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
Famous quotes containing the word chemical:
“Ants are so much like human beings as to be an embarrassment. They farm fungi, raise aphids as livestock, launch armies into war, use chemical sprays to alarm and confuse enemies, capture slaves, engage in child labor, exchange information ceaselessly. They do everything but watch television.”
—Lewis Thomas (b. 1913)