AT for People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

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This year, in Zurich, Switzerland, a 15-unit apartment building opened, unique because it is “Europe’s first chemical-free housing complex” (chemicalsensitivityfoundation.org). The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) tried something similar in 1994 but there were a lot of mistakes made  – and a lot has changed since then, too! After looking into Multiple Chemical Sensitivity previously, this made me wonder what kinds of AT can be used now to make our home and work environments safer and healthier for people with MCS.

picture of a one burner electric stove

Electric Stove

Many recommendations for people with MCS include avoidance of environments where exposure is more likely, but, as indoor air pollution is the greatest source of illness for people with MCS, home and work environments are important places to tackle with some helpful AT. Gas stoves and other gas appliances (such as furnaces or other gas-fired heating systems) are the largest factor in indoor air pollution. Replacing gas appliances with electric ones is one quick way to make a home or other environment safer. The Inflamation Cookbook suggests having gas turned off for a week and using electronic cooking devices to see if symptoms are relieved before swapping them out.

Air filters and purifiers can help remove toxins and irritants from the air – HEPA filters can be placed in existing ventilationsystems or there are whole air purification systems that can be installed. New technology is helping to create new devices in the air purification field. Airocide (airocide.com) is not a filter but a new kind of system that removes all pathogens from the air, including VOCs (volatile organic compounds) – which include perfumes, detergents, etc. (the things that affect people with MCS!).

Off-gassing from carpeting or rugs can be avoided with some very simple AT, such as organic cotton rugs with no plastic backing that can easily be washed. Instead of buying a new mattress, which can also emit VOCs for months or years, organic cotton or wool mattresses or futons are much safer.

Natural Soaps

Natural Soaps

Non-toxic cleaning supplies are essential in a chemical-free home. More and more “natural” home cleaning and personal care items are popping up, as manufacturers hope to jump on the “green” bandwagon. The cleaning supply company Bon Ami has safe products and even has information on MCS on their website (http://www.bonami.com/). Karen’s Naturals personal care products are all 100% fragrance-free and chemical-free (karensnaturals.com).

Infrared saunas are a new kind of treatment some people with MCS are trying, unloading chemicals and toxins in their body through their sweat. Home models are being developed and the price is beginning to come down as their use increases. Steam saunas will also work for the same function, though infrared is able to penetrate the body more deeply and effectively.

Everything from felt pens (pencils are fine to use) to fragranced trash bags can be a trigger for someone with chemical sensitivities, but there are a lot of great resources for people looking to make their home safer: MCS America has some helpful lists for home care and personal health and there are many blogs and other online resources where people share their experiences with MCS.

man wearing full white jumpsuit

Protective Coverall Suit

And, for those times when you don’t have control over the chemicals and fragrances you will be exposed to, a half- or full-respirator mask can make a difference in allowing someone with MCS to go into public places that might otherwise be harmful to them. Additionally, covering up with long sleeves and pants with a hat or scarf, can help when skin absorption of VOCs may be an issue. Tyvek – a protective material – makes jumpsuits that can be used in especially unsafe environments.

What are we missing? What other AT has helped you with your Multiple Chemical Sensitivities? Write your experiences in the comments below.

 

 

 

 

 

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