In modern times, exposure to chemicals is more common than ever. Whether it is from cleaning products, air treatments, or even fragrances, it is fairly common to have chemicals in the air of your home. While this is not ideal, it is particularly challenging for those who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), also known as toxic-induced loss of tolerance (TILT) or DELTA, which is a syndrome often initiated by low-level chemical exposures. People afflicted by MCS suffer from a range of different symptoms. Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, itching, sneezing, sore throat, chest pain, changes in heart rhythm, breathing problems, muscle pain or stiffness, skin rash, diarrhea, depression, myalgias, gastrointestinal abnormalities, arthralgias, bloating, gas, rashes, palpitations, confusion, trouble concentrating, memory problems, and mood changes. These symptoms vary in severity; for some people it will be a mild problem like skin rash while for other it can result in heart or gastrointestinal problems.
Many MCS sufferers can link the onset of their symptoms to a specific event such as a chemical spill, or low levels of chemical exposure at work with poor ventilation. Many triggers for these symptoms include pesticides, tobacco smoke, perfume, new carpet, cleaning agents, paint fumes, scented products and plastics. Studies acknowledge it as a “medical disorder triggered by exposures to chemicals, electromagnetic forces, or other environmental triggers; solvents, hydrocarbons, organophosphates, heavy metals’’.
It is reported that once exposed, low levels of chemicals found in everyday materials, such as soaps, detergents, cosmetics, and newspaper ink, can trigger physical symptoms in people with multiple chemical sensitivities.
An air purifier for the MCS sufferer should have the following characteristics:
Our top recommendation for people with MCS is the custom air purifier from AllerAir. Recognizing that MCS sufferers vary in their sensitivity to different chemicals, AllerAir has worked with MCS sufferers to design a customized solution. AllerAir has designed carbon test kit for MCS sufferers to test different carbon blends, and determine which carbon blend works best for you. After recording the results, AllerAir customizes an air purifier with the carbon blend that works for them. The cost of the test kit is deducted from the cost of the air purifier at purchase. It also has a super HEPA filter to offer protection against a wide range of airborne contaminants. These machines all features organic pre-filters to minimize odors and chemicals that could further irritate people with MCS. This AllerAir air purifiers for MCS is designed to provide relief for up to 1500 square feet. This models features:
Similar to the AllerAir model above, this air purifier is also specifically made for each person with MCS, after the MCS sufferer has tested six different carbon blends to determine which one works for him/her. This air purifier is a heavy-duty model relative to the Pro5 MCS designed for people with extreme sensitivity to chemicals and odors, or for those in environments with a higher concentration of chemicals. It does an excellent job of removing all traces of common chemicals in the air to provide you with effective and immediate relief. It also features a more stringent HEPA filter than the previous model to effectively remove very small particles. It also features all organic pre-filters to minimize dyes, chemicals and odors. This model features:
Airpura is known for its sophisticated carbon chemical blends designed specifically for each situation. A popular model for many MCS sufferers, this model effectively eliminates a wide range of airborne chemicals and odors, leaving only clean and fresh air. Not only can the G600 remove odors from the air, but it also has absolutely no odor when it is on, which many MCS sufferers find ideal. With its activated carbon filter and true HEPA filter, this is one air purifier that was made to handle chemicals, odors and particles in the air effectively. This device promises to reduce unpleasant symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and drowsiness caused by chemical exposure. The G600 offers premium sourced German carbon to effectively absorb any chemicals that might be in the area. It even offers low noise levels and lets you choose the operating speed. The AirPura G600 features:
The Airpura G600-DLX model is the deluxe version for the person with MCS, and provides heavy-duty filtration with more powerful filters for the person with extreme chemical sensitivity, or in areas with a higher concentration of chemicals and odors. With a 3” deep carbon filter with 26 lbs of premium german-sourced carbon that has no odor, it it is ideal for more sensitive individuals while offering optimal filtration.