Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)?
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is also known as Chemical Injury, Chemical Sensitivity,
Environmental Illness (E.I.), and Multiple Allergy.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a severe sensitivity to chemically based pollutants including volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) such as those found in perfumes and smoke. Reactions are usually
reproducible with repeated exposure to the same triggers.
MCS Triggers And Effects
These seem to vary with each individual. One person may find
a certain perfume very mild, but be highly reactive to a specific
cleaning product; another person with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity may be totally the
opposite with a violent reaction to the 'mild' scented product,
and not at all to the cleaning product.
Chemical triggers include:
For a fuller list of sources of VOCs, see Indoor Air Pollution.
These chemicals can be absorbed by the skin after application of
skin care products or the use of cleaning compounds, or even
from our clothing. From the skin they pass into the bloodstream.
When we inhale chemical fumes and fragrances, they affect the central nervous
system, of which the brain is the major component.
When the central nervous system is affected, symptoms can include diminished
cognition and memory, slower reaction time, decreased hand-eye
and foot-eye coordination, disturbed balance and gait. It
can also lead to mood disorders, with depression, irritability
and fatigue as common symptoms.
Some of these chemicals are cancer causing; some cause severe damage to
respiratory, reproductive, neurological and other organ systems.
For an example of the health effects of one of these chemicals, let's look at benzene.
Benzene impairs the normal operation of cells. For example,
it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood
cells, which can lead to anemia. Also, it can damage the
immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and
causing the loss of white blood cells.
People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop
the following signs and symptoms within minutes to several
hours: drowsiness , dizziness, rapid or irregular heartbeat,
headaches, tremors, confusion, unconsciousness, death (at
very high levels).
The extent and nature of health
problems associated with these and other pollutants is related
to many factors, such as level and frequency of exposure,
length of time exposed, and the predisposition of individuals
based on other health factors.
Once sensitized to a particular
irritant, a subsequent exposure to even a tiny amount of the
same irritant can cause an extreme reaction.
More research is needed in the area of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Those of us who have experienced
it firsthand can provide abundant anecdotal evidence!
Symptoms of MCS and Exposure to Scents
Symptoms of exposure to scents and symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are so similar that we have combined the lists here:
- • headaches/migraines
- • dizziness/vertigo
- • anxiety
- • muscular weakness
- • muscle and joint pain
- • shortness of breath
- • wheezing/dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- • nausea/vomiting
- • cold-like symptoms/sinus problems
- • fatigue
- • problems concentrating, feeling confused
- • loss of appetite
- • depression
- • seizures
- • numbness
- • conjunctival irritation (eyes)
- • nose, throat discomfort
- • respiratory tract irritations
- • pharyngitis (sore throat), cough
- • allergic skin reaction (itching, rash)
- • change in enzyme levels affecting the nervous system
- • nosebleed
- • sensitivity to light and/or noise
- • loss of coordination
- • damage to liver, kidney and central nervous system
- • visual disorders
- • memory impairment
- • sleeping problems
- • digestive upset
Often many of these symptoms are experienced concurrently.
Some of us 'canaries' who are very chemically sensitive also experience
an increase in asthma symptoms as a result of exposure to
chemicals in perfume, hair spray, personal care products,
laundry soaps and fabric softeners.
Reduction Of MCS Symptoms
For most sufferers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, avoidance
of pollutants/toxicants is the key. Patients usually improve
when triggers are absent.
As you learn more about air pollutants, you'll understand how to spot them and how to get
rid of them—or how to avoid them!
While disease caused by indoor air pollution
is theoretically preventable, it is a constant challenge to
try and avoid these triggers which are so common in our society.
In fact, MCS can be quite isolating for those who are extremely
sensitive to chemical pollutants.
At work it may be helpful
to explain your sensitivity to your employer and ask for cooperation
in finding ways to reduce your exposure to irritants, such
as using a desk farther away from printers, fax machines and
photocopiers. You could also request a 'scent-free' policy
in your workplace, which is increasingly common in many public
places and government facilities.
Free Download of 'SCENT-FREE' Signs
The BC Lung Association has "Scent
Free" signs to post in your workplace.
Importance of Ventilation
Good ventilation is always important. It is even more crucial to increase ventilation when using products
that emit volatile organic compounds, and to meet or exceed any label precautions. Do not store
opened containers of unused paints and similar materials within your home or office.
A 3 Step Clean Air Plan goes a long way in improving indoor air quality.
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