| Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition that | | | | of products that contain the synthetic chemicals and |
| develops due to an exposure to synthetic chemicals. | | | | their profits will be in jeopardy if they say otherwise. |
| The sufferer experiences various chronic symptoms | | | | It is true that MCS is not easy to identify because |
| such as itchy and irritated skin thereafter. These | | | | there are very few products that do not contain |
| symptoms will appear even when the person is | | | | synthetic chemicals. Additionally, the symptoms of |
| exposed to low levels of these chemicals but over a | | | | this disease are quite common in numerous other |
| long period of time. The symptoms can affect the | | | | illnesses and diseases, including stress. |
| sufferer's health and well-being. Once the person is | | | | Nevertheless, there really are people who do have |
| no longer around these chemicals, the symptoms | | | | recurring symptoms whenever they are around |
| disappear and health improves. | | | | specific environmental chemicals. Here are some |
| MCS is also known by several other names; such as | | | | common products known to result in MCS and that |
| include toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), | | | | have been pointed out by experts who say that |
| environmental illness (EI), chemical injury (CI), Sick | | | | MCS exists: |
| Building Syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance | | | | 1. Latex paints, gloves and caulking |
| (IEI) and Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT). | | | | 2. Pesticides bug sprays |
| They all essentially refer to the same condition. | | | | 3. Nitrogen dioxide from unvented gas stoves and |
| The chronic symptoms can be one or a combination | | | | heaters |
| of the following: | | | | 4. Fragrances and dyes |
| 1. Runny nose | | | | 5. Solvents in household cleansers, paints strippers |
| 2. Scalp pain | | | | and gasoline |
| 3. Itchy eyes | | | | 6. Formaldehyde, which is found in carpeting, |
| 4. Mental confusion or sleepiness | | | | plywood, particle board and insulation |
| 5. Headache | | | | 7. Household cleaners |
| 6. Palpitations of the heart | | | | 8. Carbon monoxide from gas appliances |
| 7. Abdominal cramping | | | | 9. Dyes (especially dark blue) that are found in |
| 8. Scratchy throat | | | | clothing, curtains, tablecloths, napkins, ragsand |
| 9. Dizziness | | | | furniture |
| 10. Ear ache | | | | 10. Synthetic fabrics and materials |
| 11. Upset stomach | | | | 11. Lawn chemicals |
| 12. Nausea and/or diarrhea | | | | 12. Synthetic lemon, pine, floral, etc. |
| 13. Achy joints | | | | If you want to prevent MCS, then there are things |
| 14. Shortness of breath | | | | that you can do to minimize your exposure. Within |
| At its worst, MCS can also cause respiratory distress, | | | | your own home, you can decide on the type of |
| cognitive dysfunction, seizures, heart arrhythmia, | | | | household products and cleansers that you can use. |
| nausea and chronic fatigue. | | | | Learn how to read the labels. If you need to handle |
| You should know that unfortunately, many health | | | | some of the products that contain chemicals, wear |
| societies and organizations have not accepted the | | | | gloves. Minimise the use of fragrance. |
| fact that this illness does exist. They claim that there | | | | It is to your advantage to get educated and |
| is nothing to prove that the symptoms directly result | | | | informed about the harmful chemicals and the |
| from an exposure to certain chemicals. Scientific | | | | symptoms they can cause. Still, there is so much that |
| research studies had found it hard to show a direct | | | | you can do as you cannot control the products used |
| link. It is not difficult to guess that a majority of | | | | outside your home such as in the office. You can of |
| these organizations are simply fighting for their own | | | | course help to teach those around about what you |
| interest with their view. They are likely to have a | | | | know about MCS and encourage them to use safer |
| financial stake in the continued sale and manufacture | | | | products. |