What Is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)?
In today's modern and electronic world, you may have noticed or become aware of the effects the environment has on your health or that of a loved one. Perhaps you've noticed physical or mental symptoms when exposed to various scents, petrochemicals, gas vapors, fabrics, detergents, office machines, copiers and computers, and more. You may have noticed that the symptoms are worse at work, and you cannot function well enough to perform your duties as usual. Even healthy people are reporting a range of symptoms, such as headaches, nausea, or allergy and exacerbation of asthma from this "chemical soup."
So, what is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity? MCS Referral and Resources defines multiple chemical sensitivity as "a chronic condition marked by heightened sensitivity to multiple different chemicals and other irritants at or below previously tolerated levels of exposure. Sensitivity to odors is often accompanied by food and drug intolerances, photosensitivity to sunlight and other sensory abnormalities, such as hypersensitivity to touch, heat and/or cold, and loud noises and impaired balance, memory and concentration." Some people also report increased sensitivity to electrical appliances, computers and televisions. MCS may be caused by an acute exposure or repeated low-level exposures to various environmental chemicals or agents. While some reactions resemble symptoms commonly perceived as resulting from an allergy, it is important to understand that reactions to chemicals are serious and can include neurotoxic effects which can seriously impair functioning. Except for the MCS victims themselves, few people realize that reactions to environmental triggers may become so debilitating that those affected must make drastic lifestyle changes in order to survive.
Reactions can include symptoms such as headache, fatigue, burning of the eyes, nose and throat, voice loss, respiratory or breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal pain and weakness, sleep disorders, seizure disorders, memory loss, concentration problems and cognitive dysfunction, etc. As you can tell, these symptoms can affect many organ systems and can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms can be immediate or delayed, transitory or chronic. The frequency and severity of these symptoms are made worse by subsequent exposures at even very low doses to a wider range of chemicals and other irritants from a great variety of sources, e.g., air pollutants, food additives, fuels, building materials, scented products, cleaning agents, etc.
The best treatment for chemical sensitivity is avoidance of the offending substances. Coping measures start with the person identifying triggering agents and avoiding them. Also, it is necessary to clean up one's surroundings by investigating and reducing sources of indoor air pollution. With time, one may be able gradually to reintroduce foods, a new piece of clothing, furniture, etc., one at a time. While there is no known cure for MCS, through the reduction and environmental control of exposures, a person may experience some recovery and increased tolerance to one's environment.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a growing major health problem. Several population survey findings indicate that while MCS appears to afflict 4% to 6% of the population, 15% to 30% of the general population perceive themselves as "especially" or "unusually" sensitive to common everyday chemicals. The condition overlaps heavily with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Gulf War Syndrome.
How does this condition affect your life? It turns it upside down. You constantly monitor your environment, because if you don't, you not only suffer reactions and symptoms, but your health can get worse. Pamela Gibson, Ph.D., et al, at James Madison University, studied persons having chemical sensitivity or chemical injury and found that having chemical sensitivity affects work, finances, quality of available medical services, access to public space and resources, relationships and personal distress. Living with this poorly understood and unrecognized illness with little medical or social support can and has resulted in the loss of livelihood, home and mobility for the many sufferers disabled by this medical illness. The difficulties of coping with this chronic illness cannot be overstated.
So, what is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity? MCS Referral and Resources defines multiple chemical sensitivity as "a chronic condition marked by heightened sensitivity to multiple different chemicals and other irritants at or below previously tolerated levels of exposure. Sensitivity to odors is often accompanied by food and drug intolerances, photosensitivity to sunlight and other sensory abnormalities, such as hypersensitivity to touch, heat and/or cold, and loud noises and impaired balance, memory and concentration." Some people also report increased sensitivity to electrical appliances, computers and televisions. MCS may be caused by an acute exposure or repeated low-level exposures to various environmental chemicals or agents. While some reactions resemble symptoms commonly perceived as resulting from an allergy, it is important to understand that reactions to chemicals are serious and can include neurotoxic effects which can seriously impair functioning. Except for the MCS victims themselves, few people realize that reactions to environmental triggers may become so debilitating that those affected must make drastic lifestyle changes in order to survive.
Reactions can include symptoms such as headache, fatigue, burning of the eyes, nose and throat, voice loss, respiratory or breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal pain and weakness, sleep disorders, seizure disorders, memory loss, concentration problems and cognitive dysfunction, etc. As you can tell, these symptoms can affect many organ systems and can be mild, moderate or severe. Symptoms can be immediate or delayed, transitory or chronic. The frequency and severity of these symptoms are made worse by subsequent exposures at even very low doses to a wider range of chemicals and other irritants from a great variety of sources, e.g., air pollutants, food additives, fuels, building materials, scented products, cleaning agents, etc.
The best treatment for chemical sensitivity is avoidance of the offending substances. Coping measures start with the person identifying triggering agents and avoiding them. Also, it is necessary to clean up one's surroundings by investigating and reducing sources of indoor air pollution. With time, one may be able gradually to reintroduce foods, a new piece of clothing, furniture, etc., one at a time. While there is no known cure for MCS, through the reduction and environmental control of exposures, a person may experience some recovery and increased tolerance to one's environment.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a growing major health problem. Several population survey findings indicate that while MCS appears to afflict 4% to 6% of the population, 15% to 30% of the general population perceive themselves as "especially" or "unusually" sensitive to common everyday chemicals. The condition overlaps heavily with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Gulf War Syndrome.
How does this condition affect your life? It turns it upside down. You constantly monitor your environment, because if you don't, you not only suffer reactions and symptoms, but your health can get worse. Pamela Gibson, Ph.D., et al, at James Madison University, studied persons having chemical sensitivity or chemical injury and found that having chemical sensitivity affects work, finances, quality of available medical services, access to public space and resources, relationships and personal distress. Living with this poorly understood and unrecognized illness with little medical or social support can and has resulted in the loss of livelihood, home and mobility for the many sufferers disabled by this medical illness. The difficulties of coping with this chronic illness cannot be overstated.