Chemical sensitivities affect a quarter of Americans, study suggests

(NaturalHealth365)  It was recently revealed that one-quarter of the population of the United States is vulnerable to chemical sensitivities.  The average person’s exposure to chemicals continues to increase with each passing day as more additives are implemented into food, beverages, consumer products, and other materials.

The fact that such a large percentage of the population is susceptible to chemical sensitivities means there is clearly a growing problem that needs to be addressed.  So, let’s talk about some solutions here.

You may be wondering: Are chemical sensitivities becoming a major public health issue?

The short answer is yes!  Multiple chemical sensitivity (also known as MCS) is a chronic physical illness that affects individuals of all ages.

The increase in MCS prevalence can cause significant allergic reactions in response to exposure to minimal amounts of chemicals.  However, if such chemicals are used in everyday consumer products and the number of people who have allergic reactions to those products continues to increase, there is the potential for a sizable and meaningful public health issue to develop in the years ahead.

MCS is best described as a disease that causes the body’s pathways for detoxification to be compromised due to the environment or genetics.  MCS patients have a negative reaction after exposure to chemicals in paints, household items, plastics, perfume, car exhaust, clothing, and all sorts of different items.  Those saddled by MCS struggle with their energy level, neurology, respiratory system functionality, etc.

Many MCS sufferers complain of vertigo, dizziness, and brain fog.  By the way, wearing a mask – for extended periods of time, each day – is only making it worse for people dealing with brain fog.

Chemicals are now severe triggers

The National Resources Defense Council states in excess of 80,000 chemicals have been interwoven with our environment dating back to the mid-1940s.  The introduction of such chemicals is problematic as few were sufficiently tested to determine if they harm human health, animal health, or the planet itself.

The problem is that those chemicals are clearly making it more challenging for the body to detoxify, ultimately making it difficult to function without setbacks after chemical exposure.  As an example, some of the most common MCS triggers include solvents, fragrances, pesticides, and certain VOCs.  VOC is an acronym short for volatile organic compounds.

Chemical sensitivity reduces quality of life

It is awfully concerning to learn that a single fragrance alone can contain 600 petroleum-based chemicals.  Sadly, the manufacturers of fragrances and certain other products have gone to the extent of concealing the chemicals used in their products with “trade secrets,” meaning the public will not know which chemicals are introduced into the environment by specific products and companies.

However, an initial lab analysis of some of the most common fragrances reveals they contain highly toxic chemicals, including some substances on the Hazardous Waste list as posted on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) website.

Part of the problem with living with chemical sensitivities is the fact that it causes an extraordinarily high level of sensitivity to certain substances.  For example, individuals dealing with MCS are between 100 and 1,000 times as sensitive to chemical-laden fragrances than those who are considered healthy.  MCS sufferers who are sounding the alarm about the seeming ubiquity of chemicals may be a preview of a future in which an excess of chemicals causes heightened and widespread sensitivity.

What can you do to reduce your risks?

Here are a few tips to minimize your risks and lower your toxic burden:

• Pay attention: If your favorite personal care products have unwanted chemicals … stop buying them and find alternatives.
• Read the labels carefully: If you can’t understand the ingredients … it’s probably bad for you.
• Avoid products with “fragrance” as an ingredient … look for essential oils instead.
• Educate yourself: Many of today’s most common chemicals are put inside food and personal care products.  Eat organic, locally sourced food, as much as possible.  Try to locate a farmers market or get to know your local organic farmer.
• If you are highly sensitive: Invest in a home/work air purification system and be sure to drink pure (clean) water.
• Clean up your bedroom: Investing in a non-toxic mattress and organic sheets can really help you to minimize toxic exposure.

Sadly, unless we take action to prevent even more chemicals from being used in consumer products, chemical sensitivity will likely become much more common.  What are your thoughts?  Let us know in the comment section below.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.org
ChildrensHealthDefense.org
Mold-help.org

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