I, Diana Crumpler, have suffered from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity for thirty of my 57 years

, my condition triggered by unsolicited exposure to pesticides including mevinphos, DDT acrolein and phenoxy herbicides.

Our 15 year battle to discover what had destroyed the health of an entire family (our three sons were also diagnosed as suffering from MCS), my coming to terms with the illness along with the science of MCS and exposure to toxic chemicals, is documented in my book “Chemical Crisis”.

A re-exposure to pesticides in 1994 triggered concomitant electromagnetic sensitivity (EMS), destroyed what little quality of life MCS had allowed me to retain.

Despite every attempt at therapy my condition has escalated to the stage that I am confined not only to total isolation but also to total darkness (EMR sensitivity often includes sensitivity to light and sound as well), my body racked by constant pain, my isolation from society complete, my existence now a black hole of nothingness.

At one time, I was a highly qualified professional (dux of two tertiary courses). I rode and broke horses, was an artist, a keen gardener, an avid reader, a dedicated mother, home-maker and partner in the family business and a tireless worker for charity.

As a result of toxic exposures and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, I am totally redundant, a burden to my dear husband who continues to care for me and regarded by all else hereabouts as the village idiot. Worst of all, is to see our most seriously afflicted son heading down the same track.

Morality, justice and our sense of humanity demand that Multiple Chemical Sensitivity/chemically induced illnesses, diseases & injury and Electromagnetic Sensitivity, be recognized worldwide as legitimate non-psychiatric entities, the upshot of exposure/s to neuro-toxic chemicals and that sufferers be afforded access to appropriate medical care, as well as all the other services, i.e. social, legal, educational, communal – that are the rights of other citizens of a democracy.

Yours sincerely,

DIANA CRUMPLER as dictated to Bernie Crumpler.