MCS : Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Environmental Illness : IL
Environmental Health, Environmental Illness, Environmental Sensitivity, Toxic Injury, Chemical Injury, Clinical Ecology
Environmental Sensitivities can occur when people become sensitive to substances or phenomena in their everyday environment at levels well below what “normal” people would consider acceptable. This occurring through deadaptation(toxic insult overload) leaving altered set points of nonadaptation(altered sensitivity). Sensitivity reactions can be triggered by scented products, cleaning products, laundry detergents, paints, petrochemicals, pesticides, pets, plants, fuels, electromagnetic radiation, molds, foods, etc. Many sufferers as well as employment problems become socially isolated as they are forced to retreat from places and activities they love, and for some, the devastation extends to losing spouses, family and friends who may not believe they are ill.
Environmental Illness - individuals whom have become ill due to adverse environmental factors such as pollution and allergens. Maladaptation - body bio-systems are overwhelmed or weakened for various reasons ( acquired - altered gene, enzyme etc ) and is not able to maintain homeostasis.
1996 Definition from International Program on Chemical Safety (IPCS):
An acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms; associated with diverse environmental factors tolerated by the majority of people; not explained by any known medical or psychiatric disorders.
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Creating a Healthier Environment:
Reducing exposures to chemicals improves the health of those with MCS. Better air quality also helps promote the health of everyone. The following are ways to create a healthier environment:
- Avoid pesticides, use least toxic integrated pest management (IPM)
- Avoid newly built or remodeled buildings, or build with less toxic materials
- Avoid new paint and solvent-based stains and transparent finishes
- Avoid new carpets
- Avoid gasoline, solvent, dry-cleaning, and tar fumes
- Avoid tobacco smoke and vehicle exhaust
- Use least toxic, natural, and unscented cleaning, laundry, and sanitizing products
- Avoid perfume, cologne, and scented personal care products
- Avoid air "freshener" sprays, incense, and fragrance-emitting devices
- Use electric utilities or radiant heat
- Open windows, ventilate buildings with clean fresh air and/or use portable room air filters
“…there seems to be confusion amongst some people as to whether MCS is classified as a
disability. We would like to assure this committee that the Equal Opportunity Commission
and the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission consider MCS to be a legitimate
disability under the Disability Discrimination Act, and will act on legitimate claims of
discrimination from people with MCS. In relation to MCS disability access, it is very clear
that we need a broad access strategy for all areas of public life, such as public buildings,
public spaces, public transport, schools, supermarkets and other basic services.”
Mr Peter Evans, Convenor of the SATFMCS
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Last changes 07 12 08
