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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

 

What is MCS?​

 Sufferers are affected by different triggers and their health improves when the triggers are removed. The quality of health deteriorates for people with MCS when exposed to chemicals or fragrances, more than it appears to in the general public. Multiple body systems are affected and differ from individual to individual.  Symptoms range from annoying to debilitating.

 

WHAT CAUSES PEOPLE TO BECOME CHEMICALLY SENSITIVE?

  • A person may have had an acute toxic experience that weakened their immune system

  • A person may have had smaller exposures over a long term (community buildings, outdoor pollution, workplace, home)

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In recent years, some people affected by MCS and other limbic system impairments have found good results with neuroplastic programs to rewire the brain.  (see resources)

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 For sufferers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, the avoidance of pollutants/toxicants is key to wellness.

 

 

 

SYMPTOMS

 

 

Physical

  •  Fatigue, body aches

  •  Shock – drop to the floor

  •  Chronic pain

  •  Headaches – migraines

  •  Rashes

  •  Altered balance/dizzy spells

  •  Nausea

  •  Sleep disturbances

 

Neurocognitive

  •  Mental fatigue – “brain fog”, difficulty concentrating or finding words to speak

  •  visual disturbances

  •  auditory disturbances

  •  reduced memory

 

Respiratory

  •  Shortness of breath

  •  Sinus pain & stuffiness

  •  Cough

  •  Loss of voice

 

Gastrointestinal

  •  GERD – acid reflux

  •  Food and chemical sensitivities

  •  Irritable bowel syndrome

 

Emotional

  •  Mood swings – irritability, anger, exhaustion

  •  Withdrawal from regular activities 

  •  Feelings of isolation & exclusion from social activities  affecting relationships

  •  Feelings of guilt, shame or of being an inconvenience to family, friends and co-workers

 

 

 

MCS people are more likely to develop

  •  Allergies

  •  Hypersensitivity to heat, cold, bright light, noise and weather changes

  •  Tension headaches

  •  Asthma

  •  Autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis, lupus and endometriosis

  •  PMS

  •  Anxiety

TRIGGERS

 

 

Personal care products

  •  Laundry detergents, dryer sheets, fabric softeners

  •  Hand creams

  •  Shampoos/conditioners, other hair products, dyes/perms

  •  Shaving foam, cologne

  •  Soap, body washes

  •  Hand sanitizers, antibacterial wipes

  •  Cosmetics, nail polish and remover

  •  Deodorant, antiperspirant

  •  Sunscreens

  • Insect repellants

  •  Diapers, baby products

  •  Essential oils

 

Businesses, Institutions and Residences

  • Bleach & chemical cleaners

  • Dish soaps and detergents

  • Polishes

  • Air and plug-in fresheners/deodorizers (powder or spray)

  • Carpet stain removers, household cleaners

  • Candles, incense

  • Cigarette smoke

  • Petrochemicals

  • Photocopier/printer inks, ink used in newspapers

  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)

  • Pesticides

  • Mould

  • Electromagnetic radiation (including wifi)

  • Processed foods, food additives & preservatives

  • Pet products

  • Magazines (fragrance/product samples & ink)

  • Wood smoke

 

Construction & Renovation Materials

  • Solvents

  • Glues

  • Varnishes ,shellacs

  • Particle board furniture

  • Laminates

  • VOC paints

  • Floor polish

  • Chemicals in general

  • Driveway and road asphalt & tar

 

Vehicles

  • Grease, gasoline, oil

  • Diesel fuel and machinery exhaust

  • Upholstery fabric guard, fire retardants, rust proofing

  • Off-gassing from rubber and vinyl

  • Some air filters are now fragranced

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