Multiple chemical sensitivityWhat is multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)?Multiple chemical sensitivity is to react to a range of chemicals / air pollutants in our environment e.g. perfume, smoke, household cleaning products causing similar reactions to that of allergies. This hyper sensitivity is also called toxic injury, 20th Century syndrome, chemical sensitivity, multiple allergy, environmental illness, and chemical injury.
As with sick building syndrome (SBS), it is not a condition where the specific cause can be pinpointed e.g. pollen can cause the reaction of hayfever. This makes diagnosis and treatment quite difficult as the symptoms and severity can change from person to person. At the moment, this condition is not widely accepted medically.
The differences between MCS and SBS are that the symptoms caused by MCS usually disappear once exposure has stopped, although in some cases this does not happen. With MCS the reaction is caused by chemical exposure rather than other causes associated with chemical exposure.
Cause of multiple chemical sensitivityThe cause is from short or prolonged exposure to a number of airborne chemicals, solvents and pollutants through inhalation. Over time you can become hyper sensitive to your surrounding environment. This may cause the onset of symptoms as a reaction to exposure to toxins.
Known contributing substances that contain chemicals* Volatile organic compounds(VOCs)* Tobacco smoke * Pesticides * Artificial fragrances (perfume, air fresheners, potpourri etc) * Fuel (petrol, diesel, manufactured fire logs etc) * Solvents (adhesives, paint finishes etc) * Household cleaning products (washing powder, oven cleaner etc)
Symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivityYour body cannot break down man made toxic substances very easily, hence making them very dangerous to your health depending how many you exposed to, at what concentration levels and how long for.
* eye irritation, blurred vision, eye discomfort (dry/stinging)
The severity of symptoms can range from low level and mild discomfort to high level anaphylactic shock. Symptoms are generally chronic which means they are ongoing and happen when exposed to chemical and toxic irritants. After long term exposure to a variety of chemicals, you may experience symptoms even when away from the source.
Treatment of MCSThere is no known cure or 100% proven treatment for MCS. The most effective way of reducing the symptoms and ill heath effects of MCS in your home is to try and limit or remove the cause of common indoor air pollutants. As with all symptoms of illness, please consult with a doctor.
How does this relate to interior design?We live in the middle of a toxic world, which began from the industrial revolution and is ever increasing in toxicity. Looking at your home, the building materials, furniture, fixtures and fittings – the majority of them will be made from chemical processing, contain chemicals or are finishes with chemicals. This is why holistic and eco interior design methods are so important to think about when designing your home - to maintain good health and wellbeing for life.
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