Defination of MCS Massachusetts Association for the Chemically Injured In today's modern and electronic world, you may have noticed or become aware of the effects the environment has on your health or that of a loved one. Perhaps you've noticed physical or mental symptoms when exposed to various scents, petrochemicals, gas vapors, fabrics, detergents, office machines, copiers and computers, and more. You may have noticed that the symptoms are worse at work , and you cannot function well enough to perform your duties as usual.
Some people also report increased sensitivity to electrical appliances, computers and televisions.
MCS may be caused by an acute exposure or repeated low-level exposures to various environmental chemicals or agents. While some reactions resemble symptoms commonly perceived as resulting from an allergy, it is important to understand that reactions to chemicals are serious and can include neurotoxic effects which can seriously impair functioning. Except for the MCS victims themselves, few people realize that reactions to environmental triggers may become so debilitating that those affected must make drastic lifestyle changes in order to survive. Reactions can include symptoms such as headache, fatigue, burning of the eyes, nose and throat, voice loss, respiratory or breathing difficulties, dizziness, nausea, gastrointestinal problems, musculoskeletal pain and weakness, sleep disorders, seizure disorders, memory loss, concentration problems and cognitive dysfunction, etc. As you can tell, these symptoms can affect many organ systems and can be mild, moderate or severe.