Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS)
Visit http://www.mcs-global.org/ for a complete resource on MCS including a new study that provides significant evidence of MCS as a physically based phenomenon not a psychiatric illness.
Neuromuscular biofeedback and energy balancing can be very helpful in eliminating the symptoms associated with MCS, Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia.
Although there are congenital cases, most people with MCS acquire it as an adult. The body loses the ability to process toxic substances adequately, develops a hypervigilance in terms of chemical exposures and mounts a "skewed" or excessive and unnecessary physiologic response as a result of exposures. Many people with MCS end up so sensitive to some chemicals that they can react to amounts so small that a healthy person might not even know it is there. This is especially true in people whose bodies are overloaded with past chemical exposures (toxins that never break down and exit the body) or have had chronic small exposures.
"One out of five individuals are sensitive to formaldehyde, and it is often a factor in the onset of chemical hypersensitivity. There is no safety level yet the Canadian government has set a level at 0.1ppm; this is the same level at which the smell is detectable; it is a carcinogen. Formaldehyde is found in building materials, latex paints, enamels, fabric treatments, foam, deodorizers, preservative and coagulant of rubber latex, toxoids and vaccines, newsprint, inks, nail polish, nail hardeners, wavesets, dyes, personal care products, make up, feminine hygiene items, facial tissue and dry cleaning. They evaporate slowly and remain active for months/years. In fabrics the process is even slower."
Visit http://www.cancer.gov/templates/doc.aspx?viewid=687F2693-82B5-4EC7-9C6F-E4E917D6EE53 for more information on the risks of formaldehyde exposure. National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov
Anyone can acquire MCS; most sufferers had normal healthy lives before becoming ill. The most common way of acquiring MCS is chemical injury. One very large chemical exposure or many smaller exposures over time can lead to the body losing its ability to detox and a 'skewed' physiologic response. Exposure to pesticides is a frequent cause of MCS. Once the body's systems are damaged by chemical exposure, the person may react to chemicals he or she never had trouble with before, including chemicals not involved in the original injury.
Chemical injury is not the only way to impair the detox processes. Some other causes of MCS include viruses, severe emotional or physical trauma (especially in childhood), liver damage, or disorders of metabolism. Some people with MCS also have porphyria, a genetic disorder of the enzyme pathways that may not manifest itself until triggered by a chemical exposure.
The most important treatment for MCS to date was complete avoidance of toxins that cause the person to react. Unlike with some allergies, there is no way to medicate the reaction and allow the person full exposure to the substance. It is also important to avoid chemicals that may be further injuring the body even though the person is not obviously reacting to them." (http://www.immuneweb.org/articles/mcsintro.html). Avoidance along with detoxification can give the body a chance to heal.
Study examines genetic differences in MCS sufferers. http://www.protectingourhealth.org/newscience/immune/2004/2004-0715mckeown-eyssenetal.htm
More information on MCS and other links visit www.mcs-global.org
By improving energy flow the body can be prompted to repair the damage caused by toxins within the body. I personally suffered from MCS and have improved greatly with detoxification and energy balancing treatments. At one point I was unable to leave my house, was allergic or sensitive to almost everything that I ate, breathed and was exposed to. Now I can function in the real world, with informed vigilence and protection (focusing the body's natural healing & protection) . Muscle response testing and focusing my body's natural healing & protection have been the most effective tools in my recovery. Elisabeth Hines, Holistic Wellness Practitioner, Certified Nutritional Consultant and BodyFeedback™ Practitioner. For an appointment email me at naturalwellbeingretreatspa@yahoo.ca or lhines@mybodycanhealitself.ca .
For interim relief of allergy symptoms see Allergies & Intolerances.
The Canadian Human Rights Commission has recognized MCS as a disability. In Canada, RAINET, a research advocacy and information network that has represented Canadian workers with MCS since 1997, reported on MCS to the Canadian Ministry of Human Resources in October 2003.
Skin Permeability http://www.chirokelly.com/detox/skin.html
Global Recognition Campaign for Multiple Chemical Sensitivities www.mcs-global.org
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Site http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mypatternbox/MCS.html
Nova Scotia Allergy and Environmental Health Assocation
http://www.lesstoxicguide.ca/index.asp?
Safer Products Project
http://www.safer-products.org/
Healthy Building
http://www.healthybuilding.net/
The author's site. Articles and links on many subjects related to MCS and
similar conditions. Internet support groups, free classified ads
http://www.immuneweb.org/
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
http://www.ourlittleplace.com/mcs.html
Non-profit organization with factsheets, scientific references, information
on legal/government acceptance of MCS, and porphyria and carbon monoxide testing
protocols.
http://www.mcsrr.org/
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/mypatternbox/MCS.html/#top Helpful resources for those who are chemically sensitive.
Body Burden of toxins
www.chemicalbodyburden.org/whatisbb.htm
American Environmental Health Foundation
www.aehf.com
Scented Products Education and Information Association of Canada www.scentedproducts.ca
Betty Bridges' detailed articles and references on the chemistry of MCS and
perfume.
http://www.fpinva.org/
Cosmetics, personal care products and toxins
www.NotTooPretty.org
Publisher of the New Reactor. Links to everywhere and much information
on MCS activism.
http://www.ehnca.org/