Cases of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are reported to be initiated by seven classes of chemicals. Each of the seven acts along a specific pathway, indirectly producing increases in NMDA activity in the mammalian body. Members of each of these seven classes have their toxicant responses lowered by NMDA antagonists, showing that the NMDA response is important for the toxic actions of these chemicals. The role of these chemicals acting as toxicants, in initiating cases of MCS has been confirmed by genetic evidence showing that six genes that influence the metabolism of these chemicals, all influence susceptibility to MCS. It is likely that chemicals act along these same pathways, leading to increased NMDA activity when they trigger sensitivity responses in MCS patients.
The chronic nature of MCS and also related multisystem illnesses is thought to be produced by a biochemical vicious cycle mechanism, the NO/ONOO- cycle, which is initiated by various stressors that increase nitric oxide and peroxynitrite levels (with some but not others acting via NMDA stimulation). The NO/ONOO- cycle is based on well documented individual mechanisms. The interaction of this cycle with previously documented mechanisms, notably neural sensitization and neurogenic inflammation, explains many of the previously unexplained properties of MCS. This overall mechanism is also supported by physiological correlates found in MCS and related multisystem illnesses, objectively measurable responses to low level chemical exposure in MCS patients, many studies of apparent animal models of MCS and also evidence from therapeutic trials of MCS-related illnesses. Some have argued that MCS is a psychogenic illness, but this view is completely inconsistent with this diverse data on MCS and related illnesses and the literature claiming psychogenesis of MCS is deeply flawed. In addition, two rare predictions that can be used to test psychogenesis both lead to rejection of the psychogenic hypothesis. While the NO/ONOO- cycle mechanism for MCS is supported by many different observations, there are also multiple areas where further study is needed.
To read the rest of Dr. Martin Pall's research paper, scroll down past the videos on this page.
Instead of fighting people and calling them names for being sick from chemicals, why don't we do some research and find a cure?
MCS / Medicine
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Since May is Environmental Illness Awareness Month, the VDP Gazette's Movie Night has found this documentary about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS):
This documentary emphasizes the importance of making our workplaces safer for those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), so that they can remain productive members of the workforce. Footage includes interviews with Gulf War veterans and 9/11 First Responders who have developed MCS.
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Reflections by Dr. L. Christine Oliver and Alison Johnson www.alisonjohnsonmcs.com Dr. Oliver is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Co-Director of Occupational and Environmental Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital. Alison Johnson is the author/producer/director of books and documentaries on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
Multiple Chemical Sensitives (MCS) is a real disease. Yet the American Medical Association does not take the illness seriously. What I have gone through dealing with family, friends, and hospitals has been disabling in and of itself.
Help and support are fleeting.
I have MCS. My disease is life threatening on a daily basis and I am one of the lucky ones. More below, but first educate yourself about MCS by listening to doctors and the people who suffer from it. So you may begin to understand the patients with the diesase and begin to protect yourself and your family from this debilitation illness.
Interviews with leading physicians and people whose lives have been changed by chemical sensitivity.
I just wish my employer (pesticide exposure from overuse and misuse in buildings and on publicly used patio furniture) and my family (black mold exposure due to a kitchen faucet leak of two years I was unaware of, and then taking another 8 months to remove the mold while I was recovering from the pesticide poisoning; therefore I had to rely on my family to remove the mold once I had a handyman repair the sink) hadn't decided to inflict Environmental Illness on me.
My name is Dawn Mullan, Editor and Staff Writer of the VDP Gazette. I am ill with MCS, TILT, CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), SBS (Sick Building Syndrome), WDB (Water Damaged Buildings) and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
These are some of my stories:
Hospitals have told me: stop using the ER as a doctor's office when I have had life threatening reactions to an infection. The infection came out to be a UTI, urinary track infection. Over a year later, I discovered that mold was detected in my urine and I was told by a nurse that I had mold in my kidneys. Yet, I was chastised at the ER for that emergency situation.
A hospital doctor did a psychological attack on me by stating to my face with a witness by my side that my doctor told them I did not have MCS. I was sucking on pure oxygen because I was having a horrible chemical/mold reaction. Other times, I have been placed on a gurney by the ambulance entrance where I breathed in exhaust for over an hour and placed near infectious patients with high fevers. Hospital staff have also supported my family in holding me hostage in the suicide watch area and not giving me a social worker when I related the neglect and abuse in my home.
Which leads to how family members treat people who are chronically ill. I was a caregiver to my mother for many years. I have seen many emergency and hospital rooms. I have an honor code and incomparable work ethic. As a caregiver, I have never misused my power or abused my patient in any way. Unfortunately when it came time to repay my diligence, my family betrayed that trust.
Not only was I made ill by the black mold by their hands, I was isolated, threatened, neglected, starved, ignored, abused, and refused proper medical treatment that escalated in intensity over a three year period. My sister would come home from work and scream at me: "Psycho!" and "Tough Love! Tough Love!" I was 90lbs on a 5'4" frame under my family's care. Still today I am perplexed how yelling at someone solves a medical condition or combats an infectious disease.
My family defamed me to the point that no mutual friends or family members will have any type of relationship with me. I was accused of being a drug addict. I have never taken an illicit drug in my life. So I have learned that family and friends are of the fair weather kind except for the few people who respect my condition.
Employers are the worst offenders. ADA, what ADA? My employer ignored their own accommodation they gave me. They sprayed pesticides while I was at work, routinely, without notifying me to leave the work site.
What has happened to me is assault, criminal negligence, unlawful imprisonment, and murder for which I haven't died yet, more commonly referred to as a Wrongful Death case once I do pass on from my symptoms. Yet, not one person has been investigated or gone to jail. I have received no monetary settlement because I am on disability and all my funds go toward bills and medical needs.
Since I was cleared of mental illness by a psychiatrist, in addition, I am well educated and talented, I hope my story has weight. Now, with the damage done to my body, going to the store, picking a weed, or walking a distance are all potentially life threatening to me.
Chemicals in the environment need to be tested for safety. Millions of us around the world are sick because of the "profit over people" philosophy of corporations and governments.
It's time for humanity to realize: MCS is a real illness and Patients should have rights too.
Join the going natural club and save yourself from this horrible illness.
Cases of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) are reported to be initiated by seven classes of chemicals. Each of the seven acts along a specific pathway, indirectly producing increases in NMDA activity in the mammalian body. Members of each of these seven classes have their toxicant responses lowered by NMDA antagonists, showing that the NMDA response is important for the toxic actions of these chemicals. The role of these chemicals acting as toxicants, in initiating cases of MCS has been confirmed by genetic evidence showing that six genes that influence the metabolism of these chemicals, all influence susceptibility to MCS. It is likely that chemicals act along these same pathways, leading to increased NMDA activity when they trigger sensitivity responses in MCS patients.
