Organic Living and Lifestyle Blog

What Is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)?

December 28th, 2007

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition that develops due to an exposure to synthetic chemicals. The sufferer experiences various chronic symptoms such as itchy and irritated skin thereafter. These symptoms will appear even when the person is exposed to low levels of these chemicals but over a long period of time. The symptoms can affect the sufferer’s health and well-being. Once the person is no longer around these chemicals, the symptoms disappear and health improves.

MCS is also known by several other names; such as include toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), environmental illness (EI), chemical injury (CI), Sick Building Syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) and Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT). They all essentially refer to the same condition.

The chronic symptoms can be one or a combination of the following:

1. Runny nose

2. Scalp pain

3. Itchy eyes

4. Mental confusion or sleepiness

5. Headache

6. Palpitations of the heart

7. Abdominal cramping

8. Scratchy throat

9. Dizziness

10. Ear ache

11. Upset stomach

12. Nausea and/or diarrhea

13. Achy joints

14. Shortness of breath

At its worst, MCS can also cause respiratory distress, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, heart arrhythmia, nausea and chronic fatigue.

You should know that unfortunately, many health societies and organizations have not accepted the fact that this illness does exist. They claim that there is nothing to prove that the symptoms directly result from an exposure to certain chemicals. Scientific research studies had found it hard to show a direct link. It is not difficult to guess that a majority of these organizations are simply fighting for their own interest with their view. They are likely to have a financial stake in the continued sale and manufacture of products that contain the synthetic chemicals and their profits will be in jeopardy if they say otherwise.

It is true that MCS is not easy to identify because there are very few products that do not contain synthetic chemicals. Additionally, the symptoms of this disease are quite common in numerous other illnesses and diseases, including stress.

Nevertheless, there really are people who do have recurring symptoms whenever they are around specific environmental chemicals. Here are some common products known to result in MCS and that have been pointed out by experts who say that MCS exists:

1. Latex paints, gloves and caulking

2. Pesticides bug sprays

3. Nitrogen dioxide from unvented gas stoves and heaters

4. Fragrances and dyes

5. Solvents in household cleansers, paints strippers and gasoline

6. Formaldehyde, which is found in carpeting, plywood, particle board and insulation

7. Household cleaners

8. Carbon monoxide from gas appliances

9. Dyes (especially dark blue) that are found in clothing, curtains, tablecloths, napkins, rags and furniture

10. Synthetic fabrics and materials

11. Lawn chemicals

12. Synthetic lemon, pine, floral, etc.

If you want to prevent MCS, then there are things that you can do to minimize your exposure. Within your own home, you can decide on the type of household products and cleansers that you can use. Learn how to read the labels. If you need to handle some of the products that contain chemicals, wear gloves. Minimise the use of fragrance.

It is to your advantage to get educated and informed about the harmful chemicals and the symptoms they can cause. Still, there is so much that you can do as you cannot control the products used outside your home such as in the office. You can of course help to teach those around about what you know about MCS and encourage them to use safer products.

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