As we mentioned in our previous Blog post, we are exposed to countless chemical products that we bring into our homes and consume every day without being aware of it, building up a chemical body burden. Nowadays there is no person on the planet without their own chemical burden, but there are some who, when exposed to the same substances as others who suffer no reaction at all, experience an excessive reaction. Being endowed with sensitivity allows us to perceive stimuli from our environment, identify them, and react to them appropriately. If this function becomes altered, our body produces an inadequate response, known as hypersensitivity. This exaggerated immune reaction of unknown cause is called: multiple chemical sensitivity. According to Dr. Santiago Nogué, multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is an acquired condition characterised by a progressive loss of tolerance to the presence of various chemical agents in the environment. The origin of this syndrome is difficult to determine, since studies carried out to date suggest that it is multifactorial in nature, compounded by the mobility and bioaccumulation of many pollutants. Since there are not many well-established references from a scientific standpoint, its credibility becomes more complicated, but it is not a psychological disorder — although this does not mean it cannot trigger psychological manifestations or affect people with a pre-existing psychiatric condition. It is defined as an organic disorder of neurological origin with a systemic effect. In 2014 Spain joined the list of countries that recognise MCS as a disease, along with Germany (2000), Austria (2001), Japan (2009), Switzerland (2010), and Denmark (2012).
This makes it easier to manage from both a clinical and legal standpoint, and grants recognition of basic rights to those affected. Because it is difficult to diagnose — since there is no laboratory or radiographic test that reveals the disease — and given the variety of symptoms, data is gathered from the patient’s medical history and the QEESI questionnaire (Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory) is applied, which helps identify the triggering agents of the symptoms and quantify the severity and impact of MCS on daily life activities. Among the symptoms are hypersensitivity to changes in temperature or season, sensitivity to the smell of cologne, petrol, smoke, newspaper print, etc., breathing difficulties, asthma, allergies, difficulty concentrating, headaches, dizziness, stomach aches, muscle pain, arthritis, among others. MCS is associated with other conditions such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or hypersensitivity, which can worsen the symptoms typical of the condition. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment available, and the only way to reduce the discomfort is to stay away from the various sources, which entails changes in habits, freedoms, and emotions, and can even lead to isolation. Reducing the use of chemical compounds will not only be a preventive method for everyone, but also an act of awareness and consideration for those who suffer from this complex condition. Building with natural materials, personally tested in each case, can give our surroundings that protective environment. Source: Fernández-Solà, Joaquim. Nogué, Santiago. Sensibilidad química y ambiental múltiple. Sobrevivir en un entorno tóxico. Oxigen Viena Ediciones.
