Symptoms of MCS

By Bonnie Jenkins, Advanced Natural Medicine

Imagine walking through the laundry aisle at your local grocery store and becoming violently ill. Or avoiding elevators because someone might be wearing perfume. What if simply going to your office resulted in debilitating headaches and respiratory distress. For people like my friend Michelle, these scenarios are far too familiar. Michelle has multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) – a heightened sensitivity to synthetic chemicals. And just a brief exposure to products containing formaldehyde or the petroleum-based chemicals found in scented products can send her into anaphalytic shock.

Because of her sensitivity to the chemicals in synthetic fragrances, Michelle has to avoid perfumes and most other cosmetics. But Michelle is a fashion junkie. So, it didn’t surprise me when she decided to check out the new Nordstrom’s. She thought she could steer clear of any exposures by just avoiding the cosmetics section. But when a perky fragrance demonstrator approached her in the dress department, Michelle didn’t stand a chance. As soon as the demonstrator spritzed perfume into the air, Michelle felt her throat close and her face swell. Her breathing became labored and her mind foggy. A few seconds later, she collapsed on the floor.

Although Michelle is fine now, her experience is a reminder of just how life-threatening chemical exposure can be for some people.

A Modern Malady

It's estimated that 15 to 30 percent of Americans suffer from some form of MCS - not surprising considering the number of toxic chemicals we are exposed to. Since 1940, the annual production of synthetic chemicals has increased from one billion pounds to nearly 400 billion pounds. These toxins contaminate our air and water. Our homes and workplaces are saturated with synthetic materials that release chemical vapors. Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, fumigants and fertilizers seep into the soil and are absorbed into our food. Additives, preservatives and artificial colorings and flavorings are found in almost all supermarket foods. Even our personal care products harbor carcinogenic, neurotoxic and hormone disrupting chemicals.

The result is a 20th-century phenomenon – chemical overload. Sensitivity can come from one exposure to a very high dose of chemicals or it may stem from exposure to low levels over a long period of time. Either way, people with MCS become sensitized to the first chemical, plus a range of other unrelated chemicals.

All In Your Head

The symptoms of MCS often mimic those of other illnesses – chronic fatigue, memory lapses, dizziness, stomach problems, depression, poor concentration, headaches, menstrual dysfunction, musculoskeletal pain, rashes, hives and disturbed vision. But, even though these symptoms are real enough, mainstream medicine has historically tagged MCS as a psychological problem. Since they can’t draw a straight line between cause and effect, most doctors either blame stress or tell their patients that the problem is “all in their head.”

But Michelle knows better – and a growing body of evidence is proving her right. New research indicates that many of these chemicals can disrupt the central nervous system and irreversibly damage the immune system. Researchers from Washington State University have identified four physiological mechanisms that occur simultaneously when hypersensitive people are exposed to chemicals, including inappropriate neurotransmitter activity and cellular damage. The researchers also noted that MCS victims are at least three times more susceptible to synthetic compounds than people without the condition.

In another study, ten women with MCS were compared to 20 healthy women after being exposed to n-butyl acetate and toluene – two toxic chemicals commonly found in perfumes, cosmetics, paints and plastics. Those with MCS showed a much stronger increase in mucous membrane irritation and fatigue, along with a sharp decrease in mental function, compared to the healthy women.

There are several tests that can measure brain function and "map" what happens to the brain during exposure, including the Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Single Photon Emission Computer Tomography (SPECT). In one study, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and Louisiana's Environmental and Occupational Medical Research Institute tested a group of chemically sensitive adults who had been exposed to pesticides, solvents and other toxins. The SPECT scan showed that 93 percent of the participants had brain function abnormalities. Scientists at the University of Arizona have also found that repeated exposure can adversely impact heart rate, blood pressure and plasma beta-endorphin responses.

So, MCS isn’t all in your head – or a sign that you’re a hypochondriac or overly stressed. But, despite the proof, it’s still a hard sell among traditional doctors.

Back to a Simpler Time

Short of relying on conventional medicine for answers, there are steps you can take to lessen the effects of MCS. Lifestyle changes can help reduce your exposure. Many sufferers have found that switching to organic foods reduces their exposure to pesticides. Non-toxic personal care and cleaning products can also help. And, since our houses can harbor common sensitizers such as formaldehyde and volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), replacing toxic cabinets and carpeting with natural alternatives can make your home a comfort zone.

While avoiding known chemical triggers is a logical first step, a nutritional approach can decrease chemical sensitivity and help rebuild the immune system.

Glycine and taurine are two major amino acids that help remove toxic chemicals from the body. Glycine alleviates the toxic effects of several chemicals, including phenols, benzoic acid and methionine. Taurine also helps rid the body of toxins. People with MCS often have low taurine levels, leaving them vulnerable to chemicals such as chlorine, aldehydes, alcohols, petroleum solvents and ammonia.

Along with these two nutrients, Elson Haas, M.D., suggests taking antioxidant vitamins to help rebuild an out-of-whack immune system and minimize chemical irritation. Other supplements can also help. Many environmental specialists recommend taking coenzyme-Q10, a documented immune enhancer; adaptogens such as reishi, shiitake and maitake

mushrooms; green foods such as blue-green algae; and a variety of herbs including Siberian ginseng to protect the liver; astragalus, a powerful immunotonic; and ginkgo biloba for asthma and other respiratory complaints.

One Last Thing ...

Even though mainstream medicine isn’t convinced that MCS is a legitimate disorder, both the US Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Social Security Administration have recognized MCS as a disabling condition. And some states are even getting on the bandwagon. A recent human rights lawsuit in Pennsylvania established the right of an affected person to safe living space in subsidized housing. And both the Maryland State Legislature and New Jersey State Department of Health have officially commissioned studies of MCS.

Why is this important? Because some MCS sufferers have such a violent reaction to even minute amounts of environmental chemicals that finding a safe, nontoxic place to work and live can be almost impossible. But protection under both state and federal law will gradually force companies to create more chemical-free zones – and may encourage the medical community to finally accept MSC as a real illness.

This Just In ...

Since we’re talking about chemical exposure, I thought I’d mention a new report warning all Americans to avoid consuming dioxins – long-lasting compounds that have been linked to endocrine-related conditions, developmental problems and susceptibility to cancer. But that may be easier said than done since dioxins are a byproduct of pesticide use and are most concentrated in the fats of meat, poultry, fish, whole milk and full-fat dairy products.

The Institute of Medicine, the nonprofit organization that authored the report, also suggested that the federal government "develop and implement an integrated risk-management strategy and action plan to reduce human exposure to dioxins in foods." But instead of taking steps to lower the amount of dietary dioxin, the government is simply opting to educate people that the foods they eat may not be safe. This is just one more example that you can’t rely on the government to protect you from environmental health threats. It’s up to you – and me – to keep ourselves as safe as possible from these dangers. And the best way to do this is to make conscientious choices whenever we buy food, household goods, even cosmetics and personal care products. A good rule of thumb – the fewer chemicals, the better.

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References:

Levin AS, et al. “Multiple chemical sensitivities: a practicing clinician’s point of view. Clinical and immunologic research findings.” Toxicology and Industrial Health. 1992; 8:95-109.

Osterberg K, et al. “Annoyance and performance during the experimental chemical challenge of subjects with multiple chemical sensitivity.” Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health. 2003; 29:40-50.

Pall ML. “NMDA sensitization and stimulation by peroxynitrite, nitric oxide and organic solvents as the mechanism of chemical sensitivity in multiple chemical sensitivity.” FASEB Journal. 2002; 16:1407-1417.

“Study warns women to avoid dioxins.” St. Petersburg Times. 2 July 2003.