pathological state resulting
from a single exposure or repeated sensitization to specific
molecules or structurally related chemical compounds; and

WHEREAS, A chemically hypersensitive person experiences
might experience severe adverse health effects from exposure to
one or more toxic chemicals, and is might be at significantly
higher risk than the general population; and

WHEREAS, Chemical hypersensitivity syndrome is might be a
serious and often severely disabling and debilitating condition
which can might be life threatening to people of all ages and
from all segments of society; and

WHEREAS, The physical, emotional, and financial burdens of
chemical hypersensitivity are may be extremely high and are not
being might not be met by existing service or assistance programs
or adequately covered by health insurance; and

WHEREAS, Current federal, State, and local policies do might
not adequately protect the chemically sensitive individual from
the harmful effects of unnecessary and unwarranted exposure to
toxic chemicals, pollutants, and other environmental agents; and

WHEREAS, Current terminology and nomenclature used to
describe this condition is varied and confusing due to the lack
of scientific and clinical knowledge; and

WHEREAS, Advances in research, scientific knowledge, and the
exchange of information could reveal fundamental data that may
lead to prevention, treatment, and ultimately a cure which will
might be of great benefit to society; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, That the
Department of the Environment carry out a study concerning
chemical hypersensitivity syndrome; and be it further

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