MCS: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Solution Guide

A woman sits next to you on the bus wearing a lovely but strong fragrance. Your eyes begin to burn and water, and then come the sneezes. The same reaction occurs as you get off the bus and walk past a man spraying flowers with a pesticide. This is MCS.

According to Christiane Tourtet, Coordinator for the Global Recognition Campaign for MCS, multiple chemical sensitivity (also known as multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome or environmental illness) is an "increasingly alarming world-wide public health problem caused by our toxic environment" in the form of a "debilitating chronic medical condition characterized by extreme sensitivities to chemicals."

MCS develops after exposure to chemicals such as pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, household cleaning products, air fresheners, deodorizers, glues, carpets, building materials, paint, ink, emissions from copying machines, automobile exhausts, cooking fumes, gasoline, wood burning, perfumes, scented products, carbon paper, candles, incense, dry-cleaning, shampoos, beauty products, and other personal care products.

As with allergen avoidance, the key to MCS survival is to avoid exposure to the substances that trigger symptoms. Some people are sensitive to so many different chemicals that they do not allow any synthetic materials in their home; even all of their furniture is natural and organic. Most MCS sufferers, however, can pinpoint the specific chemicals to which they're sensitive and take steps to avoid them. Many chemically sensitive people find relief by sleeping on organic cotton bedding.

For the purest, most natural sleep available, relax on a Royal-Pedic Organic Cotton Mattress. The 100% organic Peruvian cotton is grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, and the mattress is custom built without formaldehyde, glues, dyes, resins, polyurethane foam, or synthetic latex. Customers who are sensitive to petrochemical emissions from treated fibers love this mattress. The Royal-Pedic Organic Natural Latex Quilt-Top Mattress is another ideal option for chemically sensitive individuals and its seven zones of orthopedic support create the most comfortable sleep imaginable.

People who are sensitive to personal care products find relief with natural products like Free & Clear Shampoo and Conditioner and Free & Clear Liquid Cleanser.

Air purifiers will remove chemicals from the air in your home as well as HEPA vacuum cleaners, and masks will protect your lungs from chemicals outside of your home. Many people with MCS have thrown out their synthetic cleaning chemicals altogether and switched to vapor steam cleaning to destroy allergens and germs. Vinegar mixed with water also makes an excellent natural cleaning solution.

Remember, whenever you are exposed to synthetic chemicals, they enter your body whether you're sensitive to them or not, and MCS could develop at any time. We recommend that people avoid exposure to toxic chemicals whenever possible. Avoidance of toxic chemicals will help your immune system stay healthy.