Chemical Sensitivity

Gulf War Syndrome is Confirmed

2005-11-08T21:12:00.000-08:00

For the first time, the Gulf War Syndrome- a disease similar to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity that affects veterans of the first Gulf War-has been recognized as a true illness by a British military tribunal. This landmark event was probably influenced by the compelling evidence recently discovered by Wright State University’s medical department which found that sufferers of GWS and MCS had low levels of certain toxin reducing enzymes.

For years, the British military had disputed the existence of the Gulf War Syndrome and had refused to pay pensions for soldiers diagnosed with the disease. On November 1, a former soldier named Daniel Martin received a ruling from the Pensions Appeal Tribunal that forced the British army to pay his war pension. The ruling also stated that "the term Gulf War Syndrome is the appropriate medical label to be attached to this excess of symptoms and a useful umbrella for that label." This landmark ruling enables hundreds of other veterans to gain pensions from the army under the umbrella term “Gulf War Syndrome.” Now, many doctors and veterans attribute the illness to the numerous vaccines and organophosphate pesticides used during the war. Now that Gulf War Syndrome has been recognized as a true illness, no doubt Multiple Chemical Sensitivity will be recognized as one very soon. The only question remaining is, when? MCS sufferers are eagerly awaiting the answer.

Thank the plants

2005-11-08T20:52:00.000-08:00

NASA scientists are finding that common indoor plants are useful in absorbing the harmful chemicals inside buildings. Scientists conducted an experiment using approximately a dozen plants to determine their effectiveness in removing main chemicals associated with indoor air pollution; it has been found that indoor plants are very efficient at absorbing toxins from the air.

It has been found that philodendron, spider plant, and the golden pothos are most effective in removing formaldehyde particles from the air. Formaldehyde is a chemical found in almost all indoor environments. It can be found in office furniture, grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, and paper towels. Many common household cleaning products also contain formaldehyde; other sources include natural gas, kerosene, and cigarette smoke.
Flowering plants such as gerbera daisy and chrysanthemums were rated to be the best at removing benzene from the air. Benzene is found in many everyday items such as gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. Benzene is infamous for irritation of the skin and eyes. Even low levels of exposure to benzene can cause headaches, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological imbalance, and diseases of the blood system.

Dr. Bill Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASA's John C. Stennis Space Center, states that “Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves, but research in our laboratories has determined that plant leaves, roots, and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors.”

NASA’s research continually shows that flowering plants can remove several common toxic chemicals in the office or home. They also improve the quality of the air to make it more pleasant.

Skeptical of MCS

2005-11-08T20:13:00.000-08:00

Still unsure of what makes Multiple Chemical Sensitivity different from regular allergies? Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is brought on as a direct result of exposure to various chemicals therefore, those who are responsible for the exposure of that chemical are liable for their victims. At this link, there are the "defense of claims from exposure to low levels of chemicals and other substances. Attorneys faced with MCS-related cases may find that the depositions and other documents in these cases helpful in defending against nonmeritoious cases of alleged chemical injury." Part of why MCS is such a controversial topic is because victims of it have used it to gain from their loss.

Stephen Barrett, a medical doctor, stated his opinions on MCS here, saying that MCS is not a legitimate diagnosis and that it draws a lot of attention to those alleged victims as well as acts as a political maneuver (as in many of the court cases mentioned above.) He feels that instead, those that claim to be affected by Multiple Chemical Sensitivity really have a psychosomatic disorder as a response to stress. His opinions also include that, "If this is true -- and I believe it is -- clinical ecology patients run the risks of misdiagnosis, mistreatment, financial exploitation, and/or delay of proper medical and psychiatric care. In addition, insurance companies, employers, other taxpayers, and ultimately all citizens are being burdened by dubious claims for disability and damages. To protect the public, state licensing boards should scrutinize the activities of clinical ecologists and decide whether the overall quality of their care is sufficient for them to remain in medical practice."

Another source states that "limited information is available on effective control measures, exposure assessments, and regulations dealing with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS)." and that "Many physicians are uncertain how to approach the evaluation and care of persons who have multiple symptoms attributed to low-level chemical exposure. The identification of MCS is based largely on the patient's description of the symptoms and the relationship of these symptoms to environmental exposures." This site provides further information about MCS but gives off the same skeptical tone as the previous source.

Eat those vegetables

2005-11-08T19:42:00.000-08:00

Common deficiencies in people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are zinc, magnesium, and the amino acid cysteine. Although most doctors question that MCS even exists, it is believed by environmental illness physicians that these deficiencies in people with MCS are common because they are key elements to the body’s detoxification processes. Without a sufficient amount of detoxifying chemicals in the body, people can easily become ill from minor exposures to chemicals from everyday objects such as laundry detergent, car exhaust, or carpets – chemicals people with an adequate amount of nutrients have no affect to.

People with MCS are especially vulnerable after taking antibiotics, which are known to be a possible reason for magnesium deficiency; magnesium is known to be one of the main elements for detoxification in the body. MCS can also be caused by increased levels of nitric oxide and peroxynitrite, which can occur in the body in an acidic environment. Martin L. Pall, Professor of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences on MCS believes that this may be the cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Interestingly, magnesium is known to lower nitric oxide levels in the body.

To follow the case of one young boy’s battle with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, click here.

Safe Traveling for MCS sufferers

2005-11-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity affects many aspects of people’s lives. One of the most prominent aspects is that of travel. Many sufferers of MCS cannot leave their homes for fear of triggering their symptoms. This makes vacationing for pleasure almost impossible. However, some people are attempting to change all that and make MCS sufferers comfortable out of their homes. In a recent New York Times article by Fred A. Bernstein, several hotels and travel guides that were MCS friendly were featured. Most of the people who run the lodgings are fellow MCS sufferers who know how miserably the disease can ruin a vacation. Many of the hoteliers rely on the cooperation of their guests to keep the rooms environmentally clean. For example, The Natural Place in Deerfield Beach, Florida

“…offers apartment-style units with organic bedding and filtered water, a block and a half from the ocean. The owners depend on the cooperation of guests, who are
"asked to sign a 'quality assurance form' when they check in," said Ms. Charney.
On the form, guests promise not to use "cologne, perfume or any scented make-up,
soaps, lotions, sun tan products, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, deodorant, etc.”

The Natural Place and other similar lodgings must often be self sustaining. Since many of the guests are chemically sensitive, no chemicals can be used to clean, cook, launder, etc. To avoid any nasty side effects, some hoteliers have begun to make their own cleaning supplies and insect repellents out of herbs and natural products which contain no potential toxins. However, if no such hotel can be found, never fear. According to one chemically sensitive traveler, “sufferers are best off finding a hotel that they can tolerate, and sticking with it” because most major hotel companies will accommodate chemically sensitive guests, some will even provide the services for free.

Forget Downy or Bounce!

2005-11-04T06:35:00.000-08:00

Scientists are discovering that fabric softeners are some of the most toxic household product. Many of them contain chemicals such as chloroform, benzyl acetate, and pentane that are all known to either cause cancer or be harmful to the lungs, brain, and nerves. They become even more hazardous when they are heated in clothes dryer. The toxic fumes are released in the air and everyone around has no choice but to breathe it in.

Chemicals in fabric softeners are meant to stay in clothes and release over a long period of time. This slow release of toxic chemicals affects the person wearing the clothing as well as the people around them.

Some symptoms caused by fabric softener chemicals are tiredness, which is not remedied by resting, dizziness, nervousness, headaches, sick stomach, rashes, feeling faint, difficulty breathing, trouble with concentrating and remembering, or spastic movements. Babies, toddlers, and the elderly are especially affected by these chemicals. The consequences from these chemicals can cause lifelong illnesses.

An alternative that can be used to soften fabrics is to add a cup or more of regular baking soda to each wash. To kill germs, a wash in hot water and the high heat of the dryer is safer than adding disinfectants because no toxic chemicals are left behind in the clothing. Another method would be to simply dry clothes out in the sun.

Electrical Sensitivity

2005-11-03T19:33:00.000-08:00

There are many other illnesses that share similarities to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. One such example is called Electrical Sensitivity. This disorder affects people who have been exposed to electromagnetic fields emanating from the viewing screens of common appliances such as computers and cellular phones. Common symptoms of Electrical Sensitivity are: tingling sensations in the skin, redness of the skin, nausea, headaches, and fatigue.

However, unlike MCS, Electrical Sensitivity has no basis for its claim of validity. Whereas MCS has been found to be caused by defects in enzymes in people’s bodies, there has been no evidence of a connection between Electrical Sensitivity and sickness. The United Kingdom’s Health Protection Agency (HPA) performed a study of the so-called illness and found no links between electricity and ill health. An expert familar with the study, Dr James Rubin of the Mobile Phone Research Unit in King's College London School of Medicine says, “there have now been over 30 studies done in this area, and at the moment there is little to suggest that it is electrical fields that are causing this ill health." Perhaps there is something else in those devices that are causing the illnesses?

Holding Out a Hand to those with MCS

2005-11-03T18:56:00.000-08:00

Recently, a major natural disaster changed the lives of many in the Southern United States. For Missouri, Texas, Lousiana, and many surrounding states, Hurricane Katrina wiped out homes and entire cities, leaving many evacuees homeless and seeking shelter. An interesting article was written by Cyndi Norwitz in wake of Katrina about those evacuees who have special requests for wherever they reside because they have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. At this point, many previous blog entries found on this site explain what Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is so for more information please to those. The reason for Norwitz's article was to demonstrate the difficulties Katrina victims are faced with that have MCS because they "like anyone else, are grateful for the help they receive in a disaster. But the reactions they suffer [as a result of MCS] may keep them from being able to accept the help," and that there are a few changes that can be made to homes to allow them to take in those with MCS without risking the victim's health. The article goes on to explain that those with MCS have varying symptoms and elements that trigger it, so it gives an overview of what to avoid having around while housing someone with MCS. For a list of basic accomadations and best accomadation suggestions click here. The "absolute bare minumum accomadation" suggestions include getting rid of all pesticides or herbicides used in or around the house, no smoking inside or directly outside the house, avoid any air fresheners, sprays, disinfectants, etc. Also, washing bedding and clothes separately from others with baking soda or other detergent that they approve with their condition. The article really exemplifies how common MCS is in society today and what a serious problem it is to those who have it.

SPECT

2005-10-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

In a 1998 issue of American Physician, there was an editorial about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and the new 'objective' tool that is now used to determine MCS in patients. This tool is called SPECT, Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography and helps doctors identify the specific problem in cases of MCS. "During the past five years, we have seen a growing percentage of patients with previously diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivity or a similar diagnosis who had undergone SPECT scans. All of the results in these patients were positive, with the most common diagnosis being chemically induced toxic encephalopathy." Though this tool was a great upgrade in the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of MCS, at the time there were many technical flaws involved with the scan, including that they could not detect brain abnormalities produced by the chemicals.

In a more recent article about SPECT scans, there is an updated explanation of how it works "SPECT is a nuclear medicine technique that uses radiopharmaceuticals, a rotating camera (single or multiple-head), and a computer to produce images representing slices through the body in different planes. SPECT images are functional in nature rather than being purely anatomical such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI." SPECTs are not only used for MCS but for all over the body, and help in the diagnosis of various Neurological diseases such as Alzheimers. Why SPECT scans are able to be used in determining a MCS patients diagnosis is because it can show evidence in brain abnormality. This is especially a helpful tool in cases where patients are suing carpet companies, or where ever they believe their case came from, because it can "establish a casual link between the brain "abnormality" and the alleged exposure, provide "graphic" evidence in brain abnormality, and demonstrate the patients brain is abnormal as a direct result of some toxic exposure, and shows the abnormality demonstrated by the scan is 'consistent' with the patients alleged condition an injuries."

In conclusion, SPECT scans are a way that MCS patients can prove that they are not making up their disorder, that there actually is some abnormalities to the brain as a direct result of toxic chemicals. An example (photo) of a SPECT scan can be found here.

Allergies to Buildings?

2005-10-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

There are many variations to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - one of which is Sick Building Syndrome. SBS is a disease where occupants of a building experience health effects that seems to be connected with the amount of time spent in a building. However, like MCS, the cause cannot be identified. Most of the time, SBS occurs when a building is either operated or maintained in way that was not originally designed.

Some symptoms of SBS include headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritation, dry coughs, dry or itchy skin, dizziness and nausea, difficulty in concentrating, fatigue, and sensitivity to odors. Unfortunately, there is no specific chemical or biological contaminant that can be isolated as the cause of SBS.

Although the specific cause of SBS is still unknown, a few factors have been cited to contribute to SBS. Chemical contaminants from outside can cause some symptoms of SBS. Air from outside can enter a building and be a source of indoor pollution. Toxic air such as motor vehicle exhausts, plumbing vents, and building exhausts can enter a building through windows, poorly located vents, or other openings around the building. There can also be chemical contaminants from indoor sources such as “adhesives, upholstery, carpeting, copy machines, manufactured wood products, cleaning agents and pesticides” can emit toxic VOCs, which are volatile organic compounds, such as formaldehyde. Biological contaminants such as “pollen, bacteria, viruses, and molds” can also contribute to symptoms of SBS. One last cause of SBS symptoms can be inadequate ventilation. In the 1970s, building designers designed buildings to be more airtight, with less outdoor air ventilation to save energy, since there was a shortage of oil at the time. However, it has been found that reduced ventilation can cause health problems such as SBS.

Toxic Mold Syndrome

2005-10-26T21:02:00.000-07:00

Lately, many physicians have begun to classify multiple chemical sensitivity and other environmentally related illnesses as pseudo illnesses. Now, doctors have begun to question the validity of Toxic Mold Syndrome. Toxic mold syndrome is an illness similar to chemical sensitivity except that it is caused by an excessive exposure to toxic mold spores instead of toxic chemicals. For years, the validity of toxic mold syndrome has been argued over by victims and insurance agencies.

In a recent study, Dr. Barzin Khalili and Dr. Emil J. Bardana, Jr. investigated about 50 patients who claimed to have symptoms of toxic mold syndrome on the behest of defense attorneys from lawsuits concerning insurance coverage and workers compensation. The two researchers noticed that all of the symptoms suffered by the victims could be symptoms of other diseases as well. The doctors also state that there were no consistencies in the sufferings of the patients, with the patients having “an average of more than eight symptoms.” Most of these patients also had family histories of allergies and asthma. Of the fifty patients, the authors of the study found that thirty patients had “other non-mold-related illnesses”, showing that toxic mold illness is often misdiagnosed. As a physician familiar with the study, Dr. Abba I. Terr from the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center concludes that since the researchers found no evidence for toxic mold syndrome, “toxic mold disease is truly a diagnosis of litigation.” Doesn’t the case of toxic mold syndrome seem to complement the earlier case on multiple chemical sensitivity?

Swiss-Webster Mice Know Best

2005-10-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

4-Phenylcyclohexene (4-PCH) is a by-product formed during the polymerization of styrene-butadiene latex used in carpet backing. This causes most of the odor in new carpets, leading to the supposed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Besides emitting an unwanted odor, there have been many health complaints involved in inhaling 4-PCH. One particular study tested Swiss-Webster Mice and subjected them to different amounts of 4-PCH in various time allotments. First, they held them in neck restraints so that only their head was exposed to the 0.4 ppm 4-PCH. In this case, within a few hours many suffered from severe toxicity, even death. Then, there was a longer run test using more standard toxicity testing- they exposed forty mice to much larger amounts of 4-PCH, between 0-70 ppm. The mice were only exposed to the 4-PCH six hours a day for nine days. In this study, all of the mice survived, without toxicity or other health problems relating to the 4-PCH they were exposed to. "These findings, consistent with the reported lack of toxicity of inhaled 4-PCH in rats, do not suggest a direct, organic, association between low-level 4-PCH exposure and human complaints." A similar study done with Swiss-Webster Mice yielded very similar results, that Swiss-Webster Mice suffered no treatment-related effects from whole-body exposure. For more information on that study click here. That website include a lot of great, in-depth information and other studies that basically show that although humans sometimes complain of irritation due to exposure to 4-PCH, Swiss Webster Mice prove that there are no long term health effects to the exposure in such amounts that carpets give off.

Anti-Allergy Homes

2005-10-20T21:46:00.000-07:00

Allergies, dust mites, and various household chemicals make life miserable for many people.

Builders have come up with a solution – anti-allergy homes. Workers have stripped houses of everything that could possibly trigger a painful reaction for allergy sufferers. Solvent-based paints have been replaced by oil-based versions. Special clay walls are being used, which can absorb excess moisture to avoid dust mites and dampness. In favor of more suitable materials, chipboard, which can release toxins, and other insulating materials have been replaced.

These allergy-free homes have been built in Newington, Scotland and have been refurbished to create affordable housing. Castle Rock Edinvar, a major city housing association, plans to rent the flats to people who have a history of allergy problems. Colin Rae, the development director of Places for People said, “Everything about the accommodation was designed to minimize allergic and asthmatic reactions.” Lindsey McManus, deputy information manager at allergy charity Allergy UK said, “Sensitivities to chemicals are becoming more and more common in modern life and can be a huge problem for people.”

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity - Is It All a Lie?

2005-10-20T21:03:00.000-07:00

While the past few posts seem to say that Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a disorder that is quite common, there is still ongoing debate on whether it is a true illness or not. According to Dr. Stephen Barrett from Quackwatch.com, MCS is not a valid diagnosis.
The idea of an all encompassing illness for the seemingly disjointed symptoms was first developed by allergist Theron G. Randolph, M.D. (1906-1995) in the 1950s. Dr. Randolph believed that some of his patients were having allergic reactions to certain benign chemicals. He suggested that humans were not able to adapt to the modern synthetic chemicals and thus developed a new sensitivity to them.

Dr. Barrett points out in his article that all of the symptoms of multiple MCS can also be symptoms of many other diseases. After all, almost all common illnesses have symptoms like headaches, fevers, fatigue, drowsiness, or mental exhaustion. Is it not possible that the sufferers of MCS are actually suffering from a different disease with similar symptoms? Barrett quotes Dr. William J. Rea who has treated a number of environmentally ill patients who said that these symptoms “may manifest any symptom in the textbook of medicine.” Dr. Barrett also points out the fallacies of MCS proponents’ arguments. According to MCS supporters, the immune system is analogous to a rain barrel. In MCS sufferers, the immune system “barrel” is suddenly filled up with chemicals which overflow, causing illness. The logical fallacy in this belief is that if a sudden large dose of a chemical has this effect, the sum of various small amounts of unrelated chemicals and stressors should have the same effect, which is not true. Dr. Barrett believes that this dubious illness has been used by fraudulent people who “are seeking special accommodations, applying for disability benefits, and filing lawsuits claiming that exposure to common foods and chemicals has made them ill.” Does this mean that all MCS survivors are just frauds? We may never know.

Smoking & Benzopyrene

2005-10-14T08:37:00.000-07:00

Carpets and Chemical Sensitivities by Dr. Joe Schwarcz tells of the Beebes family's claim that their new carpet ruined their lives as a result of their suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Schwarcz identifies that though he “doesn't think that new carpet smell is a plague... This doesn't mean the issue is of no concern. Carpets do serve as a repository for all sorts of chemicals. Benzopyrene, a nasty carcinogen found in tobacco smoke and cooking fumes, settles on carpets…”(Schwarcz 70)

The chemical he mentions, Benzopyrene (C20H12), is hydrocarbon that is highly caringogenic as well as mutagenic, an agent that changes the genetic information (usually DNA) of an organism and thus increases the number of mutations above the natural background level. This chemical can most commonly be found in tobacco smoke. In 1996, a study was done at Kansas State University that linked Benzopyrene's existence in tobacco smoke with causes for lung cancer. The conncetion between the two involved how Benzopyrene causes genetic damage in lung cells that is identical to the damage observed in the DNA of most malignant lung tumors. Another association with Benzyopyrene's effects on DNA is that when in the body, it takes form of Benzopyrene-diol-epoxide and will randomly insert itself into the grooves of DNA. Once bound in the groove, DNA is not able to be replicated or transcribed effectively. This has negative effects on the genes as well as can result in mutations of the daughter cells.

Benzopyrene also has an effect over the genes that control the growth of cells. The gene mentioned is called P53 and is related to half of all human cancers and as many of 70% of lung cancers. Its effect damages the gene, allowing the body to become more vulnerable to cancer. For those who think that smoking marijuana is less dangerous and involves less of a risk for health complications than smoking tobacco, you have been proved wrong. There are 21 nanograms of carcinogens (Benzopyrene) found in tobacco cigarettes where as there are approximately 30 nanograms in marijuana cigarettes. Of course, this is not to say begin smoking tobacco cigarettes because they are 'healthier' - both involve very dangerous health consequences. The existence of Benzopyrene in both proves how smoking either tobacco or marijuana can directly result in cancer, specifically lung cancer.

"Overcoming Psychogenic Psychobabble"

2005-10-13T21:51:00.000-07:00

Many researchers have tried to explain why one person might have low sensitivity for chemicals and others may not. Recent research from Canada states that there might be a relationship between enzyme deficiencies and MCS.
Many supporters of industry attempt to minimize the effects of synthetic toxic chemicals by accusing those who report symptoms from chemicals to have psychological disorders. However, Dr. Robert Haley has reported a connection between the Gulf War Syndrome and a lack of the enzyme “serum paraoxonase” (Pon-Q) that detoxified organophosphates. He states that this relationship can explain why one solider may be able to tolerate a higher dose of an organophosphate exposure while others may become ill or die. The Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veterans’ Illnesses reports that a significant portion of Gulf War veterans suffer from multisymptom conditions that cannot be explained with psychological disorders or wartime stress. Many veterans’ symptoms have a neurological cause, which most likely relates to exposure to neurotoxins.
Therefore, allergy specialists and other experts should admit that they do not completely understand the disorder, and quit giving excuses that MCS and other related diseases are psychological disorders.

Gulf War Syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity- A Connection?

2005-10-13T20:47:00.000-07:00

In a recent study performed by the Wright State University’s medical school, sufferers of the Gulf War syndrome and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity are given new hope. The goal of the study was to explain why soldiers from the first Gulf War often suffered debilitating illnesses even though they appeared to be perfectly fine, and to attempt to find viable treatments for the victims.

For years, sufferers of Gulf War syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) have been dismissed as hypochondriacs and were often ridiculed for their supposedly imagined ills. However, these illnesses are quite real. Both disorders cause a variety of debilitating symptoms which can incapacitate the victim and cause immense suffering for periods of time. In the study, over a dozen researchers working over four years discovered that specific biochemical irregularities were to blame for the hypersensitivity. Most people are able to withstand toxins to a certain degree. This is because everybody has enzymes in their bodies that are able to break down small amounts of toxins and release them harmlessly from the body. According to the Dayton Daily News, people who are overtly sensitive to chemicals have “significantly lower levels of those enzymes [and] can become seriously ill from mere traces of some commonplace chemicals.” This means that sufferers of MCS and GWS are unable to handle even the tiniest trace of toxins because their bodies are unable to break them down. Now, physicians are able to diagnose the two disorders with a simple blood test. New research is being performed to create a diagnostic test that can identify chemically sensitive people before the symptoms begin to appear.

Fragrant Terrorists

2005-10-06T21:44:00.000-07:00

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCI) or Environmental Illness (EI) is a condition where one feels ill around various fragrances, cleaning products, plastics, and other products that omit smells. Unfortunately, many medical professionals do not fully understand this condition and often denounce it as a psychological problem, rather than a physical one. However, many victims testify that it is indeed physical. “However, if you suffer from this condition like I do, you probably know it is not psychological. It can even be infuriating and discouraging to have those around you say you are crazy or it is just in your mind. But rest assured you are not crazy and there are many fellow sufferers like you”

Chemical sensitivity is a reaction to common toxins. For example, perfumes can have as many as 4,000 different chemicals in them; petroleum makes up a large percentage of the chemicals, and many of them have some level of toxicity. In wood furniture manufacturing and building construction, formaldehyde, a very toxic chemical, is used extensively. Also, nitrous compounds, toxic hydrocarbons exist in smog. One’s sensitivity to these chemicals that other people can handle with no consequence is the body’s way of signaling that it does not have the capacity to handle the substances anymore. The best way to cope with hypersensitivity is to remove, block, avoid substances that are harmful to the body, or to strengthen the immune system.

Trusting one’s senses is better than relying on ingredient labels to determine if the product is harmful or not. The reason is because manufacturers are only required to list main ingredients. Also, one may not be sensitive to the main ingredient, but to impurities that have been introduced during the manufacturing process. Once one has identified harmful products, it is a good idea to replace these objects with products that have been made by companies who are genuinely concerned about people with chemical sensitivity.

However, if it the offending item is a piece of furniture, carpet, or anything that cannot be either removed or replace, there is an alternate solution – blocking the “offgassing” of chemicals. Hardseal and Safeseal are liquids that dry clear and seal in odors and chemical offgassing. Hardseal has a gloss finish and can be used on both porous and non-porous surfaces. Safeseal on the other hand is only for porous surfaces and is invisible.

It is also important to have an air purify in the home. However, it is important to determine which air purify is good for the individual because some can even be harmful. In general, it is a good idea to avoid ionic type air purifiers because they produce toxic chemicals themselves.

A Carpet's Worst 'Mite'mare; Highly Allergenic Dust Mites

2005-10-06T20:04:00.000-07:00

Carpets and Chemical Sensitivities by Dr. Joe Schwarcz exemplifies the impurities found in carpets and how they can affect ones health. Schwarcz refers to the book Toxic Carpet written about a family that claims their health problems correlate to the new carpet they put into their home. Though it is resolved that the installation of the new carpet did not directly result in the health problems of the Beebes family, there are ways in which carpets can be dangerous to ones health. Dust mites spiderlike creatures that are found in carpets and mattresses. They are technically harmless but the enzymes produced in their feces contains very strong allergens. These allergenic-droppings move in the air, contaminating toys, clothes, and other objects that hit the carpet. Their droppings can become airborne and then are not only in the air one breathes, but can contaminate their food as well. One can be affected just by sitting or laying on a carpet where guanine, Dust mite's droppings, can be found. Side effects occur immediately including wheezing, itching, irritating red bumps, difficulty in breathing, and asthma attacks.

Dust mites are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye. They leave behind feces that is highly allergenic for most people. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent against the contamination of dust mites in ones carpet. Medical Entomology Department at ICPMR Westmead Hospital states that it is "impossible to eliminate all dust mites from a household, but areas where mites tend to congregate can be targeted." These areas can most effectively be taken care of by vacuuming regularly.

An Introduction to Chemical Sensitivity

2005-10-05T17:34:00.000-07:00

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is an ailment that produces various symptoms after the victim has been exposed to a wide range of chemicals. It is also known as Environmental Illness. The exposure to a chemical causes a short term reaction that goes away as soon as the substance is removed but recurs with future encounters. In some cases, the exposure results in heightened sensitivity and reactivity to other chemicals.

Many authoritative sources such as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the American Medical Association (AMA) do not consider Multiple Chemical Sensitivity as a distinct physical disorder because there is currently a “lack of clinical evidence to support a physical cause for the symptoms.” MCS sufferers do not develop antibodies in response to the chemical exposures, signifying that there is probably no external cause for the suffering. Another reason why the CDC and AMA do not list MCS as a physical malady is that, according to WebMD and the Cleveland Clinic, people with MCS tend to have “…high rates of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and somatoform disorders -- mental disorders that are expressed through physical symptoms.” In effect, people with MCS do suffer but only because they think they do.