Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Did You Know?

MCS is unlike true allergies, as it is "ideopathic" - there is no known mechanism of causation, and its processes are not understood.

See Air Purifiers for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), definite Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a "chronic, recurring disease caused by a person's inability to tolerate an environmental chemical or class of foreign chemicals."

Essentially, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is characterized as an adverse physical reaction to low levels of chemicals found in modern human environments.

This condition has also been referred to as toxic injury (TI), environmental illness (EI), and sick building syndrome. There is no single stimulus or predictor of symptoms, and at this time, there is great debate over whether MCS symptoms are generated through immunologic, neurologic, or psychological means (or interrelation of the three).

Nonetheless, those who suffer from MCS complain of non-specific symptoms from exposure to low-levels of chemical, biological, or physical agents. These symptoms can include headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose, sleepiness, heart palpitations, nausea, aching joints, and scratchy throat.

Even minute quantities of chemicals may trigger these adverse reactions.

Sick building syndrome has often been linked to MCS as an initiating factor. Symptoms of sick building syndrome also include similar symptoms as MCS and result from being in a specific indoor area. While the exact cause of sick building syndrome is unknown, it is thought that it might be related to buildings with poor ventilation, which causes a buildup of vapors from a variety of sources found in buildings such as building materials, furnishings, and even office equipment. In addition, it has been noted that sick building syndrome may even be related to biological contaminants found in ventilation systems or indoor areas. Consequently, a large percentage of sick building syndrome sufferers later go on to develop MCS.

In addition to chemicals found in the workplace, other MCS triggers may include fragrances, metals, household products, pesticides, carpet cleaners, most glues, petroleum-based products, and even materials such as plastic. Because MCS sufferers are sensitive to airborne chemicals and toxins, an air purifier can be extremely helpful to control odors, chemicals, gases, or particles, therefore creating a healthy environment in both the home and/or workplace.

However, because MCS sufferers are highly sensitive to many environmental triggers, choosing the right air purifier is crucial. Chemical air purifier systems such as those using ionization or ozone should be avoided, as well as purifiers containing glues, bonding agents, silicones, and filtration media containing synthetic fibers. MCS air purifiers using activated carbon and HEPA filters made from natural fibers are excellent choices, as no off-gassing will occur, resulting in clean air without any harmful side effects.

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