When I was a child someone once said, "If life gives you lemons, then make lemonade." Now I understand this saying quite well. I am proud of everyone who lives with MCS/CH because it takes courage and perseverance to face the adversities that come with this medical condition. In addition, I am encouraged by all the people who are working to create a healthier environment. Many thanks go out to my friends and family for their kindness and support. Best wishes to everyone.
In 1997 a big change occurred in my life. One day that year I was exposed to a 200 gallon toxic waste chemical spill while working at a job site. Since that day I have become sick with many symptoms that occur often. Just over a year later I was diagnosed as 'chemically hypersensitive' at the Stanford Allergy Clinic. This means that all chemicals make me get "allergic" type reactions. Let me add that I only use the word 'allergic' as an example that exposure to chemicals causes a physical reaction, but CH is not actually an allergy. Basically if I am exposed to a very small amount of any chemical it will cause me to have many symptoms that relate to that of a chemical injury. Currently there is no cure for chemical hypersensitivity. Some medical doctors think that the cause of chemical hypersensitivity is from the liver being partially damaged by an over-exposure to chemicals and it no longer can detoxify chemicals out of the body. There are other ideas as to why the body is not able to tolerate chemicals after both a single high and/or multiple low dose exposures, more than I can fit into this one web page. Hopefully more research will be done to find a cure for this medical condition.
Because of this medical condition I have learned to be a more compassionate person. Many people live with invisible disabilities. And MCS is just one of them. Due to MCS, I needed to make major changes in my life and in the products that I use at home. Unfortunately my degree in Biology is basically useless and I can no longer work in most office atmospheres (i.e. near copier machines, new carpet, new paint, people wearing scented products, etc.). This is why I am studying and working towards finding a telecommuting job. Basic everyday activities such as filling up my car with gasoline, getting stuck in traffic, walking in a mall, and walking outside my house now make me sick. Common chemicals that make me ill include: bleach, perfume, nail polish, hairspray, gasoline, aviation gas, pesticide, herbicide, automobile exhaust, nail polish remover, peroxides, cologne, scented candles, scented detergent, scented dryer sheets, all laboratory chemicals, copier toner, new paint, new carpet, particle board, dry erase pens, permanent ink markers, ammonia, wood fire smoke, tobacco smoke, etc. All of these items are toxic chemicals and many cause cancer. It is not proven to cause cancer in all cases but if I am sensitive to it that means that is it not good for anyone to be around. It ends up that a lot of products are put on the market before their long term effects are known. Overall, it is very difficult for me to go an entire day without a chemical exposure. Having CH also makes it extremely difficult to find healthy housing.
One of the most difficult factors about this medical condition is that it is an invisible disability. Therefore, most people who don't know me think that I am making this all up. But believe me I am not. The pain and discomfort that chemical hypersensitivity causes is very real. And to add insult to injury, the chemical companies go out and hire doctors to say that this medical condition does not exist. They have half of the medical profession thinking that this is a mental condition. They are very wrong and are giving out misleading information to save their own selves from a lawsuit. They do this because if the condition does not exist, then they don't have to pay anyone in court. Let me add that I did not get properly compensated because the laws protect the company and not the employee. It is unfair and I found out that the laws protect the big money companies, not the injured worker.
For more information about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity [MCS] visit (note: there is no link back to this page):
For more information about the Washington Toxics Coalition here is their web site (note: there is no link back to this page): MCS IntroWhat you can do... Here is a list of things that you can do to start making your own house a healthier place to live. First, do not use pesticides nor herbicides in and around your house. Second, stop wearing all scented products such as perfume, cologne, scented oils, scented lotion, and for men aftershave. Even switch to unscented deoderant if possible. Third, minimize your use of products such as bleach, ammonia based window cleaners, chemical cleaners (i.e. tilex) and switch to using non-toxic alternatives. For example you can use a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar to wash windows, counters, and to use to dust. Baking soda can be used to scrub the tub and basin in bathrooms and the kitchen. Fourth, put any cleaners or toxic products that you want to keep in a locked cabinet in your garage. This will prevent children or pets from being poisoned by accidental ingestion. Finally, please throw out all air fresheners, scented plug ins, and scented carpet fresheners. These products are highly toxic and can cause great harm to you and your family. Remember this is just the basics on how to create a healthy living space. You can learn more by asking your friend or relative who is chemically hypersensitive what to do. And you can learn more if you buy books about using healthy alternatives instead of toxic products.
Peace and Happiness to all.
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Last updated: 7 Aug. 2007