MCS Can Be Lonely

In 2010, I suddenly got an idea for a video, turned on the camera and made it. I have tons of ideas, but most of them are not possible for me to do without help … a lot of help. This one only required a few sticky notes, my webcam and a cute song.

Within a few minutes, “MCS Can Be Lonely” was born! I never thought it would take off like this! It has been getting passed around and I have received lots of great feedback. The Canary Report even featured it on the front page of their website! How fun!

For those of you who do not know much about MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities), we are not people who are going around complaining about smells! There are neuro-toxic chemicals in the ingredients that make up fragrances in perfumes and fragranced products. These chemicals have been found to attack the brain, organs, body and cells. With a large exposure or regular exposure over time, for millions of people, these chemicals become extremely harmful even at low levels.

Recent studies “… found that nearly 38% of Americans report adverse effects when exposed to some kind of fragranced product” (Steinemann, Exposure Assessment). It is suspected that many more live with various adverse health effects, but do not make the correlation.

For a growing population, exposure to perfumes, colognes and other chemical fragrances can cause serious consequences. In 2003, a study revealed that 12.6% of the population reported a hypersensitivity to common chemicals in everyday products (2003, Adams). People living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (Chemical Injury, Environmental Illness, Toxic Encephalopathy) report such debilitating symptoms as migraines, pain, vertigo, memory loss, paralysis, seizures, unconsciousness and worsening of condition with each reaction.

Synthetic fragrances found in perfumes (as well as fragranced products such as laundry detergents, deodorants, lotions, hair sprays, soaps, etc) can create a barrier between those with MCS and their loved ones. Sadly, many with MCS often miss out on family gatherings, special events and even simple visits with friends and family, causing them to feel isolated and alone.

For more information on chemicals in fragrances and Environmental Illness, visit the Cleaner Indoor Air Campaign.

RESOURCES

(Steinemann) Steinemann, Anne C. Exposure Assessment – FAQ. Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Public Affairs. Washington University.

(2003 Press Release, Adams) Adams, Brandon (September 2003). “More than 12% of the Populations Reports Extreme Sensitivity to Low Levels of Common Chemicals.” Journal of Environmental Health Perspectives (EHP). Article references 2003 Study, Caress.