DEAR DR. GOTT: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a crippling problem for those who suffer from it. I would like to educate people about the problem because most people think that I’m crazy or that “just getting fresh air” will resolve the problem. The effects of chemicals used in personal and laundry products act as neurotoxins on my system, resulting in neurological difficulties — diminished cognitive function, loss of equilibrium, fogging vision, etc. Local drugstores and laundry-detergent aisles are lethal vats of poison for MCS sufferers. I am a massage therapist and have asked clients to refrain from wearing fragrance, but I have found their use of fragrant laundry products more dangerous than cologne. In particular, dryer sheets are extremely poisonous and cannot be purged from the room just by airing it out. I urge people to investigate the toxicity of their laundry products.
I react violently to these products, but I have to feel that the poisons are affecting people in ways they may not know. Clothes are in constant contact with people’s skin, which absorbs chemicals into the body. Many people complain of chronic sinus problems and headaches. Perhaps it is the environment they are creating for themselves. Clothes dryers venting the fumes outdoors pollute the air for everyone. I am becoming a hermit and a “crazy old lady” because of MCS. I know the world can’t change because of my affliction, but maybe if people would investigate the problem of “fragrance” in their products, they might begin to search for alternatives for their own health. Ever wonder what all of those wonderful air fresheners that puff at you as you walk by are doing to your health?
Please ask your readers to check the health risks of all those chemical ingredients and follow the websites regarding MCS. There are millions of sufferers. I am constantly vigilant for detoxing products just to be able to go out in public. I can’t go to movies, friends’ homes, most stores or outdoor activities with crowds. Having people come to my home and making it inhospitable is a nightmare.
DEAR READER: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a somewhat controversial topic. There are some who believe it is a true disease, while others argue that the immense variety of symptoms can often be explained by other, well-established disorders. From what I was able to find, there has not been much research done since the late 1990s. I did note that in a 1999 position statement by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the condition received a new name — idiopathic environmental intolerance. This is just the newest in a long history of name changes, including multiple chemical sensitivity, chemical injury, chemical sensitivity, environmental illness, sick-building syndrome and more.
Being unfamiliar with MCS before your letter and knowing only what I was able to learn from research, I am on the fence about this condition. The condition might be real, but not enough research has been done regarding symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. There are plenty of online sources for information, but most refer to information more than 10 years old.
I invite readers to send me personal experiences and any recent research that has been done.
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