Below are links to multiple chemical sensitivity resources, and some Q & A about MCS.
Q & A about MCS, based on reactions I've received to my requests for MCS accommodations. Most of my accommodation needs concern the use of artificial scent, so that is the emphasis in this Q & A. Unfortunately, others' reactions to raising these issues can be quite belligerent, even if you raise these issues in a calm, respectful way. If you're up for it, see a recent flame about this page.
What is multiple chemical sensitivity?
Multiple chemical sensitivity is heightened (or "hyper-") sensitivity to a variety of commonly used chemical products. People with MCS experience physical reactions to products like cologne, after shave, scented hair products, dry cleaned clothing, air freshener products, latex, etc. The types of reactions include difficulty breathing, skin rashes, and migraines, among others. The types of reactions people experience -- and the substances to which they react -- differ widely. In arranging accommodations for MCS (as for any disability), it's wise to consult with the individual with MCS.
Isn't saying that you have MCS just a pseudo-medical way of saying that you don't like cologne?
No. In fact, up until my chemical sensitivity began to manifest itself clearly, I loved cologne and scented products, and used them regularly. It isn't that I dislike cologne -- it's that it dislikes me! When I'm around it, my nose and the areas around my eyes start to swell. Later, the migraine hits. Sometimes for days.
Aren't requests for people to refrain from using cologne or after shave an invasion of people's private hygiene?
[I've heard this one repeatedly.] If used as designed and intended, the wearing of cologne or after shave near another person is meant to be a shared experience. That is, use of these products automatically and intentionally engages others in the experience. Unfortunately, for some of us this experience is a toxic one. Wearing cologne or after shave is about as "private" as listening to a cassette or cd on a city bus without headphones. When used as intended, cigarettes cause all sorts of health ills. Similarly, when someone near me has used cologne as intended, there are negative health consequences for me. And the more I'm exposed throughout a given day, the more sensitive I am to the next exposure, and the more sick I get. People like me with MCS pay a large "price" for people's "free-"dom to use scent (or, as I've seen it written recently, per-FUME).
Can't people with MCS just stay away from the things that make them sick?
Only until you experience MCS can you imagine the pervasiveness of chemical-based scented products in most people's environments. What would be more reasonable: (a) for creating conditions under which people with MCS can work, study, and otherwise function safely, or (b) oblige people with MCS to remove themselves to (increasingly hard to find) environments that are "safe?" You may be tempted to pick the latter, but consider this idea: what if the increase in MCS is a harbinger of things to come for the general population? Perhaps our experience is a signal that too many mildly toxic chemicals are introduced daily to humans, and that the threshold for reaction to these in the general population is slipping lower continually? Even if this proves not to be the case, many people who don't experience hypersensitivity to scented products find them to be overused (ever find yourself stuck next to the man or woman in the bus or in a meeting who was bathing in scent?) and bothersome. However, the most compelling argument for accommodating a request to refrain from the use of scent is that the ability to breathe safely should be more important than adornment with scent.
Here's some links to MCS resources:
Invisible disabilities page. The experiences of people with MCS are very comparable to those of people with other hidden disabilities (for that matter, like those of people with any disability!). This site is useful if you want to explore those commonalities.
The Environmental Health Network is a site that has some terrific resources. I especially recommend their "M" page of links. Check out their analysis of John Stossel's "report" on MCS under the MCS Referral and Resources ("Junk Journalism") section. Bravo!
What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?
MCSurvivors. Has a large amount of information -- a good place to start if you're seeking more information about MCS.
Chemical Injury Information Network
Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities
MCS guidelines for Disability Services, U of Minnesota (their in-house guidelines).
Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, by Patricia Rosen, MD, MPH.
Opinion piece I wrote to The Minnesota Daily on hidden disabilities, with special attention to MCS.
Mary Lamielle maintains a large amount of legal and medical information regarding MCS. Her contact information is:
Mary Lamielle, Director
National Center for Environmental Health Strategies (NCEHS)
1100 Rural Avenue
Voorhees, NJ 08043
(609) 429-5358
or tap on her highlighted name, above, to e-mail her.
Women and Disability Resources
Please click on the link further below on this page if you want to e-mail me.
Please read before you e-mail me:
I don't devote much time to becoming an MCS expert, as I am also a busy graduate student. So, I do not offer myself as a all-purpose resource or "human search engine" for all aspects of MCS (legal, theoretical, or medical), therefore many questions (e.g., "Where's an MCS support group in my area?" "How can I set up a job from home?" "Can you refer me to a good doctor/lawyer for __?" or, "Is __ legal?") are best directed elsewhere.
With the limited time I have available, I've tried to be of service to others with MCS by collecting the information above and by describing my responses to specific questions. What you see on this page is pretty much what I have collected in the way of MCS resources. If you have any of these types of questions that I've listed above, please take the time to thoroughly explore the resources I've collected rather than asking me first.
The best use of my e-mail address is either personal correspondence (e.g., "Barbara, how have you coped with MCS in X situation?" or to engage me in discussion about hidden disabilities in general -- other than legal aspects), to inform me of dead links on this page, or to inform me of new MCS on-line resources. I am always happy to receive messages about these. Sorry if this note seems terse or overly long, but I'm getting queries from folks who aren't using the resources I've set out before contacting me with questions that I am not in a position to answer. Otherwise, I really do like hearing from others who are dealing with MCS!
I was contacted recently by someone engaging in the e-mail equivalent of "road rage:" anonymous flaming about an issue he knew (nor, clearly, cared to know) about. From the safe anonymity of his computer, he wrote the following. I've copied this message in a way that retains his anonymity (his e-mail address is excluded), as well as his typos:
How can you say that it would be more reasonable to recreate the entire workplace for a few nutters that can not get attention otherwise claim they suffer from some vague sysmptoms? Brain fog, give me a break. If life is so miserable for you people, just off yourselves and be done with it. As for me, I will continue to do what I can to contribute to your psychosomatic dilusions.Unfortunately, this is not an isolated reaction to requests for accommodation. I have faced this sort of reaction even though I have approached people about the issue with politeness and respect.Have a chemicaly enhanced day
James
Before responding to someone asking for accommodation with skepticism or anger, take a moment to observe yourself, and to make sure that your response reflects how you want others to view you.
Are you listening to this person empathetically and thoughtfully?
Or are you responding reflexively, whether from a familiar ideology or the contrived comfort of cynicism?
In our travels on the virtual roadways, we need to realize that, ultimately, no one is a stranger.
The URL for this page is http://members.tripod.com/~Barbara_Robertson/MCS.htm