Understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

MCS or Multiple Chemical Sensitivities can affect anyone at any age. It can develop over time with multiple exposures or even after a single exposure. A person with MCS can be sensitive to the chemicals found in everyday things like cosmetics, perfumes, skincare, foods, building materials, pesticides, household cleaners, automobile exhaust, air pollution, smoke and the list goes on and on. 

I would describe it as being much like a system overload. Our bodies become overwhelmed by the toxic chemicals that surround us. Even the smallest exposure can cause some very unpleasant results in someone who is sensitive. Sometimes the cause is completely odourless and the person has absolutely no idea what has caused their reaction. Which can of course make it more difficult to avoid.
Keeping a record of any symptoms, the place or location they occurred, the food or product you used can usually help you to discover some kind of pattern and a possible cause. Armed with that information you can do your best to ovoid those triggers. 

It can be incredibly frustrating when simply going to a store exposes you to a trigger. Weather it's a cleaning product or someone's perfume it can leave you feeling terrible, frustrated and sick. Unfortunately some triggers can be hard to avoid and because of this it can often result in isolation.

Thankfully Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a medical condition that is acknowledged in Canada but this is not the case everywhere.

Symptom's of MCS can range from mild to sever. Everything from loss of smell, runny nose, inflammation/burning/itchy eyes, throat, and nose. Burning/itchy skin (skin irritation or rash), coughing, loss of voice, shortness of breath, trouble breathing, wheezing, and asthma like symptoms. Tingling or numbness of skin, mouth, tongue, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, headache (including migraine), nausea, and digestive issues. Lack of concentration, confusion, irritation, and general weakness, flue like symptoms, joint and muscle pain, swelling, and even chest pain. 

For example according to seriouslysensitivetopollution.org as of 2017 in the United States "Prevalence of diagnosed MCS has increased over 300%, and self-reported chemical sensitivity over 200%, in the past decade." The percentage of people affected by MCS is increasing and it's clearly this is a growing

a problem that isn't going to go away on it's own."

Thankfully it's not all bad news, there are things we can all do to help. 

By simply considering the types of products you use everyday in your home you can make a measurable and noticeable difference. 

Take a moment to think about how some ingredients affect your health and the health of those around you?  Does the perfume you use send others into a fit of coughing, cause them to have trouble breathing or use an inhaler? What about that strong smelling cleaner or laundry products?
Does the laundry detergent irritate a family members skin? Does your bathroom cleaner leave your eyes watering and red?
There are so many ways that our surroundings can affect us. So why not take the time to look at what we use and what we consume and make wiser decisions?  Create a safer and healthier environment for everyone (including our pets and other animals) to appreciate. 

You can find more information on Multiple Chemical Sensitivities for B.C., Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia at Environmental Health Associations. For more general information check out abilities.ca. A quick search also reveals that there are several MCS Facebook groups.

Personally we've used non ionizing hepa air purifiers (with permanent filters) for years and I can not tell you how much they help. Closing all the doors and windows and running an air purifier during allergy season or times of high pollution can really make a difference.
I would absolutely suggest doing your research before you purchase one. How big of an area do they clean? Is it non ionizing? Do you need to replace the filters? How often and how much does it cost to replace those filters. Can I wash or vacuum them?

 
I think it's also important to know that The Lung Association (as well as Health Canada and The US Environmental Protection Agency) cautions against using ionizers. 

Ozone is a lung irritant and according to phys.org news "...In everyday operating conditions, ions added to occupied environments such as a school or office building can react with other compounds present in indoor air, which can potentially lead to the formation of harmful byproducts such as formaldehyde and ozone. Ions can also rapidly bind to other gases and spur the formation of new 'ultrafine' particles, which are known air pollutants."

For more information and tips about air cleaners visit lung.ca

Sources:  

seriouslysensitivetopollution.org/statistics-for-mcses-fm-and-mecfs/
epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/what-are-ionizers-and-other-ozone-generating-air-cleaners
phys.org/news/2021-03-uncovers-safety-air-purifiers.html
wiselygreen.com/what-are-chemical-allergies/
eha-ab.ca/chemical/MCS%20Flyer.pdf
mcs-aware.org/home/what-is-mcs