Personal and political aspects of MCS. (Correspondence).Thank you for the August 2002 Environmental Health Perspectives Supplement on "Air Toxics and Asthma" and "Environmental Factors in Medically Unexplained Diseases" [Environ Health Perspect 110(suppl 4)]. I am pleased to see the recommendations for research on illnesses such as chronic fatigue syndrome chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), collection of persistent, debilitating symptoms, the most notable of which is severe, lasting fatigue. In other countries it is known variously as myalgic encephalomyelitis, chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, and , fibromyalgia fibromyalgia Chronic syndrome that is characterized by musculoskeletal pain, often at multiple sites. The cause is unknown. A significant number of persons with fibromyalgia also have mental disorders, especially depression. , sick-building syndrome, and multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). For several years I have had reactions to many scented products, auto exhaust, some plastics and inks, and numerous household chemicals. I have had allergies most of my life, which are well managed by medication. Chemical sensitivities have been more of a hardship than allergies and, to my knowledge, avoidance is the only effective therapy. Years ago, I had a short-term illness after using furniture stripper, and years later, I had a long-term illness following repeated use of a 12.8% lindane lindane: see insecticides. solution. As my sensitivities increased, repeated chemical exposures in daily life brought me chronic and debilitating de·bil·i·tat·ing adj. Causing a loss of strength or energy. Debilitating Weakening, or reducing the strength of. Mentioned in: Stress Reduction fatigue, intermittent severe stabbing pain, earaches, tooth and jaw pain, visual problems, loss of bladder control, loss of coordination, nose bleeds, respiratory problems, disorientation disorientation /dis·or·i·en·ta·tion/ (-or?e-en-ta´shun) the loss of proper bearings, or a state of mental confusion as to time, place, or identity. , and vasculitis Vasculitis Definition Vasculitis refers to a varied group of disorders which all share a common underlying problem of inflammation of a blood vessel or blood vessels. The inflammation may affect any size blood vessel, anywhere in the body. in my hands and feet. Since then, I have removed many household cleaning products and personal care products from my home. It is almost impossible to keep heavily scented products from entering the home on packaging, plastics, store items, and clothes worn by visitors. Avoiding chemicals that commonly cause symptoms of illness in sensitive persons is difficult and violates social norms. Avoidance of irritants has significantly improved my general health and energy level, and accommodation at work has allowed me to avoid newly remodeled areas and scented personal care products of co-workers. Chemical and pharmaceutical companies have an enormous stake in the medical coding of MCS as a psychologic rather than a physiologic illness. MCS should not be reduced to anticipation of litigation An action brought in court to enforce a particular right. The act or process of bringing a lawsuit in and of itself; a judicial contest; any dispute. When a person begins a civil lawsuit, the person enters into a process called litigation. and fiscal liability. Mental illness is stigmatized in our society and is discriminated against in long-term disability insurance plans as well as in some health insurance plans. It would be unfair to define MCS as a mental illness if the disease is actually caused by chemical injury. Peggy L. Davis Private citizen Atlanta, Georgia E-mail: Davilou@aol.com |
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