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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: New Danish report
A new Danish report highlights the occurrence of a new health disorder – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). MCS causes symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory distress, pains and skin irritation. The condition is probably incurable.
The precise causes of MCS are not known. Much indicates that MCS predominantly occurs in persons who are more sensitive to environmental stressors than others. The condition is assumed to entail two steps: Marked exposure to chemical substances enhances sensitivity, whereafter exposure to even low concentrations of odour and chemical substances causes symptoms.
According to the report, MCS can primarily be prevented by avoiding exposure to high concentrations of chemical substances in the home and at work. As far as possible, exposure to high concentrations of solvents such as released from newly painted surfaces or during the use of spray paints in closed rooms should be avoided.
In persons affected by MCS, symptoms can be ameliorated if we all reduce the use of perfume and scented products, consumer products containing volatile substances and indoor use of aerosols.
The report’s preliminary estimate is that up to 1% of the Danish population suffer from MCS.
By way of follow-up on this new knowledge about MCS, the need for Danish initiatives to reduce the extent of MCS and symptoms in affected persons is to be assessed.
Further information: Pia Juul Nielsen, Danish EPA. Phone: +45 3266 0418. E-mail: pjn@mst.dk. The report summary and conclusions are available at: http://www.mst.dk/udgiv/Publikationer/2002/87-7972-382-9/html/samfat.htm
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