About Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome

Many people may not know about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome, but organizations are raising awareness.

What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome?

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, or MCS, is also known as “sick building syndrome” and “environmental illness”. People who are exposed to physical, chemical, and biologic agents, could have a variety of symptoms as a result. These symptoms may include sore throat, sneezing, itching, nausea, congestion, dizziness, fatigue, and headache. Other signs might be mood changes, memory problems, confusion, digestive issues, rash, muscle pain, and breathing problems. Triggers could be anything from a chemical spill to poor ventilation, from perfume and smoke to insecticides and new carpeting, and from chlorine to auto exhaust. There is some controversy about MCS in the medical community with some saying that “evidence of disease is lacking” to others who feel that the “unexplained symptoms” do have their roots in this disorder. Those most affected by MCS are “women between the ages of 30 and 50”. For some people, unlike the general population, lower levels of chemicals, pollution, and irritants may cause the kinds of symptoms associated with this disorder. It is suggested that MCS may be an allergic-like immune response. Others believe the symptoms are a result of “extreme sensitivity to certain smells”. Anxiety and depression may also be involved.¹ Symptoms may be mild or disabling, although major medical organizations, including the World Health Organization and the American Medical Association, do not recognize MCS “as an organic, chemical-caused illness”. As of yet, there is “no clear consensus for the cause…of the symptoms of MCS”, but “strong scents are…common…triggers”.²

Diagnosis and Treatment

Since it is unclear whether or not the symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome are psychologically or physiologically generated, there are no unique lab tests for the condition. Therefore, “MCS is a diagnosis of exclusion”, and all other possible conditions have to be treated first. It is also useful to have patients be tested on chemicals and controls to see if they can distinguish between the two types of exposure. The 6 criteria for an MCS diagnosis include the following: symptoms must be reproducible, the condition must persist over time, lower exposure levels need to manifest the symptoms, the symptoms must improve in the absence of the chemicals, responses need to occur to unrelated substances, and symptoms also must involve multiple organs. Half of the MCS patients also have anxiety and depression disorders; therefore, they need to be treated for these conditions as well. Patients may also need to have their diets examined to eliminate potential sensitivities and allergens.³ There is some suggestion that depleted liver enzymes may be a culprit in MCS, and this may be due to pesticides or genetics. Others feel there is conditioning involved, where patients associate one event with another. For example, not feeling well and being exposed to paint fumes leaves a patient associating paint fumes with feeling ill. This could also lead to generalization, or feeling the effects from a similar trigger. Another thought is that the immune system has a malfunction or damage, which can lead to sensitivity.⁴ There are organizations, such as the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation, that are designed to raise awareness about MCS.⁵ Unfortunately, there are “no effective or proven treatments”. Patients may be prescribed antidepressants, or they may choose to avoid certain triggers and foods. It is more difficult if the symptoms arise in the home or workplace.⁶