May 2007 MCS America News: Scientific Study Finds Cologne Causes Acute Neurotoxicity and Air Flow Reduction

A study at Anderson Laboratories in Vermont concluded that fragrance chemicals caused a variety of acute toxicities in mice after an hour long exposure to breathing five commercial colognes. The researchers discovered "the emissions of these fragrance products caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, as well as alterations of the functional observational battery indicative of neurotoxicity." A computerized test was used to detect decreases in expiratory flow velocity, indicating airflow limitation. Mice exposed to toilet water, rather than cologne, did not show any change in air flow velocity, pulmonary function, or neurological function. "Neurotoxicity was more severe after mice were repeatedly exposed to the fragrance products. Evaluation of one of the test atmospheres with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed the presence of chemicals for which irritant and neurotoxic properties had been documented previously" which confirmed the presence of these chemicals in the colognes (Anderson & Anderson, 1998).

Many people do not realize that fragrances have changed over the years and are not regulated by law. Once a pleasant and natural oil from a plant, fragrances are now made with many chemical ingredients that have become harmful to human health and are not disclosed on the label. When people walk around wearing these fragrances, they share them with everyone around them. Breathing second-hand fragrance is like breathing second-hand smoke. It has all the same effects amounting to acute toxicity. Wearing cologne affects all those who share the same air space, including pets and children who are at increased risk due to their smaller size. Asthmatics, respiratory patients, and the chemically sensitive can also be seriously injured by fragrances. The effects are not limited to these groups though. Even the wearer is sacrificing good health.

"Fragrances are unnecessary and often unpleasant for others to smell," said Lourdes Salvador, Founder and President of MCS America. "The media has misled us to believe that scents make us sexy and attractive," added Salvador who is also the chief editor of MCS America News. "Quite to the contrary, many cannot tolerate being near these toxicants and avoid them. More employers are enacting fragrance free policies in the workplace leading to a reduction of migraines and missed work. So, maybe that elusive girl that retreats each time you approach is really interested, but avoiding your cologne."

Before fragrances emerged on the market the human species still mated and reproduced. This shows that fragrances are not necessary to attract the opposite sex. Quite to the contrary, much like animals, we use body scent to attract mates. Some fragrance manufacturers have realized this and are now marketing fragrances that smell like sweat. Unfortunately these fragrances are synthetic, made with chemicals known for their neurotoxic effects. Fortunately, we are each equipped with our own sweat. So, go for a hard core workout guys and enjoy your mate au natural! Sweat is in and cologne is out!

Cited Reference:

Anderson RC & Anderson JH. Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Arch Environ Health. 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):138-46.

Copyrighted © 2007 MCS America

May 2007 MCS America News: Scientific Studies: Non-Immune Contact Reactions

One of the frequent misunderstandings about multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is confusing it with an allergic response due to IgE (immunoglobulin E). MCS is not an allergic reaction. Rather, it appears to be a reaction to the toxic properties of the incitants due to a damaged detoxification system. Thus far, science is still searching for the existence of biomarkers to diagnose the condition.

Researchers conducted a study involving non-immune immediate contact reactions (NIICR), which are defined as "non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)- mediated skin responses that occur without previous sensitization" (Harth et all, 2007). NIICR has been observed from contact with benzoic acid, trans-cinnamic acid and methyl nicotinate as well as cinnamic aldehyde of fragrance mix. Antihistamine treatment in these cases has been ineffective because the reaction is non-immune or NIICR.

The researchers examined a case report of a subject with workplace related reactions to perfumes. The subject presented delayed reactions to a mixture of odorous substances in patch testing. A bronchial challenge with perfume was performed and yielded an immediate asthmatic reaction with a diagnosis of occupational allergy to perfumes.

The researches tested a 47 year old female gardener who complained of shortness of breath and headaches when exposed to any and all odors since 2000. The patient experienced the symptoms at home and work, though they were more pronounced at work. The diagnosis of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) was the most likely diagnosis, though the researchers decided to perform further tests.

For the first time, the researchers applied an NIICR inducing component of fragrance mix in a bronchial challenge test which showed an asthmatic reaction. The symptoms were determined to not be due to hyperosmia (oversensitivity to smell). It was determined that the negative results for asthma favored the diagnoses of the accidental coincidence of IEI and NIICR. Though the researchers did not find a cause for IEI, the did determine that cinnamic aldehyde has effects of the lower airways of the patient and that bronchial effects and clinical relevance of NIICR need to be further examined.

This study reinforces the fact that environmental illness is not allergy mediated or asthma related., yet there may be co-occurring allergy or asthma in some patients.

Reference:

Harth V, Merget R, Altmann L, & Bruning T. Bronchial challenge testing to fragrance component as further diagnostic approach to non-immune immediate contact reactions.. Contact Dermatitis. 2007 Mar;56(3):175-7.

Copyrighted © 2007 MCS America

Real Estate: Why Scents May Not Make Cents

For many home sellers and real estate agents who believe the TV commercials that claim chemical sprays “sanitize” the air, plug-ins “freshen” the air and Fragrance emitting devices actually clean the air, well…this may not be music to your ears.

The savvy, health conscious home buyer has added chemical fragrances to their list of what they don’t want to smell when they are looking to buy a home. These chemical fragrances are now listed right next to mold, cigarette smoke odor and animal urine by many home buyers.

Home buyers today are more educated than ever. Even inexperienced first time home buyers understand that chemical fragrances do not clean the air, they contaminate it with toxic chemicals and more often than not these chemical fragrances make people very sick.Home buyers have kids with asthma and allergies. They, themselves, might suffer from migraines, respiratory illness, cancer or fragrance sensitivity.

Home buyers know that clean should not have a smell, not of disinfectant or chemical emitted fragrances.

So, while the location, square footage and price of your home might be perfect for your would be buyer, the smell of your home just might be the deciding factor on why an offer was not written up.

What does your house smell like?

Once plug in style fragrance emitting devices are used in a home, the oil / fragrance permeates the wallboard as well as flooring. Similar goes for the fragranced dryer sheets in the laundry room. These chemical odors then circulate in the air vent heating and cooling system and will never come out, no matter what you do.

With the growing population of people suffering with fragrance sensitivity, Asthma, respiratory conditions, various cancers and allergies, house hunting can often prove to be quite a challenge.

If you are seriously in the market to sell your home, increase your odds of getting top dollar and more offers by discontinuing the use of fragranced products. Open your windows and let the fresh air in. Clean with non-fragranced products. Your house will then be marketable to all potential buyers... even those with health issues.

After all, you do want your home to take a buyers breath away... but not literally!

For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org

MCS America Seeks Recognition for Environmental Illness

Scientific studies determine that 16% of the population suffers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which is also known as a toxic injury of chemical origin. MCS affects both genders, all races, all income levels, all education levels and anyone could be permanently and totally disabled by it. MCS America is seeking to clarify the many contradistinctions in the medical, scientific, legal, and social communities so that MCS may be granted the same recognition that the Centers for Disease Control recently granted to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Patients and doctors from across the world have come forth in support of the MCS America petition which calls for "full recognition of MCS as a physiological medical condition" and requests additional funding for more research into the cause and treatment of the condition. MCS is thought to be caused by chronic low level chemical exposures or an acute toxic exposure to a contaminant such as pesticide, carbon monoxide, an number of industrial chemicals, and "sick" buildings. Once affected, victims suffer permanent irreversible damage that causes a myriad of symptoms in multiple body organs and ranges from seizures and respiratory difficulty to headache, sore throat, asthma like symptoms, and more.

This is particularly significant when one considers that this conditions impact an estimated 16% of the population as opposed to 6% who are affected by diabetes, which most Americans are familiar with; costing billions in treatments, lost income due to missing work and absenteeism from school. No one is immune to developing MCS and there is no cure. All it takes is one accident.

Dr. Martin Pall of Washington State University Department of Molecular Biosciences, regards MCS as being related to other multi-system diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome, of which chemical sensitivities is now a recognized symptom. MCS substantially limits the ability of it's victims to live normal lives, work, attend school, shop, and socialize as a myriad of common items generally recognized as safe cause dangerous reactions. These items include fragrances found in perfumes, lotions, soaps, and laundry products as well as cleaners, pesticides, diesel, news print, new carpets, and many other items encountered in day to day living.

MCS America suggests that patients need more qualified medical care, increased access to public facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and support from family and friends once afflicted while doctors need additional training and scientists need more funding for add research into the cause of MCS. This is truly a crisis situation. MCS affects a persons ability to earn a living, travel, socialize, and function in our modern world in which chemicals and fragrances are impossible to avoid.

For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.

About MCS America:
The mission of MCS America is to gain respect and understanding for the many men, women, and children suffering with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), Toxic Injury (TI), and other related disabilities through brochures, printed materials, newsletters, support groups, public awareness campaigns, and lobbying for the full recognition of MCS in the medical and legal communities while promoting mutual respect between fellow human beings and encouraging all members of the MCS community to participate and create a world in which there is no threat of toxic injury.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org

Studies Show Genetic Variations in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Three recent studies show that a genetic variant makes sufferers of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) more likely to develop the condition. In 2004, McKeown-Eyssen studied 203 MCS sufferers and 162 controls and found that genetic differences relating to detoxification processes were present more often in those with MCS than those without. The study concluded that "a genetic predisposition for MCS may involve altered biotransformation of environmental chemicals. Haley found similar, confirmatory results in a 1999 study with the PON1 gene in Gulf War syndrome veterans.

A new study by Schnakenberg et al (2006) confirmed the genetic variation previously found by McKeown-Eyssen and Haley. A total of 521 unrelated individuals participated in the study. Genetic variants of four genes were analyzed: NAT2, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1. The researchers concluded that individuals who are NAT2 slow acetylators and those with homozygously deleted GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are significantly more likely to develop chemical sensitivity.

According to the study the glutathione S-transferases act to inactivate chemicals so people without these GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are less able to metabolize environmental chemicals. If a person cannot metabolize chemicals they build up in the body and cause disturbances in normal body function. Schnakenberg and fellow researchers explain that "glutathione S-transferases play an important role in the detoxification of chemicals... the deletion of this gene may be an important step in the early onset of diseases" which is a critical discovery that provides a biological basis behind the etiology of multiple chemical sensitivity.

The researchers also noted that diseases such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, hepatocellular and prostate carcinoma, and Alzheimer's disease have been associated with the common chemicals metabolized by GSTP1. The deletion of the GSTP1 gene leaves individuals more susceptible to developing these diseases, as lack of these genes means a loss of protection from oxidative stress. This discovery is crucial to being able to diagnose and treat those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity and other toxic injuries. It is the first step toward understanding and explaining the cause of chemical injury and resulting sensitivities so that treatments can be developed.

For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org

Cited References:

Haley, RW, Billecke, S, & La Du, BN (1999). Association of low PON1 type Q (type A) arylesterase activity with neurologic symptom complexes in Gulf War veterans. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 157(3):227-33.

McKeown-Eyssen, G, Baines, C, Cole, D, Riley, N, Tyndale, R, Marshall, L, & Jazmaji, V (2004). Case-control studies of genotypes in multiple chemical sensitivity: CYP2D, NAT1, NAT2, PON1, PON2 and MTHFR. International Journal of Epidemiology 33, 1-8.

Schnakenberg, E, Karl-Rainer, F, Stanulla, M, Strobl, N, Lustig, M, Fabig, N, & Schloot, W (2007). A cross-sectional study of self-reported chemical-related sensitivity is associated with gene variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Environ Health. 2007 Feb 10;6:6.

Study Finds Cologne Causes Acute Neurotoxicity and Air Flow Reduction

A study at Anderson Laboratories in Vermont concluded that fragrance chemicals caused a variety of acute toxicities in mice after an hour long exposure to breathing five commercial colognes. The researchers discovered "the emissions of these fragrance products caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, as well as alterations of the functional observational battery indicative of neurotoxicity."

A computerized test was used to detect decreases in expiratory flow velocity, indicating airflow limitation. Mice exposed to toilet water, rather than cologne, did not show any change in air flow velocity, pulmonary function, or neurological function. "Neurotoxicity was more severe after mice were repeatedly exposed to the fragrance products. Evaluation of one of the test atmospheres with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed the presence of chemicals for which irritant and neurotoxic properties had been documented previously" which confirmed the presence of these chemicals in the colognes (Anderson & Anderson, 1998).

Many people do not realize that fragrances have changed over the years and are not regulated by law. Once a pleasant and natural oil from a plant, fragrances are now made with many chemical ingredients that have become harmful to human health and are not disclosed on the label. When people walk around wearing these fragrances, they share them with everyone around them. Breathing second-hand fragrance is like breathing second-hand smoke. It has all the same effects amounting to acute toxicity. Wearing cologne affects all those who share the same air space, including pets and children who are at increased risk due to their smaller size. Asthmatics, respiratory patients, and the chemically sensitive can also be seriously injured by fragrances. The effects are not limited to these groups though. Even the wearer is sacrificing good health.

Fragrances are unnecessary and often unpleasant for others to smell. The media has misled us to believe that scents make us sexy and attractive. Quite to the contrary, many cannot tolerate being near these toxicants and avoid them. More and more employers are enacting fragrance free policies in the workplace leading to a reduction of migraines and missed work. So, maybe that elusive girl that retreats each time you approach is really interested, but avoiding your cologne.

Before fragrances emerged on the market the human species still mated and reproduced. This shows that fragrances are not necessary to attract the opposite sex. Quite to the contrary, much like animals, we use body scent to attract mates. Some fragrance manufacturers have realized this and are now marketing fragrances that smell like sweat. Unfortunately these fragrances are synthetic, made with chemicals known for their neurotoxic effects. Fortunately, we are each equipped with our own sweat. So, go for a hard core workout guys and enjoy your mate au natural! Sweat is in and cologne is out!

Cited Reference:
Anderson RC & Anderson JH. Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Arch Environ Health. 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):138-46.

For additional information, e-mail MCS America at admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org