Lourdes Salvador
May 05, 2008

Are you familiar with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)? Chances are good that someone gave you this article to help you understand and accommodate their medical condition or to help learn how to avoid developing MCS.

MCS is an environmental illness (EI) in which negative neurological, pulmonary, cardiac, and rheumatic health effects, among others, are experienced from exposure to common environmental chemicals, including fragrances, cleaners, pesticides, and petrochemicals at concentrations that are below regulatory toxicity thresholds normally deemed as safe.

The MCS diagnosis is based on the following six criteria:

1. The condition is chronic.

2. Symptoms recur reproducibly with repeated chemical exposure.

3. Symptoms recur in response to lower levels of chemicals than previously tolerated.

4. Symptoms appear in response to multiple chemically unrelated substances.

5. Symptoms improve or resolve when chemical incitants are removed.

6. Multiple organ systems are affected.

Approximately 15% of the population report chemical sensitivity and just under half of those experience life-altering affects that lead to disability. MCS affects all ages and both genders.

Products that people with MCS experience toxic reactions to include ANY quantity of exposures to pesticides, secondhand smoke, alcohol, fresh paint, scented products and perfumes, candles, fragrances, food preservatives, flavor enhancers, aerosols, tap water, cosmetics, personal care products, new carpets, petroleum products, formaldehyde, outdoor pollutants, newspaper ink, cleaning compounds, printing and office products, and other synthetically derived chemicals.

Some also react to natural products that are highly concentrated such as essential oils and natural orange cleaners due to the high volatile organic compound and pesticide concentrations.

Symptoms can range from minor annoyances, such as headache and nausea, to life-threatening respiratory distress. The most debilitating symptoms are neurological and include cognitive impairment, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.

The main medical treatment for MCS is a home free of toxic chemical and strict avoidance of exposure to any and all of the chemicals mentioned above, as well as any products which contain them.

Below are the most commonly asked questions about MCS.

Can't you take allergy pills?

Sometimes the word allergy is used to describe MCS because it´s easier to understand. However, MCS is not an allergy or inappropriate response to a substance that can be treated with allergy medications.

Isn´t MCS just an everyday malady sufferers just make too much of?

No. In fact, MCS often leads to total disability. Sufferers experience functional impairments that can affect speech, concentration, and coordination. Some have reported seizures activity and life-threatening respiratory reactions. These effects are certainly not everyday maladies.

Aren´t people with MCS just antisocial?

No. People with MCS report feeling cut off from social activities. It´s the chemical and fragrance exposures that accompany people and events that cause illness, which can last for hours or days afterwards and must be avoided. Making reasonable accommodations through fragrance free activities helps make social encounters accessible.

Why do people with MCS want to control what I use and wear?

MCS is not about controlling what you use or wear, though the use of safer products is beneficial to you too. In fact, people with MCS suffer functional impairment from exposures that, in some cases, may cause irreversible damage. Their requests for accommodation in the shared environment allow them to participate much like a wheel chair ramp allows a paraplegic access to events. Neither accommodation is about "control", but rather "accessibility".

Do people with MCS dislike smells?

No. People with MCS have adverse health reactions to chemicals. Often chemicals are used to create smells, though chemicals without any discernable odor also produce reactions. There are as many as 5,000 fragrance chemicals and 95% of them are toxic petrochemicals.

Is MCS a conditioned response?

No. People with MCS are not conditioned to have symptoms, though they are often hyper vigilant when it comes to following the number one recommendation for treating MCS, which is avoiding all chemical exposure.

Aren't MCSers just psychosomatic?

No. Studies show reduced blood flow to the brain when under perfume exposure in MCS subjects. Other clinically relevant test findings include altered mineral transport/absorption and reduced capacity for detoxification, among many other biological findings that account for their symptoms.

Isn't MCS caused by anxiety?

No. MCS symptoms are triggered by toxic chemical exposure. People with MCS often have slow hepatic detoxification as a result of chemical injury. Because they don´t eliminate toxicants effectively, small amounts of chemicals affect them severely. Cellular inflammation is increased when they are exposed to chemicals, leading to increased symptoms.

Why are you wearing that mask?

People with MCS may wear a mask or respirator to protect themselves from exposures and allow them greater accessibility to public places. They are not contagious. A mask is not an end all be all solution though. Fragrances, like cigarette smoke, leave residue on skin, hair, and clothing, where they are also absorbed into the body.

Could I catch MCS?

MCs is not a communicable disease. You cannot catch it from someone who has it. However, many chemicals can damage genes and the central nervous system, potentially leading to MCS. Switching to safer products and avoiding chemical exposure will reduce the chances of developing MCS.

How come I don´t react to the same things that someone with MCS reacts to?

Scientists are still researching MCS. Chemicals can damage genes that regulate hepatic detoxification. Once they are damaged, toxicants build up in the body to a point where toxicity occurs. It is likely this has not happened to you. However, it could happen to anyone. Avoiding unnecessary exposure to fragrances, pesticides, solvents, and carbon monoxide will greatly reduce the chances of developing MCS.

What can I do to accommodate someone with MCS?

Accommodating someone with MCS is not difficult. The individual with MCS will know what they can and can´t tolerate and provide detailed instructions. Ask what their needs are and listen carefully. Take what they tell you seriously, even if it seems far reached.

The worst thing you can do is to challenge the individual. MCS is a devastating condition that permanently alters the lives and livelihoods of it´s sufferers. Compassion and consideration will eliminate any problems down the road. Assist the person with requests for reasonable accommodations in public places.

What if I did everything and they are still having difficulties?

If you have done everything asked and there are still having difficulties, chances are there is something both of you missed. Be patient and open minded. Help the person search out the problem and work on a solution with them. When the needs of a person with MCS are met, the condition takes a back seat to your personal, professional, or academic relationship. It may take some trial and error to reach this point. Patience is required.

What should I avoid wearing or using when I´m going to visit with someone who has MCS?

Remove all air fresheners, cleaning chemicals, and other scented items, such as candles from the room. Simply placing them in a cupboard is insufficient. In their place, use baking soda and vinegar, or whatever the person with MCS suggests.

It is usually helpful to have a set of clothes reserved only for time you spend with the individual. Since laundry product fragrances are nearly impossible to remove from clothing, obtaining a new outfit for this purpose only and wash it in baking soda or unscented detergent. Usually the person with MCS is willing to do the laundering if you visit them frequently.

Family members can help by showering when they return home to remove residues of perfume, smoke, and other chemicals that remain on clothing, hair, and skin from public places.

What can I do at work or in the classroom to assist?

Avoid the use of perfumes, fragrances, air fresheners, and scented personal care products. Request that the students and staff use unscented products. The individual with MCS may be willing to suggest a product or provide some. Do not use cleaners around the individual. Schedule cleaning when the person is not there. Switch to less toxic products. Again, the individual will likely be willing to make some recommendations.

How can I assist a homebound person with MCS?

Follow the above recommendations for visiting someone with MCS. Often, the homebound need help with basic things like shopping and medical appointments.

After an adjustment period, the above recommendations will become automatic and effortless. Both you and the individual with MCS can enjoy a productive relationship and better health.



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