What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and why is it so hard to diagnose?

According to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.org MCS is defined as:
 “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in broad terms means an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants including solvents, VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds), perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke, “chemicals” in general and often encompasses problems with regard to pollen, house dust mites, and pet fur & dander.” (multiplechemicalsensitivity.org)
Some of the things we do know: 
·        MCS generally does not have a histamine reaction or many of the biological markers for inflammation or allergic reaction.
·         MCS is ongoing and chronic,
·        MCS is reproducible; when a person is exposed to a trigger the resulting response is the same. 
·        There are often many triggers, the patient improves when absent from the triggers every time and quickly.
·        Once the trigger has been established, very small levels of the triggering chemical causes a reaction, some of those reactions can be life threatening.
Johns Hopkins says that these chemicals can be found in:
·        Carpeting
·        Plastics
·        Perfumes
·        Plants
·        Paint
·        Cigarettes
·        Soaps and detergents
·        Cosmetics
·        Newspaper inks
·        Many, many more unknown triggers, it takes so much time and so many resources to test each substance for reactivity and hundreds of new compounds are being released daily.
MCS is classified as “idiopathic” meaning it has no known cause or mechanism of action, therein lies the problem. If a thing cannot be measured it makes it very difficult to treat even with our giant leaps in medical science and understanding. The method of action, the causation and the process of sensitization is not at all understood…to the point we aren’t even sure how to look at it to study it. Think fibromyalgia in the 1990’s when it was considered to be a psychiatric problem and not a physical problem. It is the way of science I am afraid. We cannot study it until we know how to look at it.
This is a controversial clinical diagnosis. At this time, it is often seen as psychological rather than physiological; a somatic (physical) expression of anxiety or mental illness. While there is much debate on this topic, there is hope. There are some forward thinking Medical Doctors, Osteopathic physicians and Chiropractors that are doing more and more specialty research on this elusive and life altering condition. 


About the Author: Donna Bass BS., MH., LC is currently working with people who are dealing with MCS and people who are just interested in lowering their exposure to unnecessary and potentially harmful chemicals. Her experience with science and herbalism gives her a unique point of view regarding how people may be affected by the layering of” harmless” chemicals to produce a sensitization response. 
With that in mind, Donna will come to your home to find triggers and collaborate to find effective and safe solutions for you and your family. Donna is also a licensed cosmetologist that performs low chemical load skincare services for all clients.




References:
https://www.multiplechemicalsensitivity.org/
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-chemical-sensitivity