What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?

People with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) get symptoms when exposed to low levels of chemicals that they are sensitive to. For example, being near cigarette smoke or perfume may give someone with MCS breathing difficulties or a headache. MCS is a chronic condition that presents differently in each person. Symptoms and their severity vary and can be immediate or delayed. A number of biological mechanisms have been proposed.

Triggers

Some chemicals that trigger MCS symptoms are known to be irritants or to be potentially toxic to the nervous system. Removing triggers can reduce symptoms. Products and chemicals that may cause people to experience symptoms can include (but are not limited to):

• deodorants, perfumes, aftershave, and other products with fragrances
• soaps and sanitisers
• cleaning products such as detergents, disinfectants and fabric softeners
• anaesthetics and medications
• artificial colours, flavours and preservatives in foods, drinks and medications
• smoke from tobacco products and wood fires, vapour from personal vaporisers, vehicle exhaust fumes
• solvents used in different products, e.g. felt pens, paint, whiteboard markers
• adhesives and glues
• new building and renovation materials including fresh paint, furnishings and new carpet
• chlorine and chlorination byproducts e.g. chlorinated tap water
• pesticides.

Symptoms

MCS can cause numerous symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• asthma
• nasal congestion, itching and sneezing
• respiratory and flu-like symptoms
• skin rashes and reactions
• muscle and joint pain
• headache/migraine
• fatigue
• dizziness
• chest pain and breathing difficulties
• changes in heart rhythm
• nausea and vomiting
• bloating, gas and diarrhoea
• confusion and trouble concentrating, ‘brain fog’
• short term memory loss
• mood changes, irritability, anxiety and depression.

Working together to support health outcomes

We will make reasonable adjustments to support you to access care when you attend our health facilities. If you have MCS you should discuss your circumstances with your healthcare team as soon as possible (either ahead of a planned admission, or upon arrival for an unplanned admission). An individual plan from your GP may support our team to understand your triggers and symptoms.

In the hospital it may not always be possible to remove every irritant. We recognise the impact caused by MCS and will continue to work towards providing an environment that reduces your exposure to potential chemical triggers wherever possible. Where triggers are unavoidable, we will work with you to treat and manage your symptoms.

Examples of reasonable adjustments we can make for you

• the treating team can meet with you before a planned admission to create and document a personal care plan
• we will discuss with you, possible treatments to reduce the severity of your symptoms
• team members can supply you with a P2 mask which may help reduce exposure to things that can trigger your symptoms
• we will place you in a single, un-fragranced room where possible
• depending on your clinical needs and condition, where possible you should be treated in areas not close to areas of increased triggers, e.g. high traffic areas, doorways exposed to vehicle activity, chemical storage/supply areas, areas being or recently remodelled, chemotherapy areas or computers/photocopiers
• alerts, sensitivities, allergies and care instructions are documented in your clinical record
• we will use gloves that will not cause symptoms of MCS
• we will use fragrance free products where possible
• we will make sure you have access to tolerated food and drinking water

If you have concerns about your care please raise it with the clinician you are seeing or your treating team. To provide feedback on your care you can contact the Consumer Feedback and Engagement Team on (02) 5124 5932 or HealthFeedback@act.gov.au

CHS acknowledges the following sources:

• “Multiple Chemical Sensitivities” Safer Care Victoria. Available at www.safercare.vic.gov.au
• “Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Disorder” NSW Health Factsheet. Available at www.health.nsw.gov.au