People with MCS may become partially or totally disabled for several years or for life. They must make fundamental changes in lifestyle and at home. Their marriages and other relationships may end from the stress of coping with this disabling condition. They may drag themselves to work only to return home sicker and more exhausted each day. They may be forced to leave their jobs and deal with the devastating loss of income and health insurance.
Some people eventually recover, but few return to complete health.
These substances contribute to indoor air pollution and are often contaminants in our air and water. Many of the chemicals which trigger MCS symptoms are known to be irritants or to be toxic to the nervous system. Even low airborne levels of such contaminants can make ordinary people sick. The impact on health of long-term, low level exposure to most chemicals found in consumer products remains untested. The products and other chemicals that cause problems varies among affected individuals.