Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) occurs as a result of exposure to the thousands of synthetic chemicals that are part of modern life. For most people, exposure to everyday chemicals causes no problems whatsoever. But for those with MCS, inhaling or otherwise coming into contact with, certain chemicals will cause a range of symptoms like headache, dizziness, and fatigue. The chemicals are found in regular household products, cosmetics, toiletries, office equipment, and building materials.
The best approach to managing MCS is strict avoidance of the chemicals that provoke symptoms, once these have been identified, which may include use of an air purifier to improve air quality by absorbing suspect chemicals.
To best controll your MCS symptoms:
- Avoid exposure to chemical pollution
- Use chemical free cleaning products
- Wash bedding and other fabrics with MCS Friedly laundry detergent
- Use a IQAir GC MultiGas to filter chemicals out of the air
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FAQ about MCS:
- What is multiple chemical sensitivity?
- What chemicals are most likely to cause MCS?
- How common is MCS?
- What are the symptoms of MCS?
- What is the prognosis in MCS?
- Is there a genetic factor in MCS?
- How is MCS diagnosed?
- Can MCS be confused with other diseases?
- How can MCS be managed?
- Are there any treatments for MCS?
- What research is being done into MCS?
What is multiple chemical sensitivity?
Also known as chemical intolerance, environmental illness, and (misleadingly) total allergy syndrome, MCS is a condition in which the patient experiences a reaction to various chemicals, fumes, and synthetic materials. Multiple chemical sensitivity seems to develop in two stages. In the initiation stage, hypersensitivity to one or more toxic chemicals occurs either from a major incident, like exposure in a chemical spill, or through chronic long-term exposure – working in a poorly ventilated office or hairdressing salon, for instance – or from a combination of the two. This event may simply overwhelm the body's ability to detoxify the chemical, particularly if the individual's detoxifying enzymes are less efficient than they should be. Then, in the triggering stage, symptoms appear on exposure to not just the initiating chemical but to a wider range of chemicals as well.
Although MCS sometimes shares some of the same symptoms of allergic disease, such as coughing or running eyes, it is not a true allergy. It is a difficult condition to diagnose, treat, and manage, and is far less well understood than asthma, eczema, or rhinitis. Some doctors and organisations do not believe that MCS is a 'true' illness and a patient may be told it is 'all in the mind'. For some patients psychological symptoms can, indeed, be part of the picture in MCS. We do not know why some people appear to be so sensitive to chemicals that generally cause no ill effects. One theory is that the liver enzymes of patients with MCS are less efficient and take longer to detoxify and excrete any chemicals taken into the body. Another theory is that the part of the brain involved in processing odours may react differently to chemical exposures in those with MCS. A further theory is based upon abnormally high levels of nitric oxide, a biochemical messenger, in tissue.
What chemicals are most likely to cause MCS?
Common trigger for MCS include:
- Tobacco smoke
- Perfume
- Petrol and traffic fumes
- Paint
- Photocopier chemicals
- Formaldehyde and other volatile organic compounds (found in a wide range of products like DIY materials, glues, new carpet)
- Pesticides and other agrochemicals
- Chlorine in swimming pools
- Nail polish and nail polish remover
- Hair spray and other chemicals found in hairdressing and beauty salons
- Newsprint and glossy paper in magazines
- Household cleaners
- Dry cleaning fluid.
How common is MCS?
Because some doctors do not recognise MCS, it may be either undiagnosed or diagnosed as something else. Therefore there are no accurate figures on how common MCS is, save for a study carried out 2004 which suggests that 11.2% of the United States population is hypersensitive to one or more of the chemical triggers listed above. This study, which surveyed 1,054 people by telephone, found that 2.5% had a formal diagnosis of MCS.
Multiple chemical sensitivity is far more common among women than men, and most patients are in the 30-50 age group.
What are the symptoms of MCS?
People with MCS report a wide range of symptoms (some will suffer from many, others from one or two), including:
- Breathing problems
- Sneezing, blocked or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Memory problems
- Mood changes
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating.
Symptoms vary in severity from mild to disabling. Often the person with MCS often finds themselves in real quandary. They may not be able to pinpoint their triggers and so continue to suffer their symptoms. Or they may know their triggers, decide to avoid them but find this has a huge negative impact on their work, social, and personal lives.
What is the prognosis in MCS?
Multiple chemical sensitivity is generally regarded as a chronic illness. Although there are various anecdotal accounts of recovery, there really hasn't been enough scientific research into MCS to be able to describe the natural course of the condition.
Is there a genetic factor in MCS?
There have been a number of studies in recent years that suggest that individuals with MCS have variations in a number of genes involved in the breakdown of environmental chemicals by the body.
How is MCS diagnosed?
Taking a careful case history is the key to diagnosis in MCS. In particular, the doctor should try to help the patient uncover any link between their routine and activities and symptoms which might reveal which chemical exposures are involved. The patient can help here, by keeping a diary. A thorough medical should also include any appropriate X-rays or blood tests to exclude other possible causes for the symptoms. A referral to an allergy or other specialist may form part of the investigation. It is important to find a GP who will not dismiss a patient's concerns if they feel they may have MCS. Unfortunately, there is no specific diagnostic test for MCS. It is therefore far harder to diagnose than allergic disease, such as asthma or rhinitis.
Can MCS be confused with other diseases?
Yes. The following disorders may either co-exist with MCS (complicating the clinical picture) or present with similar symptoms to MCS:
- Depression
- Panic and other types of anxiety disorder
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Fibromyalgia
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Underactive thyroid gland.
How can MCS be managed?
Try to achieve a balance between avoiding chemical triggers and leading a normal life. Avoid withdrawal from people and everyday life for fear of being exposed to a trigger. Having said that, it is obviously crucial to do all you can to avoid exposure to your trigger(s). For instance, you could:
- Chose bedding, paint and other household product which are made specifically for those with MCS.
- Improve the quality of your indoor air (if, for instance, you are sensitive to formaldehyde (or other volatile organic compounds), smoke, or odours, with an air purifier fitted with efficient absorbers made of activated charcoal, such as the IQAir GC MultiGas.
- Don't let anyone smoke around you, if smoke is your trigger.
- Make sure your home is well ventilated.
A survey of nearly 1000 people with MCS by researchers at James Madison University, Virginia, USA, revealed that achieving a chemical-free living space and avoidance of chemicals, followed by meditation/prayer, were the most effective management techniques for the condition.
Are there any treatments for MCS?
The doctor should reassure the patient that the symptoms of MCS, while troublesome, will not cause any long-term damage. Any co-existing or underlying medical problems should be treated in the usual way. There are a number of unproven treatments around for MCS but, at the present time, there is no treatment for the condition which have stood the test of rigorous clinical trials (because such trials have not yet been carried out).
What research is being done into MCS?
There is not as much research into MCS as might be justified for a condition that seems to affect so many people. One leading figure is Martin Pall, a professor at Washington State University, who is developing a comprehensive biochemical theory of MCS based upon damage caused by elevated levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite in tissue which also plays a role in other poorly understood conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue (it is called the NO/ONOO – pronounced "no, oh no" – theory, for short).
Meanwhile, the REACH project might help us make more sense of that ‘sea’ of everyday chemicals. REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances) is a massive European Community project which began in 2007. REACH was set up because information on the long-term health effects – including MCS – of the thousands of synthetic chemicals we are exposed to every day. Over the next few years, manufacturers will have to provide information about the chemicals they make and how they can be handled safely. There will also be a move to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. Information is freely available a central database run by the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki. The database will help consumers find hazard information on various chemicals and its very existence might help even raise awareness of MCS.
Further information
Study on prevalence of MCS http://www.healthyhouseinstitute.com/a_710-How_Common_is_MCS_Multiple_Chemical_Sensitivity
Genetic differences in individuals with MCS http://www.ehjournal.net/content/6/1/6
American Family Physician reference on MCS
http://www.aafp.org/afp/1998/0901/p721.html
The Chemical Sensitivity Foundation http://www.chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org/
Treatment efficacy study http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1241653/?tool=pmcentrez
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. What is it? http://www.multiplechemicalsensitivity.org/
The REACH project. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm
MCS research from James Madison University http://www.mcsresearch.net/papers.htm
Martin Pall's research http://www.thecanaryreport.org/2010/07/05/martin-pall/
