Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), or Environmental Illness (EI), are the names for an assortment of problems that can affect any part of the human body. Chemicals found in cleaners, personal care products, food, plastics, and even water, can cause this condition.

People suffering with MCS lack the ability to adequately detoxify their bodies. Symptoms include: headaches, severe fatigue, hyperactivity, muscle pain, joint pain, stomach and bowel problems, constant congestion, muscle twitches, and asthma-type symptoms. Other symptoms include emotional and behavioural problems, depression, loss of memory, and inability to learn or concentrate. More and more people are coming forward, reporting these symptoms, and having their sensitivities confirmed.

I have read the accounts of many victims. Most were very sensitive to chemicals in cleaning and personal care products. They had debilitating body aches, headaches, depression and other nervous disorders. Thankfully, the majority have received nearly complete relief by switching to people-friendly household products.

Dr. William Rea, a world-known environmental doctor in Dallas, Texas, reports that of all the patients he has seen with MCS, only 13% report developing the condition after a one-time, acute poisoning. Sixty percent report developing the condition as the result of long-term, slow poisonings involving minimal amounts of toxins. Only 28% of the cases he has documented are work-related. A staggering 72% of the cases are people who have been exposed to chemicals at home or at other places.

Dr. Rea cites the following factors as influencing the onset of MCS:

• Total Toxic Body Burden - This is the sum of all toxins in the body. When the accumulation overloads a person’s detox system, MCS can occur.
• Nutritional State - The more nutrient-depleted a person’s body is, the more likely they are to develop MCS.
• Synergisms - This means the combination of the different chemicals in the body will have a stronger effect than individual toxins.
• Bioaccumulation of Toxins - This refers to how less-dense tissues, like fat cells, can actually absorb and accumulate chemicals. Without the time and nutrition for the body to cleanse itself, the accumulation level can be dangerous.

According to Doris Rapp, M.D., Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is common. Most physicians who practice environmental medicine, including herself, estimate that 25 to 50% of today’s population is sensitive to one degree or another.

Nancy, a young, vibrant, well-trained teacher, developed MCS over a period of eight years. She became fatigued, experienced muscle aches, constant ear ringing, difficulty concentrating, blackouts, and severe depression. She became so sensitive that even the faintest smell of chemical odour made her ill. Scents in her body lotions, make-up and hair spray made her so confused that she could not tell time or recall the names of her students. A whiff of perfume caused her to laugh uncontrollably and twitch.

During a leave of absence, she was too tired to get out of bed, take a shower, or prepare a snack. Her condition was traced to, among many things, phenol in the disinfectants used in the toilets near her classroom. After two years of therapy, she began to feel better, but she still carries a charcoal filter mask everywhere she goes and fears a total relapse.

Martha, a dedicated teacher, was assigned by her school to tutor students who needed extra help. Unfortunately, the only available room was a converted custodial closet located between two toilets. The vapours from cleaners, disinfectants and deodorizers constantly filtered into this room through vents in the walls.

After tutoring for awhile in this room, Martha developed a persistent, nagging cough, joint stiffness and swelling, facial spasms, excessive mucus, and vision problems. She was able to find a doctor who began to treat her sensitivities. Even after extensive treatment, she still lives with many limitations. Although she has eliminated toxins in her home, she cannot remain in a public place like a shopping mall for more than a few minutes. She still needs to take an anti-allergy extract and can drink only purified water.

Both of these stories represent extreme cases of MCS. Most people who suffer with MCS do not have such profound symptoms, but rather experience symptoms like recurring headaches, muscle aches, depression, and chronic fatigue.

Hopefully, more will be learned about MCS and treatments will improve. However, I think the focus should be on prevention. By reducing the amount of toxins in your home, you can help to reduce the risk of MCS in a loved one.

[Next] [Contents Page]