MCS Background
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS. MCS is a condition where an individual develops a sensitivity to chemicals in the environment or from food exposure. Often, this exposure will produce a mild to moderate reaction; reactions to chemicals differ then a true allergic IGG or IGE reaction.
Our society surrounds us with numerous chemicals from scented soaps to fabric softeners to air fresheners to artificially flavored foods and more. Are these scents healthy for our bodies and minds? Does hyper-sensitivity to these products mean allergies or are chemical sensitivities different? For over 50 years, the medical community has been analyzing the impact of chemical sensitivity also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS with no specific answers, adding even more confusion to the potential diagnosis or description. MCS is a confusing and frustrating set of symptoms that offers no clear direction for medical diagnosis, treatment, or prognosis.
“Despite extensive clinical evidence to support the veracity of this clinical state, many members of the medical community are reluctant to accept this condition as a pathophysiologic disorder.” Thankfully, though, recognition of MCS as a medical diagnosis is slowly changing.
Exposure
Often people with MCS recall a specific exposure to a chemical situation such as a pesticide or heavy mold exposure; however, not all individuals recall that initial experience. This initial overload causes the individual to become ultra-sensitive to “triggers”. These triggers can be an environmental introduction such as air freshener or ingested as preservatives and additives in food. The reaction is usually immediate but sometimes the symptoms are not recognized until later. The sensitivity can progressively worsen until the sufferer finds each day a chore unless they can find what I refer to as a “neutral point”. If they are lucky enough to find a place that offers them peace from the constant barrage of triggers, they will benefit from continuously “rinsing out” their overloaded system by visiting this neutral point as often as able or even relocating there if possible.
MCS can be described by many terms: Multiple chemical sensitivity disorder (MCS), idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI), environmental intolerance, chemical sensitivity (CS), and sensitivity-related illness. Whichever term used, the illness is the subject of controversy within the health care community: psychological or pathological?
Symptoms
MCS presents itself with numerous symptoms. Listed below are many common symptoms described by sufferers of MCS:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Brain fog/ confusion
- Nausea
- Rashes
- Difficulty breathing
- Irregular heart beat
- Seizures
- Behavioral Issues
- Tics
- Outbursts
- Rash
- Sinus inflammation
- Swollen face or joints
- Flu-like symptoms
- Stomach ailments
- Joint problems
- Muscle aches
- Itching or “burning” of skin
- Mental Health Issues/ Suicidal Thoughts
MCS symptoms in children may also include
- Red cheeks and ears
- Facial Swelling
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Hyperactivity
- Behavioral or learning problems
- Outbursts
(see Article on Treatment and Support)
History Background of MCS
Historically, MCS dates back to the early 1950s when Theron Randolph, MD, recognized people becoming ill from their environment which he coined as Environmental Illness (recall we also had leaded gasoline with minimal safety valves at the pumps or on cars). Dr Randolph also introduced indoor air pollution which at that time was also ridiculed by his peers. The CDC now has a page on their website addressing Indoor Air Pollution. (https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/exposure-history/Indoor-Air-Pollution-Sources.html August, 2021),
“In 1992, (the) EPA conservatively estimated that poor indoor air quality costs the U.S. $1 billion annually in lost productivity. That same year, the National Academy of Sciences estimated indoor air pollution contributes $15 to $100 billion annually to health care costs.” (CIIN – MCS Overview)
What Is MCS?
One theory is that MCS is a combination of damage to the central nervous system and/or blood-brain barrier with possible abnormalities with porphyrin and detoxification enzymes. The confusion to researchers lies within the immediate response that triggers create often only seen with anaphylactic type reactions (IgE). Critics cannot comprehend the immediate reactions to chemicals or the immediate turn-around from removal of a trigger; a reaction seen typically only with anaphylactic-type reactions followed by treatment. Additionally, someone with MCS can be void of any known IgA or IgG allergies.
Sometimes the person can develop an addiction to the offending chemical, much like a drug addiction. For example, there is a popular saying that no person can only eat one Doritos chip. This can be true when a person with MCS is exposed to food with certain additives. They will do anything and everything to get another “fix”, even suffering withdrawal symptoms; hence “cheating” on an additive-free diet is not recommended. Ingesting a trigger can take a week or longer to purge from the body.
These triggers can also cause mental health breakdowns and even suicidal thoughts. Removal of the trigger can reverse these behaviors, sometimes immediately. With respect to food withdrawal, the reaction to the trigger can present itself at meal and snack times for approximately 1 week and can possibly be alleviated with proper meal management.
Having MCS can seem like a life-limiting experience; however, take a positive stance and recognize that there are still many activities, foods, and life enjoyments that you can experience. Yes, MCS does present challenges in our chemically filled world, but try to focus on what you can enjoy rather than what you cannot. Similar to a person that is highly allergic to peanuts, there are still many foods to be enjoyed without the hazard of a reaction.
References:
- (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/indoorenv/chemicalsodors.html, August, 2021).
Genuis SJ, “Chemical Sensitivity: Pathophysiology or Pathopsychology?”, ClinicalTherapeutics, May 2013
- https://www.nccih.nih.gov/
- https://www.mothersoutfront.org, July 15, 2019
- Environmental Protection Agency. The Inside Story: A Guide to Indoor Air Quality. https://epa.gov/indoor-air- quality-iaq/inside-story-guide-indoor-air-quality Accessed 4/8/19
Andee Krasner, MPH* and T Stephen Jones, MD, MPH; HEET (https://heetma.org) and Mothers Out Front
