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Chemicals that Cause Disease
You probably know that there are many chemicals that cause diseases. Tobacco smoke has been linked to lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke. DDT has been linked to both reproductive and liver problems. Formaldehyde is considered by the EPA to be a probable carcinogen.
What are Multiple Chemical Sensitivities? (MCS)
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities Syndrome is a health problem where exposure to environmental chemicals leads to numerous symptoms and progressive health declines. The potential irritants are often found in everyday household products including:
- Aerosol air freshener
- After-shave lotion
- Asphalt pavement
- Bathroom deodorizers
- Cigarette & cigar smoke
- Colognes & perfumes
- Diesel & gasoline exhaust
- Diesel & gasoline fumes
- Dry-cleaning fluid
- Floor cleaner
- Furniture polish
- Hair spray
- Insect repellant
- Laundry detergent
- Marking pens
- Nail polish & remover
- Oil-based paint
- Paint thinner
- Perfumes in cosmetics
- Shampoo
- Tile cleaners
- Varnish, shellac, lacquer
Clinical Symptoms
Clinical symptoms vary widely and include:
- ADHD
- Behavioral Problems
- Asthma
- Confusion
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Learning Disabilities
- Muscle & joint aches
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Rashes
We do not fully understand MCS
Each person with MCS has different triggers. Each person has a different threshold of exposure for becoming sick. There are often multiple organ symptoms that become affected by MCS including the liver, lungs, and central nervous system. Diagnosis is complicated and there are no clear treatment approaches.
Clinical Ecologists, who study Environmental Health, have observed some patterns:
- Sensitivities can develop gradually over time to low-level exposure or rapidly from high exposure to a specific chemical.
- People who develop a sensitivity to a specific irritant often become sensitive to many chemicals.
- MCS becomes progressively worse with repeated exposure.
The American Medical Association has not yet classified MCS as a diagnosis. Some patients with MCS have mild symptoms while others become debilitated. The prevalence of MCS has increased by 300% and self-reported chemical sensitivity by 200%, during the past decade.
An Air Purifier for MCS
There is a way to remove airborne chemicals from the air. Air cleaners with activated carbon and zeolite adsorb chemicals. Additionally, potassium iodide, a chemisorber, breaks down large molecules into smaller ones that are easier to adsorb.
In the 1990s Austin Air committed to building a highly effective air purifier to remove chemicals from the air. The HealthMate Plus® is an air cleaner that specializes in the reduction of toxic airborne chemicals, gasses, VOCs, and sub-micron particles. Learn more about The Austin Air HealthMate Plus HM450.