Adverse reaction to chemicals is becoming increasingly common in our society.  No longer is the problem confined to a small group of people who get seriously ill from chemical exposure.  Many voices are suggesting that all of us are vulnerable and we are affected in ways that we rarely recognize.  Read the November 2009 edition of ADNotes for further introduction on this topic.

This page briefly documents the problem with some general sources of information and some specifically Christian resources.  An additional section on Multiple Chemical Sensitivities gives information and resources on how congregations can respond to this specific issue.

The Effect of Chemicals on Children

Children with neurological impairments are in our communities and in our congregations in greater numbers than ever before.  They come into our worship and Sunday School classes in increasing numbers, showing signs of autism, attention deficit hyper-activity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and various other learning disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and childhood mental illnesses.  The following articles briefly document the challenges for the church and society. 

Protecting Human Life and Caring for Creation: Why protecting unborn children in their first environment matters. A discussion and study guide by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:

Learning and Developmental Disabilities Linked to Environmental Toxins
Summary article describing the links between disabilities and chemicals in our environment. 

Scientific Consensus Statement of Environmental Agents Associated with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Published in 2008 by more than 50 scientists with citations from over 200 studies linking chemicals to developmental disabilities in children.

The Developing Brain and the Environment: An Introduction
Bernard Weiss and Philip J. Landrigan
An article first published in Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements, June 2000

Product Safety Database

These databases provide information on the safety of the products we use in home and church and for personal care.

Skin Deep: Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database
A very helpful database listed by product type, company/brand, or ingredient.

Household Products Database
This database from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services allows a search by Products, Manufacturers, Ingredients, and Health Effects.  Searches can also be initiated within the database to Toxnet, another U.S. government database. 

Christians and Environment

Some beginning links Christian environmental resources.

Mennonite Creation Care Network (MCCN)
MCCN, affiliated with Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada, is a Network of Mennonite people and agencies actively engaged in the care and restoration of God's creation. 

Eco-Justice Program on Environmental Health
The National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S. has initiated a number of Eco-Justice Programs.  This one on Environmental Health has many practical resources for both church buildings and persons within the church.  Resources include a statement on Christian Principles for a Healthy Body and Spirit, and free downloads on topics such as "Human Health, Pollution, and Toxics," a "Campaign for Safe Cosmetics," and a "Guide for Green Cleaning" in church buildings and homes.