Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also known as "20th Century Syndrome", "Environmental illness", "Sick Building Syndrome", Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI), is a "chronic, recurring disease caused by a person's inability to tolerate an environmental chemical or class of foreign chemicals" (NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences).

Building Awareness
MCS is a controversial diagnosis in some circles.  Persons affected often spend years seeking aid for a growing collection of changing symptoms that wax and wane.  When medical diagnoses prove elusive, there is a tendency to attribute the symptoms to psychological causes ("It's all in your head.").  Yet, for persons who experience these symptoms, they are very real and increasingly debilitating.  To learn more about MCS:

• See the overview article in the Winter 2007 issue of Connections.
• Read the individual stories of persons affected.  (See right column.)
• For more information, start with some of the web sites listed below.
  

The Church and MCS
How can the church respond to the issue of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity?  How can the community of faith be supportive of persons who face the challenges of living with this disease? 

• Become aware of the issues faced by persons affected.  (See above)
  
• Use the MCS Tips to guide you to actions steps.  You can also download a copy of all of these tips.
  

More information about MCS

MCS America
Excellent site with loads of information.

Share, Care and Prayer
A nonprofit, Christian organization encouraging, educating, and equipping persons with MCS and related conditions.  They are an excellent source for help and also have a newsletter, published twice yearly.

Human Ecology Action League (HEAL)
One of the oldest organizations in the world concerned about the health effects of environmental exposures.

Support for persons affected by MCS

Online Support Groups:
ChemicallnjurySupport at Yahoo Groups
StrengthForToday at Yahoo Groups

New! 
Several persons are starting a support group for persons affected by MCS who relate to and/or identify with Anabaptist-related churches.  If you are interested, you can take the following steps:

• Send a message to .
• Download, fill out, and send in the MCS Information Form for Support Group.  Download in either MS Word (DOC) or Adobe Reader (PDF) format.

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