Managing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) for Healthcare Providers and Patients
Access to health care requires a scent-free environment. If exposures cannot be managed, having a “safe room” to place and protect MCS patients is beneficial.
How to create a scent-free environment (health care provider’s office):
Environmental pollutant exposure is a modifiable risk factor for developing and/or exacerbating many chronic non communicable diseases, including MCS.
There are no biological markers to support the diagnosis of MCS. The most characteristic feature is intolerance to common, airborne chemical exposures at levels previously tolerated, and tolerated by the healthy population. There are several tools used to help support the diagnosis.
Diagnostic criteria
The Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI)
The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI)
MCS is a recognized medical disability with the legal right to accommodation. Health care providers may be asked to advocate for their patients
Support for accommodation (workplace, housing, etc)
Patients with MCS need help and support from their health care practitioner to learn to manage their condition.
Patient Management
SEEDS of health
Below you will find two versions of the activity and symptom tracking forms for your convenience:
Instructions for Activity and Symptom Tracking – MCS
Activity and Symptom Tracking_ Days of the Week MCS
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) – Activity, Symptom Tracking and Instructions
Hospital support
Best Practices in MCS Management: A Practical Guide for Hospital Staff
Part 1: Pollution Prevention
Part 2: Environment-Sensitive Care
Patients who can self-manage their condition well decrease their use of the health care system and have an improved quality of life.
Tools for Patients
People with MCS are entitled to the same legal rights as those with other disabilities, including accessibility and inclusion.
Legal Aspects
Examples of MCS appropriate accommodations
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Duty to Accommodate and Undue Hardship
Medical Model Vs Social Model of Disability
Province-specific rights in Canada
British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Québec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nunavut, Northwest Territories, and Yukon