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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.
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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.
See
MCS Air Purifiers
Return to the
Air Purifier Guide
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