ASEQ-EHAQ

L'Association pour la santé environnementale du Québec / Environmental Health Association of Québec

MCS Checklist for Managing Your Health

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Checklist for Managing Your Health

Empowering Community and Removal of Barriers (ECRoB) Project

Plan Your Day:

  • Schedule your basic needs, such as eating, drinking water, relaxing, exercising, and taking supplements.
  • Make a to-do list and assign specific times for each task.
  • Plan activities with potential triggers towards the end of your chores so that when you return home, you can shower, and put on clean clothes to reduce exposure.

Take Care of Yourself:

  • Accept that your day may not go as planned, and be patient with yourself.
  • Focus on your basic needs: eat organic as much as possible, paying attention to eat foods you tolerate, rest whenever you need to, and try to have a regular sleep schedule.

Before Going Out:

  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
  • Use the restroom before leaving, as public toilets often have fragrances.
  • Bring water, food, and anything else that helps reduce your symptoms.
  • Keep emergency contact numbers easily accessible.

Dealing with Delivery or Repair Personnel:

  • Briefly explain your condition and request a convenient time for their visit.
  • Ask them not to smoke or wear fragrances, or any scented products since you are allergic to them.
  • If needed, open windows for ventilation.
  • Request that products to be installed are off-gassed before installation.

What to Do After Exposure:

  • Leave the location immediately if you experience a reaction.
  • Remove your clothes, wash them, shower, and put on clean clothes.
  • Follow instructions from your environmental medicine specialist to relieve symptoms.

Visiting or Having Company:

  • Politely ask friends and relatives to avoid using scented or toxic products.
  • Provide them with a list of cleaning and personal care products you can tolerate.
  • Ensure they are smoke and fragrance-free before visiting or being visited.
  • Open windows for ventilation, unless the outside air is polluted.
  • Check for mould-free environments when visiting.
  • If the indoor air quality is poor, go outside if possible. Otherwise, return home.

Remember to keep this checklist accessible, such as on your fridge or within sight, so that you can refer to it easily. This tipsheet is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment options for your situation.

Adapted from materials by the Environmental Health Association of Québec, Service aux collectivités de l’Université du Québec à Montréal, TÉLUQ (2012).