Multiple Chemical Sensitivit y 333
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
For some people, the combined effects of many chemicals or a large exposure
to even 1 chemical may cause an illness called multiple chemical sensitivity
(MCS) or environmental illness. People with MCS have strong reactions to
common toxins in paint, perfume, cars, and building materials.
Signs of MCS may include runny nose, itchy eyes, headache, scratchy
throat, ear ache, scalp pain, mental confusion or sleepiness, fast heartbeat,
upset stomach, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and aching joints.
Because people show different signs of MCS, many health workers do not
believe it is a real illness caused by chemicals. Instead, they think it is caused
by emotional distress. MCS is also often mistaken for common allergies (see
page 357), but it is different from allergies for these reasons:
• Signs appear each time the person is exposed to chemicals.
• The effects are long lasting (chronic) and not seasonal.
• Signs appear with less and less exposure.
• The signs go away when the triggering chemicals are removed.
• Signs appear in the presence of different and unrelated substances
(such as paint and perfume, or plastics and cigarette smoke).
Prevention and treatment
The best way to prevent MCS is to stay away from chemicals that may cause
it. Because each person reacts differently, treating MCS depends on the person
who has it, although all improve when the toxins are removed from their
environment.
Our Chemical Body Burden
Some chemicals leave the body quickly after a person is exposed. Others may
remain in fat, blood, or bones for a long time. For example, arsenic usually stays
in the body for only 3 days after a person is exposed 1 time. Other chemicals,
such as the pesticide DDT (see page 150), can stay in the body for 50 years
or more. The chemical body burden is the amount of toxic chemicals that are
present in the human body at any time.
Just because we have these chemicals in our bodies does not mean that
every one of us will get sick. Some people may get sick even though they have
few toxic chemicals in their bodies. Others who have more chemicals may not
get sick (see page 321).
Children often have a greater body burden than adults. Although they may
have a shorter period of exposure because of their age, their bodies have not
yet developed ways to protect themselves from toxics or to remove toxics from
their bodies.
A Community Guide to Environmental Health 2012