Environmental Project, 988 – Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, MCS

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, MCS

1 Introduction

1.1 About the report
1.2 Sources of information

The production and use of new chemicals and products have increased during recent decades. Chemicals, which can constitute a potential hazard to the environment and to people, are found everywhere in the environment.

Little is known about most chemicals with regard to their harmful effects and the regulation of substances often “lags behind”, since restrictions are usually based on new knowledge and experience of harmful effects. Better methods to solve this problem and make up for lost time are needed.

When a new chemical offers considerable socio-economic benefits, it is difficult to argue about health risks, which cannot be fully documented. The introduction of the precautionary approach has made it possible to give greater consideration to nature and health, even when detrimental effects are poorly documented (Beltram, 1998).

The problem presented above is also relevant in connection with health risks for a group of people who feel ill as a result of exposure to chemicals in very low concentrations – concentrations so low that they do not bother most people. This condition is called Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Individuals with MCS can react to a large number of chemicals at concentrations that are far below those, which can result in toxic effects.

Toxicological studies during recent decades have shown examples of chemicals, which were injurious to health in concentration, but which had previously been considered “safe”. Some combinations of chemicals or a chemical in combination with another environmental factor can enhance the deleterious effect compared to the effect of the chemical or factor by itself (e.g., asbestos and tobacco, organic solvents and noise).

These things should be studied in order to identify possible groups of people at risk and mechanisms behind the phenomenon, and also in order to establish the imperativeness of preventive measures and to decide on which measures to take. Most of all, the authorities need documentation for connections between exposure to chemicals or combinations of chemicals in low concentrations and the reported health complaints, before they can step in.

The existing documentation of MCS does not meet internationally agreed medical science criteria for recognizing a disease. The authorities have no basis for preventive action.

It is not foreseen that the disease will be recognized in the near future. Apart from patient organizations and the group of MCS-afflicted persons, few have dealt with MCS in Denmark.

1.1 About the report

The target group of this report is authorities and practitioners within the sectors of environment, working environment, and health.

The aim of the report is – broadly – to disseminate existing knowledge on MCS. The report is based on a review of scientific literature and recommendations from expert panels on MCS, and on enquiries to environmental and health authorities in several countries.

The report is to be a starting point and basis of evaluation for the Danish EPA in its future management in relation to MCS.

Definition of the task

The report is to shed light on the following:

the existence of objective documentation for MCS caused by chemicals in low concentrations,
the existence of documentation for mechanisms causing MCS,
chemicals and circumstances of exposure which are particularly relevant for Denmark in connection with MCS, and
opportunities of preventive action/protection.

The report gives a complete and up–to-date description of the problem, including as much essential information as possible in relation to MCS, but not to other environmental ailments.

The report is not a scientific paper. But the information given and the list of references are meant for scientific use in relation to MCS.

Scientific terms and abbreviations are listed after the list of contents.

1.2 Sources of information

The database Medline has 388 references from the period 1991-2001 on chemical sensitivity and multiple chemical sensitivity. Several reviews and reports on the subject have also been produced during this period.

The most important sources of information used for this report are:

The European Union Directorate for the Environment (DG Environment) report ("European report", 1994 – not officially published),
Pre-decisional Draft Report on MCS (US Interagency Workgroup on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) ("Interagency report", 1998 – not officially published),
Chemical Exposures. Low levels and high stakes. (Ashford & Miller 2. ed. 1998),
A Review of multiple chemical sensitivity for UK HSE (UK review, Graveling 1999) "Graveling report",
Danish experiences in occupational medicine 1981-2001
Literature until 2001.

This report is based mainly on the Interagency report and the Graveling report.