What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
Today it’s estimated that up to 25% of Americans have or are susceptible to get MCS, a condition that is "misunderstood and contentious". MCS patients experience allergic-like responses to extremely small amounts of chemicals included in common items. Simply put, the immune and detoxification systems start to shut down and the body becomes incapable of effectively processing contaminants.
People with MCS exhibit a range of symptoms, including headache, respiratory distress, extreme fatigue, and neurological symptoms like brain fog, dizziness, and vertigo when exposed to chemicals like paints, perfumes, car exhaust, household chemicals, and even new plastics in household items and new clothing.
Laminated fibre board or plastics, which release fumes of glue or other out-gassing substances when they are fresh, get wet, get cut, get scratched, or are cleaned with chemical solvents, are nevertheless often used for cupboards and other big surfaces in rental homes. While the scent of gas lingers in the air like perfume, persons with MCS become worse the longer they’re exposed.
Depending on the source, location, and toxicity, outdoor exposures can become very intense. Such exposures can happen quickly and violently, causing instantaneous discomfort that may intensify until travel upwind and away from it and its consequences. Recovery starts soon after persons with MCS enter a healing place and hope symptoms subside quickly because they can last for many days.
To be clear, many indoor locations contain substances that can contaminate the air. Utilizing indoor air filters to eliminate these pollutants and replacing the interior air with outdoor air is one treatment option. What, then, do you think happens when indoor air is combined with outdoor air that contains additional and different toxic contaminants? Toxic soup is a word from industry that is used in this context.
Brian Hack was diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) while at work in the printing industry. The chemical vapours that are linked to the air can be picked up by warm air whenever there is an air exchange or movement. He has learned since his chemical injury more than 30 years ago that the air may introduce the dangerous vapours into residential and working spaces through doors, windows, gaps, or other openings.
Brian sought out top medical experts to confirm his diagnosis and learn how to manage the variety of symptoms attributed to MCS. The biggest difference between then and now is that Brian had hope for a full but controlled recovery since he had spent years studying and practicing how to establish and maintain his healing zone.
According to this man who lived in his car for more than a year, recovery takes longer and may indicate recurrence when there isn't a controlled healing environment accessible for refuge. Since his eviction more than a year ago, Brian's illness has become worse more quickly since he is unable to meet the fundamental prerequisite for a controlled healing environment.
He has finished his study and is aware of every resource that is currently available to meet the majority of his unique criteria. Ironically, he is physically and financially unable to carry on, so he is looking for assistance to build an environmentally friendly home so he can go back to work from home and assist others in doing the same.