Dear Friends and Family,

I am writing to explain my disability, which is my intolerance to most synthetic chemicals, all fragrance, and EMF (e.g. wifi from cell phones, etc — note that I use cable Internet to communicate online).  To the best of my knowledge, this disability resulted from over-exposure during my lifetime and bioaccumulation of toxic substances in my system.   

Millions of people have this same disability, although it is not being recognized by society.  It is sometimes called the silent disability because people who have it can appear healthy so long as they avoid exposure — their weight is within normal range, their hands are not shaking, their speech does not slur, they are able to engage in physical activities, they are not in a wheelchair, they have all of their limbs, etc.   

For me and millions of others, exposure to small amounts of most synthetic chemicals, fragranced products, and WiFi disables me physically and mentally, and this can last for days or even weeks.  Depending on the level and type of exposure, I may not be able to do any intellectual work, may not be able to take care of basic household tasks, or may even need to sleep 18 hour days. 

Unfortunately I am faced with the risk of exposure every time I go out of my house — to the grocery store, vet’s office, a restaurant, and even a doctor’s office.  I am also faced with the risk of exposure every time someone comes into my house with chemicals, fragrance, and/or their wireless devices.    

This takes a huge emotional toll on me.  I’ve developed PTSD symptoms because every exposure it is a trauma to my body.  Most careers are out of reach for me because my capacity to work is highly compromised.  I am forced to isolate socially to maintain my health.  There are many fun activities out of reach for me.  Moreover, people dismiss my needs, refuse to acknowledge my condition, get angry at me for speaking up, etc.   

I spend a lot of effort leaning how to effectively communicate myself to others, process my emotions, unravel PTSD symptoms when they develop, etc.  This is in addition to the time, money, and other resources I dedicate to trying to maintain and improve my health.  

I’ve been living with this disability for three years now.  Unfortunately I have learned that travel is out of the question for me.  House guests have not worked out.  If you are family, please contact us if you would like to find a way to see us.  I also have limited capacity to be supportive emotionally to others, as so much of my bandwidth is going to making my life work.  

Some examples of things I cannot tolerate:  Clothes washed with fragranced laundry detergent, synthetic cleaning products, disinfectants, and perfumes. Fragranced shampoos, soaps, deodorants.  It is enough that they are in the room or on other people.  These contain toxic chemicals.  I also cannot be around people when they fiddle with their cell phones and cannot receive cell phone communications unless it is an emergency (I may not even get them anyway for days or weeks unless I know to look).  I cannot look at pictures on a cell phone — either yours or mine.  

Thank you for reading this letter.  If you are put off, angry or think I am crazy, I cannot be too surprised, as I get this reaction frequently enough.  I ask that you hold space for me and realize that I cannot meet your expectations because of my disability.