Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a syndrome that needs more attention than several other diseases that is curable by modern technologies. This syndrome is said to be a traitor when a person is infected because it has no definite causation and definition.

Many people claimed that they have Multiple Chemical Sensitivity but most accounts are disregarded because of factors that made doctors conclude that they have allergies, some similar diseases, or they are psychologically “hypnotized” by the alarming issue. MCS have specific symptoms such as chest pain, headache, depression, memory loss and many more. These symptoms are very common and most diseases nowadays have congruent symptoms as with MCS.

MCS is considered as a dangerous illness because it bears other effects that bothers the minds and threatens the life of many. These effects are neurological disorders, cardiovascular disorders, convulsions and seizures.

Now, caution and prevention are implemented in order to put the consciousness of the people affected to silence. These preventions done are neutralization of hazardous chemicals and other simple ways to avoid the activation of MCS.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity can be a dreadful disease but can also be deactivated to a calm state.

I. Background of the study

The condition now most commonly known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) was brought to the attention of the U.S. medical establishment when the late Theron Randolph, a physician trained in allergy and immunology, reported that a number of his patients reacted adversely to chemicals in their environment (Randolph, 1952). He compared the condition to Selye's stress-oriented general adaptation syndrome (Kurt, 1995) and linked the adverse effects of this "petrochemical problem" to contact with chemicals found in commonly encountered substances such as cosmetics, auto fuels, exhaust fumes, and food additives. He also observed that many of his patients reacted to many industrial solvents found in small amounts in manufactured products such as construction materials, newspaper and other ink-related products, furniture, and carpet.

Although Randolph and other physicians who shared his theories published articles in the medical literature during the 1950's and early 1960's, his views were not widely accepted among physicians, particularly those trained in allergy and immunology. In 1965, in response to this lack of acceptance within his specialty, he founded the Society for Human Ecology and invited physicians of all specialties (who were later often referred to as clinical ecologists) to take part. In 1985, the Society changed its name to the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM, 1992). Today, members are referred to as environmental physicians. However, the term clinical ecologist remains in use.

There has been increasing debate over MCS in the years since Randolph's publications. A wide variety of symptoms have been reported, including fatigue, malaise, difficulty concentrating, loss of memory, weakness, headaches, nausea, mucous membrane irritation, and dizziness. MCS patients have associated their symptoms with many substances, including colognes and perfumes, aerosol air freshener, laundry detergent, gasoline exhaust, cleaners, insecticide sprays, and cigarette smoke. MCS has been associated with exposure to many kinds of substances. These exposures may occur in workplaces, homes, and outdoors. In this report, the environment in which MCS might occur comprises all these locations.

Topics that have been debated include: whether MCS is a distinct disease entity, its etiology (or etiologies), its pathophysiology, how to define the condition, how it should be treated, and how it should be approached in the legal and legislative arenas. The condition has become more visible through increased media attention. One result of this visibility has been an increase in the number of scientists and physicians taking part in the debate. The discussions have, at times, become contentious, and there have been calls for governmental action by MCS patients, advocacy groups, and legislators.

In recent years, federal agencies have increased their interagency cooperation on MCS issues through sharing of current knowledge, development of research recommendations, and co-sponsorship of workshops and conferences. This report is part of that continuing effort.

II. Statement of the Problem

This study aims to know more about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity so that people can distinguish it from allergies and diseases alike. Thus, there are five questions to be answered: a. What is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)? b. What are the causes of MCS? c. What are the symptoms of MCS? d. What are the effects of MCS in one’s body? e. What are the various treatments and preventions of MCS?

III. Objectives of the Study

This paper aims to accomplish the following: a. Define Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. b. Differentiate MCS from allergies and disease alike. c. Describe MCS; its causes, its syndromes, and its effect. d. Discuss how MCS can be treated. e. Tell how MCS affect the life of its patients

IV. Significance of the Study

This paper is beneficial to the following: a. People in the field dealing with chemicals such as chemist, chemical engineer and the likes will have this study as a quick reference about MCS so they can be careful in they’re jobs. b. Common people will be aware of the existence of this disease. This study will cause them to be more cautious. They can also test themselves if they are experiencing the syndromes so they can seek a doctor’s help if needed. c. Students taking up chemistry subjects who are experiencing difficulties in handling chemicals in their school laboratories will find this study helpful in distinguishing if they have the usual allergies or if they have MCS. Students should be able to decide if they should continue their course knowing the underlying risk of chemicals. d. MCS patients will find this study helpful in adapting to the life impacts MCS has brought into their lives.

V. Scope and Limitations

Due to lack of time and budget, this study will only deal on those facts based on studies made before this. The researcher would also not provide a personal interview to a person who has MCS. Personal experiences regarding MCS would be provided by those patients who shared their experience on this disease through social networks in the internet. The researcher would also not provide a personal experimentation on a patient to know how the disease exactly affects the body.
This study did not seek the help of those in the medicinal field unless studies made before this, the sources, do so.

VI. Terminology

Many other names have been applied to the condition called MCS. Among them are environmental illness (EI), ecological illness, total allergy syndrome, the 20th Century disease (e.g., Hileman, 1991), and idiopathic environmental intolerances (IPCS, 1996). The term, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity was recommended by a workshop that was organized by the International Program on Chemical Safety (a program cosponsored by the United Nations Environmental Program, the International Labor Office, and the World Health Organization).
Until more is known about the etiology of the condition, it is not possible to determine what name would be both descriptive and physiologically correct. The researcher has elected to use the most commonly applied term "multiple chemical sensitivity" (MCS) throughout this report.