Overview

Name: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or Environmental Illness
Effects: People unusually sensitive to chemical odors such as household chemicals or fragrances
Source: Natural and manufactured chemicals
Recommended daily intake: None - limit exposure to sensitive agents
Sensitive individuals: Self identified
Toxicity/symptoms: Varies greatly (acute and long-term effects)
Regulatory facts: Little regulation applicable
General facts: The National academy of Sciences estimates that between 15 to 20% of the U.S. population is allergic to chemicals commonly found in the environment. Others estimate that 15-30% of the U.S. population experiences symptoms of MCS and 3-6% have an MCS disorder.
Recommendations: Use less-toxic alternatives

External Links

• PPT
  
• Chemical Sensitivity Foundation The primary goal of the Chemical Sensitivity Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, is to raise public awareness about multiple chemical sensitivity.
• MCS-GLOBAL. Global Campaign for Recognition of MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY/Chemical Sensitivity/Environmental Illnesses, chemical injury & other chemically induced illnesses & diseases affecting civilians & military personnel.
• Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - MCS Referral & Resources. Professional outreach, patient support, and public advocacy devoted to the diagnosis, treatment, accommodation, and prevention of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorders. (accessed: 12 February 2005).
  
• Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association, The Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturers Association (SOCMA) is the leading trade association serving the specialty-batch and custom chemical industry since 1921.(accessed: 5 February 2005).
  
  

References

• Alison Johnson, Amputated Lives: Coping with Chemical Sensitivity, (Cumberland Press Brunswick, Maine, 2008) see other books and DVDs by Alison Johnson

• Herman Staudenmayer, Environmental Illness: Myth and Reality (Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1999).

• Peter Evans, "Studies of the Prevalence of Chemical Sensitivity and MCS," MCS Referral and Resources, <www.mcsrr.org> (4 February 2005).

• Steve Kroll-Smith and H. Hugh Floyd, Bodies in Protest: Environmental Illness and the Struggle over Medical Knowledge (New York: New York University Press, 1997)

• William J. Rea, Chemical Sensitivity Vol. 1/4, (Boca Raton: CRC Press, 1992).

• Fiedler, Nancy and Kipen, Howard. "Chemical Sensitivity: The Scientific Literature." Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements: Chemical Sensitivity 105 (1997): 409-416.

• Grace Ziem and James McTamney, "Profile of Patients with Chemical Injury and Sensitivity," Environmental Health Perspectives Supplements: Chemical Sensitivity 105 (1997): 417-436.