Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is also called
"environmental illness" or "sick building syndrome."
According to WebMD, it refers to a variety of non-specific symptoms reported by
some people after possible exposure to chemical, biologic, or physical agents. The
symptoms people report are wide-ranging. They include headache, fatigue,
dizziness, nausea, congestion, itching, sneezing, sore throat, chest pain, changes
in heart rhythm, breathing problems, muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash,
diarrhea, bloating, gas, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, and
mood changes. The triggering chemicals include multiple substances such as
pesticides, solvents, perfumes, new carpets, automotive exhaust and tobacco
smoke. A large proportion of people with chemical sensitivities also report
multiple intolerance's to common foods. A lot of these exposures can occur at
work, which could cause a high exposure if an accident should occur.
There are no diagnostic tests to determine if you have
multiple chemical sensitivity, and there is no proven cure or treatments currently
in existence. Some medical professionals are prescribing antidepressants,
medicine for anxiety or sleep, and other medications to treat specific symptoms
such as headaches. There is not much that doctors can do for a patient with
MCS, so it relies partially on the person to put it in their own hands and see
which foods or chemicals make their symptoms worse and try to avoid them or
minimize exposure if at all possible.
There was a population-based study done in Southeastern
United States on the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities, the results
of this study showed that 12.6% of the sample reported a hypersensitivity to
chemical substances. A similar study done by California Department of Health
Services found that 15.9% of the sample reported a hypersensitivity to chemical
substances. Although hypersensitivity is
more common in women, it is experienced by both men and women of a variety of
ages and educational levels. Women
between the ages of 30 and 50 are especially at risk for developing multiple
chemical sensitivity, but the reason why is not clear. According to a report in
1981 by the National Academy of Sciences, it said that 15% of the American
population could have a heightened sensitivity to chemicals. People who
responded to having a hypersensitivity to chemicals and asthma was at 30.2%.
Almost 68% of the respondents reported that the hypersensitivity first emerged
before reaching the age of 36.
In a study done to see the perceived treatment efficacy for
conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple
chemical sensitivity, the three most highly rated treatments were creating a
chemical-free living space, chemical avoidance, and prayer. Some treatments examined
included environmental medicine techniques, holistic therapies, individual
nutritional supplements, detoxification techniques, body therapies,
Eastern-origin techniques, newer therapies, prescription items, and others. Both
creating a chemical-free living space and chemical avoidance were rated by 95%
of respondents as helpful. Results for most therapies were mixed. Participants
had consulted a mean of 12 health care providers and spent over one-third,
$35,000, of their annual income on health care costs. Although practitioners of
environmental medicine have a systematic approach for working with MCS, there
is no common MCS treatment protocol that is widely accepted across medical
disciplines. Since this condition affects 15% of the American population you
would think that there would be a more successful treatment by now. It has been
found that chemical avoidance measures were highly effective, whereas
prescription drugs were rated the least effective of all treatments.
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