Environmental Sensitivities can occur when people become sensitive to substances or phenomena in their everyday environment at levels well below what “normal” people would consider acceptable. Sensitivity reactions can be triggered by scented products, cleaning products, laundry detergents, paints, petrochemicals, cigarette smoke, pesticides, pets, plants, fuels, electromagnetic radiation, molds, foods, etc.
The effect of environmental sensitivities can be overwhelming. Productive people may suddenly or gradually become unable to tolerate offices, homes, schools, hospitals and public places. Despite skills and education, some people with sensitivities end up on social assistance. Many become socially isolated as they are forced to retreat from places and activities they love, and for some, the devastation extends to losing spouses, family and friends who may not believe they are ill.
This disability may be invisible, but it is real. Environmental Sensitivities have been recognized as disabilities by the Canadian Human Rights Commission and many provincial human rights commissions.
-Schopenhauer
The purpose of EHA Ontario is to provide support and gain respect and understanding for the many men, women, and children suffering from toxic chemical injury (i.e. from pesticides, volatile organic chemicals, heavy metals, etc), Environmental Sensitivities and other related disabilities. We strive to create public awareness by providing education for the full recognition of environmentally induced illnesses, while promoting mutual respect between fellow human beings and encouraging all members of the community to participate and create a world in which there is no threat of toxic injury.