Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is described as a chronic condition characterized by a patient's belief that they are experiencing several adverse and variable affects from exposure to otherwise low levels of multiple chemicals in modern human environments. It has also been called toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), chemical injury (CI), 20th Century Syndrome, environmental illness (EI), Sick Building Syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), and Toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT). Image File history File links Unbalanced_scales. ... Sick building syndrome (SBS) is a combination of ailments (a syndrome) associated with an individuals place of work (typically, but not always, an office building), though there have also been instances of SBS in residential buildings. ...

MCS has been rejected as an established organic disease by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.^[1] An editorial in the Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology stated that "It may be the only ailment in existence in which the patient defines both the cause and the manifestations of his own condition."^[1] Critics of clinical ecology, a controversial field of medicine that claims to treat MCS, charge that: (1) MCS has never been clearly defined, (2) no scientifically plausible mechanism has been proposed for it, (3) no diagnostic tests have been substantiated, and (4) not a single case has been scientifically validated.^[2][3] These claims are challenged, particularly (1) and (2), as both definitions^[4] and physiological pathways^[5][6] have been proposed. An organic disease is one which involves or affects physiology or bodily organs. ... The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States. ... The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest association of medical doctors in the United States. ... In 1968, the California Medical Association attempted to eliminated osteopathic medicine in the state by converting the degrees of osteopathic physicians, (D.O.) to the degree held by allopathic physicians (M.D.). Categories: | ... The American College of Physicians (ACP) is a national organization of doctors of internal medicine (internists) -- physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults. ... Environmental medicine, also called clinical ecology, is a multidisciplinary field involving medicine, environmental science, chemistry and others. ...

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (a division of the NIH) defines MCS as a "chronic, recurring disease caused by a person's inability to tolerate an environmental chemical or class of foreign chemicals".^[7] Claudia Miller describes MCS as a group of "sensitivities to extraordinarily low levels of environmental chemicals" appearing "to develop de novo in some individuals following acute or chronic exposure to a wide variety of environmental agents including various pesticides, solvents, drugs, and air contaminants" including those found in sick buildings.^[8] Clinical ecologists claim that MCS causes negative health effects in multiple organ systems, and that respiratory distress, seizures, cognitive dysfunction, heart arrhythmia, nausea, headache, and fatigue can result from exposure to levels of common chemicals that are normally deemed as safe.^[9][10] National Institutes of Health Building 50 at NIH Clinical Center - Building 10 The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and is the primary agency of the United States government responsible for biomedical research. ... Cardiac arrhythmia is a group of conditions in which the electrical activity of the heart is irregular or is faster or slower than normal. ...

The cause and existence of MCS is disputed. In particular, doctors disagree about whether symptoms are physiologically or psychologically generated. Science rejects mind-body dualism, and the distinction between these causes is difficult to test.^[11] However, the precise cause of MCS is of particular legal significance in the United States. If the symptoms are labeled "psychological", defendants in lawsuits may avoid liability by arguing that MCS is caused by a plaintiff's mental condition. Under the Daubert ruling in 1993, courts are charged with acting as gatekeeper for the scientific reliability of expert testimony. Although physiological etiologies are championed by clinical ecologists who treat MCS, US courts have consistently rejected such testimony as inadmissible on the ground that the multiple-chemical sensitivity theory has not been validated by scientific testing.^[12][13] One clinical ecologist claims that the chemical industry retards research on MCS because of the potential legal liability it poses.^{[14][this source's reliability may need verification][not in citation given]} Holding The Federal Rules of Evidence do not require that techniques relied upon in expert testimony have general professional acceptance or have been subjected to peer review for that testimony to be judged reliable and admissible at trial. ... Environmental medicine, also called clinical ecology, is a multidisciplinary field involving medicine, environmental science, chemistry and others. ...

Definition of MCS

In 1989 and later edited in 1999, six consensus criteria were established by researchers for the diagnoses and definition of MCS:^[4]

1. Symptoms are reproducible with repeated (chemical) exposures.

2. The condition has persisted for a significant period of time.

3. Low levels of exposure (lower than previously or commonly tolerated) result in manifestations of the syndrome (i.e. increased sensitivity).

4. The symptoms improve, or resolve completely, when the triggering chemicals are removed.

5. Responses often occur to multiple chemically-unrelated substances.

6. Symptoms involve multiple-organ symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, scratchy throat, ear ache, scalp pain, mental confusion or sleepiness, palpitations of the heart, upset stomach, nausea and/or diarrhea, abdominal cramping, aching joints).

Recognition of MCS

Because of the lack of scientific evidence based on well-controlled clinical trials that supports a cause-and-effect relationship between exposure to very low levels of chemicals and the myriad of symptoms reported by clinical ecologists, MCS is not recognized as an organic disease by the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the California Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, and the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology.^[15][16][1] The American Medical Association (AMA) is the largest association of medical doctors in the United States. ...

Many medical doctors who treat MCS are certified by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, which Theron Randolph founded in 1965 as the Society for Clinical Ecology.

US administrative agencies support claims filed under MCS. The Social Security Administration states that "evaluation should be made on an individual case by case basis to determine if the impairment limits substantial gainful activity" in a section entitled "Medical Evaluation of Specific Issues: Environmental Illness" ^[17] The Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Handbook defines environmental illness as "sensitivity to environmental elements" and posits that individuals who are severely affected with poor respiratory and neurological function as a result of MCS will satisfy the requirements to be considered disabled.^[18]

However, cases filed under the ADA definition have been largely unsuccessful. Some courts have held that MCS "is untested, speculative, and far from generally accepted in the medical or toxicological community," and thus can't be used as the basis for disability claims.^[19] Furthermore, accommodations sought for MCS are sometimes denied as being unreasonable as a matter of law.^[20] The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 is the short title of United States Public Law 101-336, signed into law on July 26, 1990 by George H. W. Bush. ...

On the Flip Side, Joe Hawkins Vs Levitz Furniture and Travelers Ins. Showed in his court trials that AAAAI was biased in that a Dr. Thomas Allems which was used by the defense presented a obviously biased definition of MCS. The proponents saying it is not a organic disease are associated with American Council on Science and Health (ACSH)which is a special interest supported non-prophet that says just about anything the donor of large funds wished said and will rig the studies to back it up. In Joe Hawkins case when that paper was submitted Dr. Allems was a part of ACSH also as was Steven Barrett and Dr. Baratz, and Dr. Ronald Gots. All the major proponents against MCS or any chemical related injuries. The MCS definition was printed off the web site at that time and it had at the bottom of the Page who sponsored this web page "Schering/Key" which is the large Pharmaceutical companies that are fighting along with the chemicals manufacturers. AAAAI deals with Allergies and Asthma and Immunology. All the problems chemicals affect. "Schering and Key are the makers of Claritin which is a allergy medication over the counter.

This is how the opposition that has large pockets works on the public. They get biased articles and definitions into places like this to through the general public off the truth but the truth of the matter is that there are far more published papers showing a causal effect of diseases and chemicals than not. It is estimated to be 70% as a organic causation versus the 30% saying it is psychological in causation.

There are many new tests that also can prove this such as SPECT scans under normal condition then under Challenge of the chemicals themselves. In Joe Hawkins case it showed that 5 minutes exposure of only 2 spray can lacquer products 1 hour after exposure showed a high neuro-toxic effect on his brain. Joe Hawkins worked for hours with those products unprotected for many years. To say they did not cause his MS like condition or MCS is on the side of ludicrous. HUD and Social Security has accepted MCS as a real and viable disability for many years all the way back to the 1980's.

As for the AMA they also are part of the large Pharmaceutical Industry propaganda to the public. Show me a synthetic drug that actually completely cures a disease with no side effects? There is none. The AMA has a vested interest in showing chemicals do not harm and saying it is psychological because sickness and death is large money for the Medical Doctors. For every drug there are more drugs needed to fight each drugs side effects. Many have stocks in the pharmaceutical companies and many get kick backs for prescribing certain medications to their patients. The AMA is Conventional Medication and they knocked out the Traditional Medication because they had Chemical Company backing at the start and where organized where as Traditional Medical Doctors where not organized and prepared for the fight that Medical Doctors in the AMA waged against them. One synthetic drug on the market makes the Pharmaceutical Industry Billions of Dollars. They have the money to buy the FDA's blessings and as the News has shown the FDA is approving these Pharmaceutical Drugs even though they are deadly to many.

In lab animal testing in the past they used TCE to dip mice into to give them Lupus. Then the Drug researchers tried to cure the Lupus with other chemicals. Back in 1998 this was in published studies found over the internet at Pub Med. You will be hard pressed to find those studies today.

One other point on the flip side. many people are walking around with auto-immune disease and do not know it because the powers that control what is considered normal and not normal have been gradually raising the standards of the normal range. For example. In 1995 Anti-Nuclear Anti Bodies or ANA's where considered normal if it was a titer ratio of 1:20 then they raised it to 1:40. They where trying to raise it to 1:80 as normal but got too much slack about it so they changed the method of measurement to a totally different reading method and raised it without anyone knowing since it was not read that way previously. They have been changing all the standards to most immune readings from speaking with some doctors. It is like putting us into a vat of cold water and turning up the heat, just like cooking live crabs. They are cooked before they even know it. Right now MCS is being exhibited in over 60% of the US Population with 30% in the more severe forms of it. It use to be only 30% with only 10% with the more severe forms of it. Soon it will not be long and the rest of the world will be facing this disease at the rate of chemical invasion into our lives. In the mean time all the MD's are getting rich in people trying to fight all the MCS symptoms they are having and do not even have a clue it is from chemicals or Synthetic Medications.

Symptoms of MCS

Doctor Ronald E. Gots, an environmental toxicologist and frequent defense consultant in toxic tort litigation,^[21] describes MCS as "a label given to people who do not feel well for a variety of reasons and who share the common belief that chemical sensitivities are to blame. ... It has no consistent characteristics, no uniform cause, no objective or measurable features. It exists because a patient believes it does and a doctor validates that belief."^[22] // What is a toxic tort? A toxic tort is a special type of personal injury lawsuit in which the plaintiff claims that exposure to a chemical caused the plaintiffs toxic injury or disease. ...

A partial list of possible symptoms include anaphylactic shock, difficulty breathing, chest pains and asthma, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and hives or other forms of skin rash, headaches, "brain fog" (short term memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, including attention deficit), neurological symptoms (nerve pain, paralysis, weakness, trembling, restless leg syndrome, etc), tendonitis, seizures, visual disturbances (blurring, halo effect, inability to focus), extreme anxiety, panic and/or anger, suppression of immune system, digestive difficulties, nausea, indigestion/heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, food intolerances, which may or may not be clinically identifiable (e.g., lactose intolerance, celiac disease): commonly wheat and dairy, joint and muscle pains, extreme fatigue, lethargy and lassitude, vertigo/dizziness, abnormally acute sense of smell (which may simply be the result of ridding one's home of strong masking scents, therefore purging olfactory neurons), sensitivity to natural plant fragrance, pine turpines, insomnia, dry mouth, dry eyes, and an overactive bladder.^[23][9] Anaphylaxis is a severe and rapid systemic allergic reaction to a trigger substance, called an allergen. ... Dermatitis is a blanket term literally meaning inflammation of the skin. It is usually used to refer to eczema, which is also known as Dermatitis eczema. ... Urticaria or Hives is a relatively common form of allergic reaction that causes. ... For the manga by Tsukasa Hôjô, see Rash. ... A headache is a condition of mild to severe pain in the head; sometimes upper back or neck pain may also be interpreted as a headache. ... Memory loss can be caused by many things. ... For the Beck song, see Nausea (song). ... Indigestion is a condition that is frequently caused by eating too fast, especially by eating high-fat foods quickly. ... Vomiting (also throwing up or emesis) is the forceful expulsion of the contents of ones stomach through the mouth and sometimes the nose. ... Types 5-7 on the Bristol Stool Chart are often associated with diarrhea Diarrhea (in American English) or diarrhoea (in British English) is a condition in which the sufferer has frequent watery, loose bowel movements (from the Greek word διάρροια; literally meaning through-flowing). Acute infectious diarrhea is a common cause... Coeliac disease (also termed non-tropical sprue, celiac disease and gluten intolerance) is an autoimmune disease characterised by chronic inflammation of the proximal portion of the small intestine caused by exposure to certain dietary gluten proteins. ... Fatigue is a feeling of excessive tiredness or lethargy, with a desire to rest, perhaps to sleep. ...

History and epidemiology

Allergist Theron G. Randolph (1906-1995) was the first to describe "the chemical intolerance phenomenon" half a century ago, calling it "unwitting addiction" and comparing it to drug and alcohol addiction, the addiction cycle being transparent to the patient as a masked intolerance.^[24] When Randolph formulated his views, the term allergy was not related to immunology until 1967 when IgE (immunoglobulin) was finally discovered, giving allergists a scientific basis to their practice. ^[24] It was then that "these non-immune-mediated hypersensitivities" came to be called "intolerances", or "idiopathic" or "idiosyncratic reactions"; in Europe they became "pseudoallergies" and Randolph's theory was dismissed as the condition is not mediated by IgE.^[24] Scientists are still working to discover the etiology behind MCS. There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ... Immunology is a broad branch of biomedical science that covers the study of all aspects of the immune system in all organisms. ...

As Doctors Magill and Seruda report:

Most patients (85 to 90 percent) complaining of MCS syndrome are women. Most present between the ages of 30 and 50 years. Much additional basic descriptive and epidemiologic information is still unknown. The incidence and prevalence are unknown. The question of whether MCS is becoming more or less common is unanswered, as is the question of whether it is preventable. The natural history and biologic outcomes of MCS are unknown, and descriptions of MCS in primary care settings have not been reported. Selected patients from specialty settings comprise reports of the syndrome.^[16]

As for Dr. Ronald Gots, He set up a clinic and was reviewing MCS patients for Social Security some years back and a investigative report was done on him with one of the National News Agencies. Out of 70 something people chosen at random all of them where rejected in that investigation. When the investigator questioned one that was obviously with MCS to the doctor that signed it off as rejected. The doctor in that clinic denied it was his signature and claimed it was forged.

Dr. Ronald Gots along with Steven Barrett the Editor on MCS for ACSH wrote a book called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome. They tried to get it accepted with the Accepted Medical Research Journals and it was rejected for the fact that it was considered junk science.

Steven Barret is the owner of the Web site Quackbusters.com and Quackwatchers.com. One thing you will notice is that he is a proponent against any natural health healing method. He definitely has ties to the Pharmaceutical Industry and has harassed people such as Cellular Researcher Dr. Hulda Clark and Dr. Tim Bolin and many others. He is at present training Dr. Baratz to replace himself in attacking Natural Healers and healing and people injured by Chemicals/Drugs.

To even quote these people is the same as to say this article is pure bias. In lab animal Studies D.r Babara Sorg at Washington State University has shown with formaldehyde alone that animals get MCS and it is permanent.

Now days there are many more ways to prove chemical related injuries and on PBS Moyer's report called "Trade Secrets" reveals that the Chemical Manufacturers have been waging a war against those who find them out since the 1950's. He had testing done on himself to find he was also loaded with chemicals that are toxic. We all are and it is estimated that over 117 toxic chemicals are now in the human body. For any authoritative Encyclopedia to allow this bias to be published as was here it not good medicine or accurate reporting. Read Dr. Sherri Rogers book "Detox or Die". Dr. Sheila Bastien a world renown neuro-psychologist also shows on the internet that this is not a psychological illness as these biased doctor want you to think. This needs to be repaired ASAP.

Etiology (cause) of MCS

There is no clear consensus as to what causes the symptoms of MCS. Indeed, there may be several causes.

Psychological causes

Several mechanisms for psychological etiology have been proposed including theories based on stress, Pavlovian conditioning, or misdiagnoses of an underlying mental illness. Behavior exhibited by MCS sufferers may reflect broader sociological fears about industrial pollution.^[25]

It's difficult to differentiate psychological and physiological etiologies of MCS because substances used to test for sensitivity can often be detected by scent. Odor cues make double blind studies of MCS patients difficult, and scents might provoke a psychosomatic response. Research by Dr Mariko Saito et al from the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine at the University of Tokyo in 2005 found that patients only experienced symptoms when they themselves initiated the challenge tests. When they were given random prompts, there was no difference between MCS patients and controls in terms of physical and psychologic symptoms.^[26] Their conclusion was "MCS patients do not have either somatic or psychologic symptoms under chemical-free conditions, and symptoms may be provoked only when exposed to chemicals," although their results showed that it was not the chemicals themselves that caused the symptoms. The Double blind method is an important part of the scientific method, used to prevent research outcomes from being influenced by the placebo effect or observer bias. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ...

A review of 37 provocation studies concluded that "persons with MCS do react to chemical challenges; however, these responses occur when they can discern differences between active and sham substances, suggesting that the mechanism of action is not specific to the chemical itself and might be related to expectations and prior beliefs".^[11] Critics of such provocation studies assert that they are inconclusive because they often employ masking odors which themselves are alleged to trigger MCS. At least one study attempted to correct for this problem by only using patients who do not respond to the masking odor, and this provocation study similarly showed no correlation between symptoms and chemical exposure.^[27]

Another study found strong evidence of a placebo effect; purported MCS sufferers claimed symptoms in nonblinded tests when fed suspected food extracts, but were unable to produce symptoms consistently when the tests were doubleblinded; similarly, patients responded identically to "treatments" and saline.^[28] “Placebo effect” redirects here. ...

Physiological causes

One of the first studies on MCS focused on possible long term potentiation in the hippocampus and neural sensitization as a central mechanism.^[29] Later studies examined the role of the inflammatory process and found that brain inflammation was correlated with symptoms of MCS.^[29] In 1999, Meggs proposed that MCS is caused by low molecular weight chemicals that bind to chemoreceptors on sensory nerve C-fibers leading to the release of inflammatory mediators.^[30] McKeown-Eyssen showed that polymorphisms in the CYP2D6 allele was responsible for variation in toxicant metabolism pathways that may cause differences in susceptibility to MCS. ^[31] Pall identified evidence suggesting elevated nitric oxide and peroxynitrite (NO/ONOO-) as the etiology for MCS and several related conditions including fibromyalgia, post traumatic stress disorder, gulf war syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome.^[29] Pall has identified organic solvents and related compounds, organophosphorus/carbamate pesticides, organochlorine (chlordane, lindane) pesticides, and the pyrethroid pesticides as initiating the NO/ONOO- cycle of biochemistry leading to MCS.^[32] Many observable and empirical, scientific facts can help identify MCS including SPECT scans and chemical encephalopathy, vitamin deficiencies, mineral deficiencies, excess amino acid deficiency, and disturbed lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. ^{[10][33][34][35]}

Genetically altered detoxification

McKeown-Eyssen studied 203 MCS sufferers and 162 controls and found that blood tests revealed that genetic differences relating to the body's detoxification processes were present more often in those with MCS than those without.^[31] Data showed that five genetic polymorphisms have a statistically significant role in determining MCS prevalence. ^[31] Each of these genes encode proteins that metabolize chemicals previously implicated in MCS, notably the organophosphorus pesticides (PON1 and PON2 genes) and the organic solvents (CYP2D, NAT1 and NAT2 genes). People with a high expression of two specific genes (CYP2D6 and NAT2) were 18 times more likely to have MCS than those without. It was concluded that "a genetic predisposition for MCS may involve altered biotransformation of environmental chemicals." Haley found similar, confirmatory results with the PON1 gene in studies of the Gulf War syndrome veterans.^[36] A new study by Schnakenberg et al (2006) confirmed the genetic variation previously found by McKeown-Eyssen and Haley.^[37] A total of 521 unrelated individuals participated in the study. Genetic variants of four genes were analyzed: NAT2, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1. The researchers concluded that individuals who are NAT2 slow acetylators and those with homozygously deleted GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are significantly more likely to develop chemical sensitivity. According to the study, the glutathione S-transferases act to inactivate chemicals, so people without these GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are less able to metabolize environmental chemicals because "glutathione S-transferases play an important role in the detoxification of chemicals". The deletion of another gene, the GSTP1 gene, leaves individuals more susceptible to developing these diseases, as lack of these genes means a loss of protection from oxidative stress.

A specific laboratory rat, the Flinders Sensitive Line, has been bred by Dr. Overstreet. It is sensitive to organophosphates and displays "Increased sensitivity to cholinergic agents has also been observed in several human populations, including individuals suffering from chemical intolerance.... An elucidation of these mechanisms may provide useful clues to those involved in chemical intolerance in humans.^{[38] [not in citation given]}

Body burden

Many heavy metals and chemicals are known to cause illness when excessive amounts are consumed. Smaller amounts of these substances, at levels which are generally recognized as being safe, generally do not cause health problems because the liver and kidneys remove the toxic substances from the body. Some people theorize that while amounts of individual toxicants that fall within regulatory limits may be safe, the cumulative effect of exposures to multiple toxic substances over a long period of time causes a "body burden", resulting in the symptoms of MCS.^{[citation needed]} While studies have shown that most people have small amounts of many hundreds of toxic chemicals in their body, there is no evidence to show that this correlates to a higher incidence of MCS.^{[citation needed]}

Misdiagnosis

Many patients who present with MCS claims actually have other diseases, especially panic disorder^[39] but also including anxiety disorder, lupus, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or other forms of orthostatic intolerance, hay fever and other allergies, hypercalcemia, hypothyroidism, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia or simply an disturbingly acute sense of smell.[1] Panic disorder is a diagnosed psychiatric mental condition that causes the sufferer to experience sporadic, intense, and often reoccurring panic attacks. ... This article needs additional references or sources for verification. ... Lupus is Latin for wolf. It may refer in various languages, including English, to: several diseases: Lupus anticoagulant, an antibody causing a delay in coagulation Lupus erythematosus, the autoimmune disease (also known as systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE) Drug-induced lupus erythematosus, a drug-induced form of SLE Lupus nephritis... Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (or POTS) is a condition of orthostatic intolerance in which a change from the supine position to an upright position causes an abnormally-high increase in heart rate. ... Orthostatic intolerance is the failure of the body to properly adjust to an upright position, especially with respect to blood flow, heart rate, and blood pressure. ... For the play, see Hay Fever. ... Hypercalcaemia is an elevated calcium level in the blood. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is one of several names given to a poorly understood, highly debilitating disorder of uncertain etiology, which is thought to affect approximately 4 per 1,000 adults[1] in the United States and other industrialized countries, and a smaller fraction of adolescents. ... Fibromyalgia (FM or FMS) is a chronic syndrome (constellation of signs and symptoms) characterized by diffuse or specific muscle, joint, or bone pain, fatigue, and a wide range of other symptoms. ...

Miscellaneous theories

Another hypothesis is that the chemicals triggers a coagulation response (which is also seen in 30% of allergic reactions) and that this is a non-IgE allergy response. In the case of MCS, there appears to be a genetic or acquire coagulation defect (for example Prothrombin 20210) resulting in a slow clearing of the coagulation products with the consequence of hypoxia symptoms and is some individuals, poor clearing of toxins from the body. Some individuals with MCS have triggers that might be documented to be coagulation triggers. To date, no studies have been conducted to specifically test MCS patients for coagulation responses. Coagulation is a complex process by which blood forms solid clots. ... Thrombin (activated Factor II) is a coagulation protein that has many effects in the coagulation cascade. ...

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnostic challenges

People diagnosed with MCS suffer widely assorted symptoms from person to person, though symptoms are generally the consistent in each individual based on the exposure. The lack of consistency from individual to individual makes research difficult. Body wash solutions and dryer sheets are widely recognized as triggers of extreme reactions. Researchers use these two products to distinguish between controls and MCS-TILT sufferers based on electrodermal response (which is unconscious) in a controlled environment (a challenge booth)^[4].

Treatment

Treatments specifies the avoidance of known allergens and irritants, nutritional support to "open up" the body's various detoxification channels designed to purge the body of its toxic load, sauna detoxification, autolymphycyte factor treatment, allergy shots, experimental treatments and several other lifestyle changes.^[10] Pamela Reed Gibson conducted a 2003 study of 917 MCS patients, which revealed the top two treatments for MCS, in order of efficacy, were a chemical free living space and chemical avoidance.^[9] The most harmful treatment for 68.2% was Zoloft.^[9] Other harmful treatments included Prozac, Elavil, other antidepressants, Valium, antiseizure medication (except Neurontin), Xanax, Microydrin, Acyclovir, and provocative neutralization.^[9] Sertraline hydrochloride (Zoloft®, Lustral®, Apo-Sertral®, Asentra®, Gladem®, Serlift®, Stimuloton®) is an orally administered antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) type. ...

About one half of the patients with MCS in various studies meet the criteria for co-occurring depressive and anxiety disorders.^[40] Though these psychological conditions have alternative causes, it has been posited that MCS is simply a physical manifestation of a psychological disturbance (a psychosomatic illness) which should be treated with psychotherapy and antidepressants. The use of SSRI antidepressants with a 53-year-old man with multiple chemical sensitivities showed a dramatic improvement, suggests, as with the general population, that a subgroup of MCS patients may have an atypical depression and should be evaluated.^[41] Another study showed psychotherapy resulted in significant, long-term improvement in MCS symptoms, although there was no control group to compare results to.^[42] This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... Psychotherapy is an interpersonal, relational intervention used by trained psychotherapists to aid clients in problems of living. ... An antidepressant is a medication used primarily in the treatment of clinical depression. ...

Placebo treatment was successful in alleviating symptoms in a variety of MCS sufferers, suggesting the symptoms were entirely psychosomatic.^[28]

Possible triggers

Multiple chemicals are reported to trigger MCS symptoms.^[10]

• bleach, fabric softeners, wool-wash, and detergents
• household and industrial cleaning chemicals
• perfumes, lotion, scented personal care products
• air-fresheners and plug ins
• anything scented or perfumed
• petrol or gasoline, diesel and exhaust fumes
• pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals
• shampoos, hairsprays and personal care products
• dishwashing liquid and detergent (may cause migraine headaches for those without MCS)
• most glues (including carpet glue), varnishes, polishes, paints, solvents and paint-thinners
• petroleum-based products (including petroleum jelly)
• Formaldehyde and aldehyde
• Tartrazine (a.k.a Yellow #5 or FD&C E102), and other Azo dyes
• Caffeine
• any volatile organic compound (VOC's).

A list of commonly encountered chemicals which precipitate symptoms of MCS. ^[16] Sodium hypochlorite is a chemical compound with the formula NaClO. A solution of sodium hypochlorite is frequently used as a disinfectant and as a bleaching agent; indeed, often it is simply called bleach, though other chemicals are sometimes given that name as well. ... For the book Perfume by Patrick Süskind, see Perfume (book). ... Chemical structure of tartrazine, C16H9N4Na3O9S2 Space-filling model of tartrazine - the sodium ions are shown in purple. ... Caffeine is a xanthine alkaloid compound that acts as a stimulant in humans. ...

• Aerosol air freshener
• Aerosol deodorant
• After-shave lotion
• Asphalt pavement
• Cigar smoke
• Cigarette smoke
• Colognes, perfumes
• Diesel exhaust
• Diesel fuel
• Dry-cleaning fluid
• Floor cleaner
• Furniture polish
• Garage fumes
• Gasoline exhaust
• Hair spray
• Insect repellent
• Insecticide spray
• Laundry detergent
• Marking pens
• Nail polish
• Nail polish remover
• Oil-based paint
• Paint thinner
• Perfumes in cosmetics
• Public restroom deodorizers
• Shampoo
• Tar fumes from roof or road
• Tile cleaners
• Varnish, shellac, lacquer

Any chemicals which off-gas(regardless of odor) and Solvents are reported by patients to trigger symptoms. The associated illness is popularly known as painters' syndrome which affects professional painters. Many countries have banned thinner-based paints and replaced them with water-based paints. Non VOC, healthier paints may be obtained. Enclosed, air-conditioned buildings with a recycled air supply such as shopping centers or large office buildings are generally considered bad environments for the chemically-sensitive.[2]. Some find it helpful to avoid certain types of fabrics, hang printed paper outside off gas before reading, purchase only untreated wooden furniture, and eat only organic food.[3] Some avoid contact with the outside world all together in favor of a controlled environment which limits exposure to offending chemicals that otherwise cannot be avoided. ^[10] A substance is soluble in a fluid if it dissolves in the fluid. ... Neurotoxicity occurs when the exposure to natural or manmade toxic substances ,which are called neurotoxins, alters the normal activity of the nervous system. ... An organically-grown apple. ...

References

Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 63rd day of the year (64th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 63rd day of the year (64th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) is now the current year, a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar and the AD/CE era. ... is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

See also

• Clinical ecology
• Gulf War syndrome
• Salicylate Sensitivity

Environmental medicine, also called clinical ecology, is a multidisciplinary field involving medicine, environmental science, chemistry and others. ... Gulf War syndrome (GWS) or Gulf War illness (GWI) is the name given to an illness with symptoms including increases in the rate of immune system disorders and birth defects, reported by combat veterans of the 1991 Persian Gulf War. ... Salicylate sensitivity, also known as salicylate intolerance, is a chemical reaction that occurs when too much salicylate (salicylic acid) is introduced into a persons system. ...

External links

• Findings and Recommendations of The Interagency Workgroup on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

MCS groups

• Chemical Injury Information Network Support, education, and research about multiple chemical Sensitivities for 17 years.
• The Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign Encouraging Businesses, Medical Facilities and Churches to Bring Down the Barriers, by Creating a Less Threatening Environment.
• Planet Thrive a grassroots community for personal wellness with a focus on environmental and other chronic illnesses—with special resources for those with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
• MCS-CanadianSources Support and information for those with MCS, CI, EI and other related illnesses

"Clinical Ecological" perspective

• Our Toxic Times a monthly magazine by and for those suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities.
• Article from Grist Magazine
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - The End of Controversy, Dr Martin L. Pall, theorizing etiology of MCS
• Symptom Profile of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Actual Life, Saito M, MD et al. 2005
• Understanding and Accommodating People With MCS, Pamela Reed Gibson, Ph.D., James Madison University]

Skeptical perspective

• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome A literature review from the American College of Family Phsyicians
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: a spurious diagnosis, Stephen Barrett, MD. — A skeptical article hosted on Quackwatch
• A close look at "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity", Stephen Barrett, MD, 1998
• Comprehensive MCS Bibliography