Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) : Idiopathic environmental intolerances (IEI)
1Clinical Dept. of Occupational Medicine, Clinic for Internal Medicine IV, University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria.
Environmental Science and Pollution Research International
|November 16, 2013
Summary
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a form of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), presents with diverse symptoms attributed to environmental factors. Controlled studies lack evidence for toxic causes, suggesting psychopathological or neurobiological origins.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Neurobiology
Background:
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a systemic disorder characterized by central nervous, irritative, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
- MCS is often categorized under idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI), involving recurrent symptoms triggered by environmental factors tolerated by most.
- Debate exists regarding the cause, with some attributing symptoms to exogenous substances and others to psychopathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and its classification within idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI).
- To evaluate the scientific evidence supporting different etiological explanations for MCS symptoms.
- To explore potential neurobiological and psychopathological mechanisms underlying MCS.
Main Methods:
- Review of controlled studies investigating the causes of MCS.
- Analysis of literature on idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) and symptom attribution.
- Examination of research on psychopathological and neurobiological factors in MCS.
Main Results:
- Controlled studies have not provided definitive evidence for toxic or immunological causes of MCS.
- The concept of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) encompasses conditions with symptoms linked to environmental exposures.
- Psychopathological origins and neurobiological processes are considered potential contributing factors to MCS.
Conclusions:
- Current scientific evidence does not support toxic or immunological explanations for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
- Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) remains a complex condition with symptoms potentially explained by psychopathological or neurobiological mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise etiology of MCS.
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