Have you heard of MCS? MCS stands for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. MCS is also sometimes referred to as EI (Environmental Illness). It is estimated that 15% of the population has MCS; however, we rarely hear about it. I had never heard of it until I did a lot of research and figured out it was what I had. I so wish I would have known about MCS in the beginning. Unfortunately, many doctors are not aware of it either. MCS reactions can range from mild to severe. Personally, my reactions started off as mild. I didn’t even know I had a problem until it was too late. Unfortunately, since I dismissed my symptoms, they only progressed until they became debilitating. There isn’t an easy, one-time cure for MCS. However, I’m happy to say that I am better today than I once was. Still, I believe I will always have to take precautions regarding toxins as certain chemicals and neurotoxins can still create horrible symptoms, but I can recover more quickly. To those of you with MCS, I can say after many doctors, supplements, trial and error, it is possible to live a more “normal” life. It has been a very difficult road to go down, but there can be a light at the end of the tunnel if you muster up enough strength to do the research.
May is MCS Awareness Month
May is MCS Awareness Month and May 12 is designated as International Awareness Day. International Awareness Day brings awareness for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND). The CIND illnesses include Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Fibromyalgia (FM), Gulf War Syndrome (GWS) and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
I am thankful for those organizations, such as MCS-Aware who provide helpful information about MCS. Also for Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families and Women’s Voices for the Earth who are trying to get harmful chemicals out of products. I am thankful to those manufacturers and retailers who are finally saying “enough is enough” and are providing non-toxic options.
Going Fragrance Free Helps Everyone!
In honor of MCS Awareness Month, MCS-Aware is asking everyone to go fragrance-free. I think that’s a great idea and should be something everyone regularly strives for! Usually, the term “fragrance” on a product label comprises of hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals are barely regulated. When you put on a fragrance (perfume, skin or hair care product, laundry detergent, etc), you are not only harming yourself, but those around you.
Are you up for the challenge!?!
Additional MCS Information
For more information about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, check out this video and the other MCS articles posted on Living Natural Today for other helpful information:
Rhonda christensen says
I have mcs ( was poisoned by high industrial levels of sodium hypochlorite 10 years ago!) I actually am lucky to have had. A state of Utah toxicoligist formally diagnosis …..me ( what I already knew was mcs) after going through the nitemare so many face in the medical community, thanks so much for sharing the info…. you described my condition & situation 100%
I have been active in spreading posters info ect. How do I order some pins & other materials about mcs/ awareness month?thank you rhonda…..
Teresa says
Hi Rhonda – Sorry to hear you have MCS, but glad to hear you were diagnosed. I remember that being so frustrating to me – not knowing what was wrong with me for so long. Even though I still have MCS, I’m much better today than I once was. Hope you have found doctors to help you along the way to get better too. I believe the MCS Aware website provides materials for MCS awareness: https://mcs-aware.org/component/content/article/45-about/mcs-aware-org/199-may-resources. Thanks for spreading the word.