by David Frome, PT, LAc.
Multiple chemical sensitivity(MCS) is becoming a chronic, widespread health problem. People with MCS become sick when exposed to small amounts of common chemicals found routinely in modern life. It is an acquired, recurrent health problem that affects many organ systems, including the brain, lungs, liver, and kidneys.
The Incidence of MCS
The occurrence of MCS is on the rise and is directly related to exposure to airborne chemical pollutants. Many of these chemicals are encountered routinely and are believed to be harmless. Researchers are seeing the correlation between chemical exposure and the incidence of MCS, and other debilitating illnesses, including cancer.
The American Medical Association
While the American Medical Association has not yet fully recognized MCS, it recently (2025) adopted a fragrance regulation that encourages health care facilities, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to adopt and promote fragrance-free policies. This is a landmark shift that begins to recognize the health impacts of fragrances on individuals with sensitivity. Other countries, including Canada and Japan, have recognized Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) as a disability under human rights law.
Multiple chemical sensitivities are a challenging issue to study for several reasons.
- The symptoms and triggers of MCS vary from person to person. For some, diesel exhaust triggers headaches. For others, the scent of cleaning products can trigger asthma or behavioral problems.
- The number of potential triggers is daunting. Here in the USA, chemical products are brought to market without extensive testing.
- MCS is usually a multi-organ system dysfunction. The problem can affect your brain, lungs, immune system, kidneys, liver, and more. Each person with MCS may have different organs in crisis.
- There has been strong lobbying by the American Chemistry Council to dispute the legitimacy of MCS and the health concerns from chemically related illnesses
There are literally tens of thousands of possible chemical triggers for MCS. Pesticides, perfumes, cleaning products, and new carpets are just some of the products that may contain chemicals that pose risks to human health.
Estimates vary widely for how many people in the general population are affected. We know that veterans of the Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, 9/11 first responders, and flood victims of Hurricane Katrina were exposed to unusually high doses of toxic chemicals. Of this group, over 35% have developed MCS.
What are some of the symptoms of MCS?
- Recurrent respiratory infections
- Asthma
- Depression
- Headaches
- Inexplicable outbursts of anger or rage
- ADHD
- Learning problems, reduced memory
- Loss of mental clarity
- Reduced fertility
In future articles, we will be providing information on how to identify MCS and what you can do to avoid this debilitating illness.
We invite you to share your experience with MCS. We would like to develop a community of support for those affected and others interested in avoiding this illness.
Watch for more posts on the diagnosis, treatment, and avoidance of MCS and environmental illness. Also, watch for the formation of an MCS support group.
Rebekah and David Frome practice acupuncture, Rolfing, and Craniosacral Therapy at Frome Physical Therapies in Loch Arbour, NJ. To learn more and schedule an appointment, visit or contact us at www.fromept.com or (973) 509-8464.
The contents of this article are not meant to be diagnostic or prescriptive. Health problems are often complex. Please consult your physician before choosing a course of treatment.