STATE OF NEW YORK 
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER 
Proclamation

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Whereas, the Empire State places a high priority on the health and well-being of its citizens and join in efforts to raise awareness of various health issues, such as Toxic Injury, also referred to as Chemically Induced Illness, Chemical Sensitivity or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity; and

Whereas, Toxic Injury is characterized by heightened sensitivity to small amounts of air pollution, petrochemicals, and other toxins found in everyday products and the environment, and can be caused by short-term or chronic exposure to one or more chemicals, pesticides or solvents; and

Whereas, affecting people of every age, race and background, Toxic Injury may include multiple disabling illnesses affecting the immune, musculoskeletal, porphrin, energy metabolism, endocrine systems; and

Whereas, symptoms of Toxic Injury include, but are not limited to: headaches, poor coordination and concentration, memory loss, stroke-like symptoms and seizures, increased thirst, heart palpitations, increased blood pressure and heart rate, chronic fatigue, aching joints and muscles, burning sensation, breathing difficulty, and eye, nose, ear, throat and skin irritations; and

Whereas, Toxic Injury has no known cure and can have serious life-altering consequences for sufferers that can impact their financial stability, employment, education opportunities, housing and social acceptance; and

Whereas, there is relatively little known about Toxic Injury and related conditions such as Chemical Sensitivity or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and this monthlong observance serves to raise awareness of these illnesses through increased education and public information campaigns that emphasize the importance of protecting the quality of our environment and preventing human exposure to dangerous chemicals;

Now, Therefore, I, David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby recognize May 2008 as TOXIC INJURY AWARENESS MONTH in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this twenty-ninth day of March in the year two thousand eight.