What Is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
What's Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Anyway?
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, or MCS for short, is this term that's been around since 1956 that refers to a reaction related to a person’s exposure to certain chemicals. Of course, with the right amount of chemicals, anyone can react negatively. However, with MCS, even the slightest amount of exposure to chemicals or chemical odor can cause negative symptoms.
So, what causes MCS?
What causes some people to be more sensitive to chemicals compared to others? Well, it's a bit of a head-scratcher. It could be a mix of things like the environment around us, our genes, or autoimmune issues. However, there’s some debate whether or not the symptoms of MCS are due to the chemicals themselves or if the symptoms are psychosomatic (meaning it might be related to how our brains react to a chemical or odor due to past experiences, anxiety, etc.)
For example, imagine you don't like sweet potatoes. I mean, really don't like them (like me). But then you eat a bite. Even though sweet potatoes aren't actually harmful, you might feel like gagging, get queasy, or even throw up! That's because your brain is telling your body, "Hey, we don't like this!" This example shows how something in our mind can make our body have a real, physical reaction. MCS might work a bit like this for some people, reacting to smells and stuff. Studies have attempted to both prove and disprove this, but are generally inconclusive.
No matter if MCS comes from the actual chemical or the brain, one thing's for sure: the symptoms certainly are real and it can be devastating for those who have it. People with MCS can have a wide range of symptoms. Headaches, dizziness, trouble breathing, feeling super tired, itchy skin, and aches are just a few of them. Everyone with MCS might feel these things differently, making it a real puzzle for doctors snd tricky to diagnose.
Living Better with MCS
Regardless of the cause of MCS, we know that reducing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and odors reduce symptoms.
If you or someone in your home is a sensitive individual, make sure to be careful about what you are adding to your home. Be mindful of paints, building materials, fragrances, cleaning products, even furniture, which can all contain VOCs or triggering odors. Low VOC, non-toxic, natural, or even non-fragranced products are all great alternatives that can make all the difference.
It is also crucial to find professionals that enter your home (pest control, mold remediators, contractors) who understand chemical sensitivities and can use non-toxic alternatives to ensure a comfortable and supportive home environment for those suffering from MCS.
Indoor environmentalists are well versed in what environmental factors can trigger MCS and can help you eliminate these sources and create a plan to reduce triggers in your home. They can also help bring peace of mind to a homeowner that their space is safe and healthy for them.
Wrapping It Up
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is puzzling and at the end of the day we really do not know the exact root cause of it, meaning for those grappling with its challenges, the journey is difficult and often demanding. However, we do know ways we can reduce and prevent symptoms in a sensitive person's home.
You are the boss of your space and making your space chemical free and MCS sensitive is completely doable.
About the Author
Regan Tadrowski
Regan is a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science and Certified as an Environmental Mold Assessor and Fungal Microscopist
