scholarly journals Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Gesualdo M. Zucco ◽  
Richard L. Doty

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a condition also known as Chemical Sensitivity (CS), Chemical Intolerance (CI), Idiopathic Environmental Illness (IEI) and Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT), is an acquired multifactorial syndrome characterized by a recurrent set of debilitating symptoms. The symptoms of this controversial disorder are reported to be induced by environmental chemicals at doses far below those usually harmful to most persons. They involve a large spectrum of organ systems and typically disappear when the environmental chemicals are removed. However, no clear link has emerged among self-reported MCS symptoms and widely accepted objective measures of physiological dysfunction, and no clear dose-response relationship between exposure and symptom reactions has been observed. In addition, the underlying etiology and pathogenic processes of the disorder remain unknown and disputed, although biologic and psychologic hypotheses abound. It is currently debated whether MCS should be considered a clinical entity at all. Nevertheless, in the last few decades MCS has received considerable scientific and governmental attention in light of the many persons reporting this illness. In this review, we provide a general overview of the history, definition, demographics, prevalence, and etiologic challenges in defining and understanding MCS.

Author(s):  
Raymond F Palmer ◽  
Tatjana Walker ◽  
David Kattari ◽  
Rudy Rincon ◽  
Perales Roger ◽  
...  

Keywords: Chemical Intolerance, Drug Intolerance, Food Intolerance, QEESI, BREESI, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Toxicant-induced Loss of Tolerance, Prevalence


2002 ◽  
Vol 41 (06) ◽  
pp. 233-239 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Hausteiner ◽  
A. Drzezga ◽  
P. Bartenstein ◽  
M. Schwaiger ◽  
H. Förstl ◽  
...  

SummaryAim: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a controversially discussed symptom complex. Patients afflicted by MCS react to very low and generally nontoxic concentrations of environmental chemicals. It has been suggested that MCS leads to neurotoxic damage or neuroimmunological alteration in the brain detectable by positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). These methods are often applied to MCS patients for diagnosis, although they never proved appropriate. Method: We scanned 12 MCS patients with PET, hypothesizing that it would reveal abnormal findings. Results: Mild glucose hypometabolism was present in one patient. In comparison with normal controls, the patient group showed no significant functional brain changes. Conclusion: This first systematic PET study in MCS patients revealed no hint of neurotoxic or neuroimmuno-logical brain changes of functional significance.


2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cindy Sage

AbstractThe ‘informational content’ of Earth's electromagnetic signaling is like a set of operating instructions for human life. These environmental cues are dynamic and involve exquisitely low inputs (intensities) of critical frequencies with which all life on Earth evolved. Circadian and other temporal biological rhythms depend on these fluctuating electromagnetic inputs to direct gene expression, cell communication and metabolism, neural development, brainwave activity, neural synchrony, a diversity of immune functions, sleep and wake cycles, behavior and cognition. Oscillation is also a universal phenomenon, and biological systems of the heart, brain and gut are dependent on the cooperative actions of cells that function according to principles of non-linear, coupled biological oscillations for their synchrony. They are dependent on exquisitely timed cues from the environment at vanishingly small levels. Altered ‘informational content’ of environmental cues can swamp natural electromagnetic cues and result in dysregulation of normal biological rhythms that direct growth, development, metabolism and repair mechanisms. Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and radiofrequency radiation (RFR) can have the devastating biological effects of disrupting homeostasis and desynchronizing normal biological rhythms that maintain health. Non-linear, weak field biological oscillations govern body electrophysiology, organize cell and tissue functions and maintain organ systems. Artificial bioelectrical interference can give false information (disruptive signaling) sufficient to affect critical pacemaker cells (of the heart, gut and brain) and desynchronize functions of these important cells that orchestrate function and maintain health. Chronic physiological stress undermines homeostasis whether it is chemically induced or electromagnetically induced (or both exposures are simultaneous contributors). This can eventually break down adaptive biological responses critical to health maintenance; and resilience can be compromised. Electrohypersensitivity can be caused by successive assaults on human bioelectrochemical dynamics from exogenous electromagnetic fields (EMF) and RFR or a single acute exposure. Once sensitized, further exposures are widely reported to cause reactivity to lower and lower intensities of EMF/RFR, at which point thousand-fold lower levels can cause adverse health impacts to the electrosensitive person. Electrohypersensitivity (EHS) can be a precursor to, or linked with, multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) based on reports of individuals who first develop one condition, then rapidly develop the other. Similarity of chemical biomarkers is seen in both conditions [histamines, markers of oxidative stress, auto-antibodies, heat shock protein (HSP), melatonin markers and leakage of the blood-brain barrier]. Low intensity pulsed microwave activation of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) is postulated as a mechanism of action for non-thermal health effects.


2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Beniamino Palmieri ◽  
Veronica Corazzari ◽  
Maria Vadalaʹ ◽  
Annamaria Vallelunga ◽  
Julio César Morales-Medina ◽  
...  

AbstractMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterised by non-specific and recurring symptoms affecting multiple organs and associated with exposure to chemicals, even at low concentrations, which are, under normal circumstances, harmless to the general population. Symptoms include general discomfort, cardiovascular instability, irritation of the sensory organs, breath disorders, hypersensitivity affecting the skin and epithelial lining of the gut, throat and lungs, anxiety, and learning and memory loss. Chemical intolerance is a key distinguishing feature of MCS, limiting considerably patients’ lifestyle with serious social, occupational and economic implications. Since no specific diagnostic markers are currently available for chemical intolerance, the diagnosis relies on clinical symptoms. Despite the formulation of several hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology of MCS, its mechanisms remain undefined. A person-centred care approach, based on multidisciplinary and individualised medical plans, has shown promising results. However, more definite treatment strategies are required. We have reviewed the main experimental studies on MCS pathophysiology, focusing on the brain networks involved, the impact of environmental pollution on the olfactory system and the correlation with other pathologies such as neurodegenerative diseases. Finally, we discuss treatment strategies targeting the olfactory system.


2005 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-30
Author(s):  
Lynn Koch ◽  
Barbara Eaton

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic illness that affects multiple organ systems and presents numerous barriers to independent living and employment. However, individuals with MCS represent an underserved population that could benefit substantially from rehabilitation services. The purpose of this manuscript is to (a) provide an overview of the literature to familiarize readers with the medical characteristics of MCS, (b) explore the psychosocial and vocational impact of this illness, and (c) suggest considerations/or rehabilitation planning.


Author(s):  
Hong-Jae Chae ◽  
Byoung-Gwon Kim ◽  
Hwan-Cheol Kim ◽  
Mi-Young Lee ◽  
Jong-Han Leem

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document