Often people with MCS must escape the pollution of modern life, either by moving to an isolated location or by attempting to create a toxin free area in which to live and work. Isolation and depression are common problems for people with MCS, who are often restricted socially due to the health risks of chemical exposure. People diagnosed with MCS are often industrial workers, teachers, students, office and health care workers in sealed buildings, chemical accident survivors, people living near toxic waste sites, people whose air or water is highly polluted, people exposed to chemicals in various consumer products, foods and pharmaceuticals, Balkans, Gulf and Vietnam war veterans. People with MCS may become partially or totally disabled for several years or for life. They must make fundamental changes to their lifestyle and may be forced to leave employment.
Some people eventually recover but few return to complete health.
A majority of people with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome also have MCS and vice versa. A high incidence of MCS occurs amongst people with asthma, allergies and attention deficit disorder. All of these medical conditions have increased significantly across the industrialised world and community concern is growing. MCS can be prevented simply by avoiding toxic chemical exposure. A difficult task in our modern world.