Chemical Triggers
Multiple chemicals have been reported to trigger MCS symptoms. In addition to anything which is perfumed or scented, complaints are commonly formed about everyday items:
- Food
- Tartrazine (a.k.a. FD&C Yellow #5 or E102), and other azo dyes (true allergy must first be excluded)
- Caffeine
- Monosodium glutamate
Multiple food intolerances can be masked by a delayed reaction. These are not allergic reactions, and cannot be tested, only discovered by an elimination diet.
- Substances with strong scents
In a review of a two-phase population study, respondents with MCS indicated cleaning agents (88.4%), pesticides (81.2%), perfumes (81.2%), vehicle exhaust (72.5%), the products used in barber shops and beauty salons (60.9%), new carpeting (53.6%), new furniture (39.1%), chlorine in drinking water (29.1%), and fresh ink (26.1%) were the products most often reported to trigger reactions in the respondents. They also indicated smoke from a fireplace, wood stove, or barbecue grill, and secondhand tobacco smoke were triggers for reactions.
Other reported chemical triggers include:
- Gasoline (petrol) or diesel fuel
- Petroleum-based products, including petroleum jelly, tar, or asphalt
- Pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and other agricultural chemicals
- Industrial cleaning chemicals, such as dry cleaning fluid
- Formaldehyde
- Glues, varnishes, polishes, paints, solvents, paint thinners, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Bleach, fabric softeners, wool-wash, and laundry detergents
- Perfumes, lotion, aftershave lotion, nail polish, or skin care products
- Air fresheners, deodorizers and scented candles
- Shampoos, hairsprays and hair care products
- Dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent
- Marking pens, such as highlighters
Read more about this topic: Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
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