Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in broad terms means an unusually severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants including solvents, perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke, “chemicals” in general and often encompasses problems with regard to pollen, house dust mites, and pet fur and dander.
Multiple chemical sensitivity unlike true allergies – where the underlying mechanisms of the problem are relatively well understood widely accepted, is generally regarded as “idiopathic” – meaning that it has no known mechanism of causation and its processes are not fully understood. The problem is even more difficult because MCS varies from one person to the next and this often it difficult to address in homes, at the workplace, and receive effective medical treatment
Some individuals with MCS have relatively mild cases, however, for many people with MCS the condition is quite debilitating, even life-threatening. It can make it very difficult for people to maintain their social life, to keep working, or even find a place to live.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is considered a disability under the Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disability Act.
