Lynn Lawson with award, December 14, 2015
Ninety year old Lynn Lawson of Evanston, IL passed away on January 30, 2016.
In September, 2015, Mary Lamielle, Executive Director of the National Center for Environmental Health Strategies, named Lynn Lawson the first recipient of the NCEHS EI Pioneer Award:
“The award is to honor longtime leaders for their sustained efforts to raise public awareness about the impact of environmental exposures, to help those with environmental illness, as well as to honor leaders whose advocacy initiatives have led to significant advances in policy, programs, and practices that have improved the lives of individuals with environmental sensitivities.
People with environmental sensitivities or intolerances historically referred to themselves as “EI’s”—individuals with environmental illness, who experience complex, multi-system reactions to chemical, electrical, and other environmental exposures, and to specific foods, medications, and natural substances.
As the first recipient of the award, Lynn Lawson is celebrated for her many educational efforts to bring awareness of the impact of toxic exposures on public health.
In 1994 she published Staying Well in a Toxic World: Understanding Environmental Illness, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Chemical Injuries, and Sick Building Syndrome. She issued Staying Well in A Toxic World…A New Millennium Update in 2000.
Lynn’s many editorial and publication efforts include a seven year stint as the editor and principal writer of the Canary News, the newsletter for the MCS: Health & Environment, a Chicago-area support and advocacy group.”
The award was presented to Lynn by Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) on December 14, 2015.
Lynn Lawson was also a Chemical Sensitivity Foundation Board Member, and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate in chemistry from Beloit College and received her master’s degree in English from Northwestern University. She taught English composition and literature at the university level for several years before becoming a medical and technical writer.
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With gratitude to a Canary Pioneer, wishing the best wherever her future flights may lead.
Seriously "Sensitive" to Pollution 
Reblogged this on Elaine Willis' Blog and commented:
Every now and then I think we have made great strides in education about Environmental Illness awareness. Every now and then I think the facts are now persuasive enough to help people recognize that the substances making “US” ill are healthy for no human and no living thing on this planet. Every now and then I realize that despite the work of pioneers like Lynn Lawson, understanding and interest in this topic remain near the starting line. I hope I have another 28 years to devote to this, and that change grows exponentially.
I echo the gratitude expressed in this BLOG and renew my vows to continue to work hard for change through all means available to me.
Thanks for all your efforts Elaine!
What an amazing lady. I hope more are inspired to carry on her legacy.
Yes.
Memorial service Sunday for Lynn Lawson, ‘true pioneer’ for environmental health
April 12, 2016
Pioneering environmental health activist Lynn Lawson didn’t leave her final service unscripted — not surprising for someone who fearlessly approached the largely unknown terrain of environmental illness and provided a road map out for many suffering from toxic chemicals and substances.
“Lynn left written instructions for her memorial service, telling us to ‘Make it fun!'” said Kathleen Flaherty, her close friend. Flaherty said all are welcome to attend.
The organizers have planned to do just that at a memorial service planned for 4 p.m., Sunday at the Unitarian Church of Evanston, 1330 Ridge Ave.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/evanston/news/ct-evr-lawson-honor-tl-0414-20160412-story.html