Multiple chemical sensitivity

MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY An acquired disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in response to many chemically-unrelated compounds at doses far below those established in the general population to cause harmful effects. No single widely accepted test of physiologic function can be shown to coiTelate with symptoms. 

What has become an even greater concern in recent years is the phenomenon known as multiple chemical sensitivity disorder triggered by exposures to many chemicals in the environment. Synthetic chemicals are all around us. They are in the products we use, in the clothes we wear, in the food we eat, in the air we breathe at work. Because chemicals are everywhere in the environment, it is not possible to escape exposure. For this reason many people have become sensitized to the chemicals around them. In fact, it is estimated that 15% of the population has become sensitized to common household and commercial products. For some people the sensitization is not too serious a problem. They may have what appears to be a minor allergy to one or more chemicals. Other people are much more seriously affected. They may feel tired all the time, and suffer from mental confusion, breathing problems, sore muscles, and a weakened immune system. Such people suffer from a condition known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). 

A small percentage of the population may be sensitive to a number of chemicals in indoor air, each of which may occur at very low concentrations. The existence of this condition, which is known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), is a matter of considerable controversy. MCS is not currently recognized by the major medical organizations. Medical opinion is divided, and further research is needed. The applicability of access for the disabled and worker s compensation regulations to... 

In addition to the proteins discussed above, a large number of reactive chemicals used in industry can cause asthma and rhinitis. Hypersensitivity pneumonias have also been described. Isocyanates and acid anhydrides are industrial chemicals that cause occupational asthma. Acid anhydrides, such as phthalic anhydride, seem to cause mainly type I reactions, whereas the IgE-mediated mechanism explains only a part of the sensitizations to isocyanates. Several mechanisms have been suggested, but despite intensive research no models have been generally accepted. The situation is even more obscure for other sensitizing chemicals therefore, the term specific chemical hypersensitivity is often used for chemical allergies. This term should not be confused with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) syndrome, which is a controversial term referring to hypersusceptibility to very low levels of environmental chemicals. ... 

Gregory Simon, a psychologist who uses brain imaging to study multiple chemical sensitivity, asserts that Beliefs are chemical events in the brain. They must be .3... 

Multiple chemical sensitivity involves coping with multiple losses. The loss of a safe home is one of the most devastating. Some other common losses touched upon in this collection of stories are selfesteem, relationships, mobility, careers, hobbies, access to public places and community events, transportation, tolerance to foods, and worship services. What I have tried to capture are the strength and grace that come from enduring and mourning these deep losses, and coming out the other side. 

What do I do with my anger Be active on behalf of people with environmentally related illnesses, such as multiple chemical sensitivities. I wrote my book for that reason. My book is the single most important thing I have accomplished in my entire life. I wrote it to try to validate the illness for people who know they have it, and to warn the people who don t know they have it. I wrote it to help people. 

I see signs that there is more acceptance. There are more books out. In our church, the son of a friend in our support group won, in an auction, the chance to pick the subject for a sermon, and he picked multiple chemical sensitivities. The minister gave the sermon, and a committee was established to make the church more accessible to people with MCS. Now I can get a Fragrance Free sign to hang on the back row when I attend. 

Several events happened that helped me to start putting the pieces together, to figure out that I had multiple chemical sensitivity. I really don t remember the exact sequence of events, because I was in such a fog at the time. 

When I was first injured not many doctors had ever heard of this illness. Those who knew me before I was injured believed me because they knew me and knew my credibility. Now my colleagues are inviting me to speak on multiple chemical sensitivity. I spoke to a group of one hundred doctors at the hospital. I was so sick that I had to read the entire presentation, but it was well received. Since then I have received many invitations to speak to health care professionals all over. Now when I ask a roomful of doctors how many have heard of MCS, everyone in the room raises their hand. 

Multiple chemical sensitivity has shaped Jill s life, but is not a significant part of her self-image. Although the symptoms she experiences from chemical exposures can be debilitating, she does not think of herself as handicapped or sick, nor does she seek out friendship or support from others with MCS. 

Chronic illness affects everyone in relationship with the person who is ill, particularly those who live together. Multiple chemical sensitivity affects other members of the household more profoundly, perhaps, than any other illness because of the many accommodations required. Many relationships don t survive stressors of this magnitude. In light of this, it seemed important to include in this book a narrative on coping from the viewpoint of a healthy person who loves and lives with someone who has MCS. 

Steve Kroll-Smitb studies people affected by dangerous or extreme environments. More specifically, he s interested in how people cope when, due to lack of information and support, they are left to their own devices to understand and respond to environmental crises. He has studied people who live in Super Fund communities residents of Centralia, Pennsylvania, a town where a mine fire raged underground and people with multiple chemical sensitivities. 

So these changes are going on. Multiple chemical sensitivity will get recognized. It s happening now. 

A part of the following overview is adapted from the booklet, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.1 For in-depth information on the physical and medical aspects of MCS and theories of causation, please refer to books recommended in Appendix C and Appendix D. 

Scientists acknowledge that many substances contain chemicals known to be toxic in high concentrations. To chemically sensitive people, these and other substances can be harmful even in minute amounts. A whiff of hair spray, fresh paint or bug spray, for example, can be debilitating to a person with multiple chemical sensitivities. People with MCS must avoid chemical exposures or symptoms will persist or worsen and the illness will progress. 

McCampbell, Ann, M.D. Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, 1992,1998. Available from Environmental Health Connection, 12 Bryce Court, Belmont, California 94002. 4 per copy. Checks payable to Ann McCampbell, M.D. 

By sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to this organization you will receive information for ordering a video tape, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity How Chemical Exposures May Be Affecting Your Health, featuring interviews with people who have MCS and... 

Focuses on recognition, prevention and research of multiple chemical sensitivities and carbon monoxide disorders. Provides professional outreach resources, patient support resources and information on MCS evaluation, accommodation, treatment and research. Copies of published literature available for library processing fee. Request selected bibliography. 

Allergic to the Twentieth Century The Explosion in Environmental Allergies—From Sick Buildings to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Peter Radetsky. Boston Little, Brown, 1997. Provides an overview of the sufferers, skeptics and scientists engaged in the movement toward awareness of MCS and Gulf War illness. 

Defining Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Edited by Bonnye... 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Ann McCampbell, M.D. Self-published, 1998. A booklet providing simple answers in lay-... 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity A Survival Guide. Pamela Reed Gibson. Oakland, CA New Harbinger Publications, 1999. Features survival tools for coping with many aspects of MCS coping with the life impact of a chronic illness and with the unique aspects of MCS the need for social support, medical intervention and environmental controls self-help options identity and psychological issues applying for disability benefits and much more. 

Living with multiple chemical sensitivity narratives of coping / by Gail McCormick with a foreword by Pamela Gibson, p. cm. 

Multiple chemical sensitivity, 1 817 Multiple consortia technology transfer partnership model, 24 390 Multiple controllers, 20 698 Multiple downcomer plate, 8 764-765 Multiple-effect crystallizers, sodium carbonate recovery via, 22 789 Multiple-effect evaporators, 23 238... 

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