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| Chemical sensitivity disorder or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is defined as "an acquired disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in response to exposure to many chemically unrelated compounds at doses below those established in the general population to cause harmful effects.". Most of us need little convincing that our urban environments are polluted. The exact number of persons suffering from chemical sensitivity is unclear, but the rise in immune and nervous system disorders indicates that this problem is becoming more common, and somewhat more widely recognized. Scientifically oriented allergists, psychiatrists and occupational health clinicians suspect that the majority of "MCS" (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) patients suffer from psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety reactions and somatization (bodily reactions to stress). Incidence; Causes & Development MCS is thought to afflict somewhere between 2% and 15% of the American public, and appears to be increasing, according to a publication of the American Chemical Society. Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) better describes the true nature of the illness(es) initiated by a toxic exposure which leads to the loss of tolerance of common chemicals. Different initiating events may give rise to somewhat different ailments, all of which cause sensitivity to chemicals - just as different infectious diseases can all cause a fever. There are over 70,000 chemicals commercially produced in the United States today. The main mechanism for chemical sensitivity seems to be the failure of the body's enzyme detoxification pathways to adequately clear chemical compounds. Both immune and non-immune processes have been involved. Because most of the toxic chemicals involved are fat-soluble, they become stored in the body's fat, resistant to metabolism and excretion. Typical symptoms include fatigue, severe migraine-like headaches, nausea, that "run down" feeling, rashes, itching, swelling, pain, stuffiness, disorientation, and dizziness. Serum levels of suspected chemicals confirm the diagnosis. |
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