While not meant to function as or replace a clinically valid test for multiple chemical sensitivity, this quick MCS self-assessment was created by experts and patients who have lived with MCS and are very familiar with its specific symptoms.
It is well known that many everyday products contain chemicals. For some individuals, even routine exposure to common household items such as detergents, fragrances, plastics, or fresh paint may trigger uncomfortable or unexplained symptoms.
Exposure to chemicals can cause a wide range of physical reactions, from mild to severe, and even impact the immune system. This type of MCS sensitivity can be difficult to recognize without proper chemical sensitivity testing, but hypersensitivity to chemicals may indicate that someone is suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. In this article, we will explore Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, how it is detected, and the surprising approach that many people are taking to permanently rid themselves of MCS. Whether you are looking for an MCS check, researching symptoms, or trying to understand the condition more deeply, this guide will help you navigate the complexities of chemical sensitivity.
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
Chemicals can cause allergy-type reactions in people who are sensitive to them. This is known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Individuals with MCS often report heightened reactions to low levels of everyday chemicals that do not typically affect others.
The Role of The Limbic System in MCS
The limbic system is a set of structures in the midbrain, including the amygdala, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cingulate cortex. Collectively, these structures comprise the nervous system’s threat detection and response mechanism. Research suggests that the limbic system – the brain’s threat-detection center – may become overly sensitized following periods of high stress or toxic exposure, leading to heightened responses to otherwise harmless substances.
If you would like a deeper explanation of this process, please refer to our main MCS condition page.
MCS is also sometimes referred to by other names, including Environmental Illness or Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance. Terminology can vary depending on the practitioner or research field.
Chemical Sensitivity Testing & Diagnosis
How is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Detected?
Currently, there are no “go-to” tests for MCS that are widely used by general practitioners. However, a superior test to diagnose MCS is what is known as a chemical compound exposure test where changes in symptoms are monitored to decide whether the results are positive or negative. Sadly, there are no empirical standards for this test, and therefore is not scientifically proven for general use.
Because MCS shares symptoms with many other conditions, formal diagnosis can be complex and often requires careful medical evaluation.
How Does This Self-Assessment Work?
While not meant to function as or replace a clinically valid test for multiple chemical sensitivity, this quick MCS self-assessment was created by experts and patients who have lived with MCS and are intimately familiar with its particular symptoms.
For each of the following questions, you will be asked to select one of the following options to indicate the frequency of your symptoms: never, very rarely, rarely, occasionally, frequently, or always. Your unique answers will then be used to calculate your results and determine whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe. Further unique educational information will be shown in accordance with your results, and all results are strictly confidential.
Please note and acknowledge that this self-assessment is not intended to establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician or health care professional, or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The aim of this quiz is to provide education about the condition. By filling out this self-assessment and clicking “calculate” you acknowledge that you’ve read and agree with this statement and agree to re-origin’s Terms & Conditions.
Symptoms of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Due to the many similarities with other health conditions, the symptoms are wide-ranging. They include:
- Headache or dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Congestion
- Itching or sneezing
- Sore throat
- Chest pain or changes in heart rhythm
- Breathing problems
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Skin rash
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating or memory problems
If you notice that these symptoms consistently appear or worsen after exposure to specific environments or products, it may be helpful to discuss your observations with a qualified healthcare professional. Individuals can often tell if they have MCS based on their environment and the presence of symptoms in specific situations. Regardless, it is important that anyone suspecting they are afflicted with MCS both explore the condition and speak with medical professionals about the possibility of diagnosis.
Health Risks Related to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Similar to the wide range of symptoms, the risk factors for one’s health with MCS also vary. Most of the health risks associated with MCS are confounding due to similarities with other conditions, making it difficult to discern MCS-specific health risks. The largest risks to one’s health are from the symptoms themselves.
Some of the symptoms are more serious than others, such as chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, and difficulty breathing. These ailments, if experienced chronically, can pose long-term health risks. If you are showing signs of symptoms that concern you, contact your healthcare provider right away.
How to Manage Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
There are multiple routes a person can take when attempting to manage MCS. Some treatment options are more effective than others, depending on the individual, so it is important to research treatment options carefully.
Prescription medication has the benefit of leveling out chemical imbalances that cause sensitivity. However, many people opt for prescriptions as a last resort because any medication introduced into the body can disrupt the body’s natural functionality.
Over-the-counter medication (OTC) is a common treatment due to its accessibility and low cost. These are usually antihistamines, nasal decongestants, anti-inflammatories, and saline sinus rinses. OTC medications do not treat the root cause of MCS; they simply cover up or lessen the intensity of symptoms, making OTC medications an impractical long-term solution.
Allergen avoidance allows one to completely avoid symptoms by attempting to prevent contact with sensitive chemicals. While the attraction to completely avoid symptoms seems promising, for most, it can be impossible to avoid contact with all triggering chemicals completely. The chronic high-awareness nature of this treatment makes it an unviable long-term solution.
Some individuals explore limbic system retraining and neuroplasticity-based programs designed to calm the body’s threat response. These approaches aim to help the nervous system respond more appropriately to everyday chemical exposure.
You can learn more about our full approach on the main MCS page.
The re-origin program works with MCS sufferers to reestablish healthy feedback loops by helping them to retrain the limbic system through our science-based neuroplasticity program. The training allows the brain to recognize that the chemicals are not a threat and better equip the body to handle normal daily levels of chemical exposure.
