So far, I've put forth a rough, anecdotal picture of typical daily living with MCS. I do this in the hopes of affirming, as much as a non-medical layperson can, the similar experiences of others along this peculiar path. I also do this (for those new to MCS and "green" issues) in order to raise questions about things that we don't normally think to question, such as, "Can 'typical' cleaning, deodorizing, and synthetically fragranced products be making us sick (or 'sicker,' as the case may be) even in the medical offices we visit in order to 'feel better'?"
The same question, of course, applies to all chemical, synthetically fragranced products used on the person and in the home.
There are some pleasant alternatives to such chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Granted, in a medical facility, there might always be a baseline of chemical, antiviral, antibacterial agents that must be used under specific conditions in order to prevent infection and contagion. Still, might we not hope to keep such applications to a minimum? Might we, at least, hope not to continue mixing those "baseline chemicals" with other completely unnecessary airborne chemical toxins, to our own cellular destruction?
Going yet further, perhaps scientific minds could come up with natural alternatives to the baseline disinfectants necessary in medical settings?
I don't know exactly how far, for example, tea tree oil can go against major strains of resistant bacteria. But I do know that, for the average person cleaning his own household, tea tree oil can be an effective defense against many potentially harmful germs. I ask for reader feedback on the many applications and uses of tea tree oil.
Distilled white vinegar, as another example, can literally absorb odors from the air. Mixed with baking soda, it forms a pleasing cleaning solution around the house where hard water deposits do not make this difficult. I ask for reader ideas on natural alternatives to softening hard-water deposits in sinks and bathrooms.
Completely natural beeswax candles ("100% natural") can, likewise, help to purify the air and absorb odors. These should have cotton wicks and non-lead bases.
One wants to be extra careful, however, about supposedly "natural" or even "organic" products that are scented with essential oils or other supposedly "natural" fragrances. Some of these essential oils and "natural" fragrances are not completely natural and, in some cases, are quite harmful. For more specific scientific findings on this noteworthy topic, please see the following link:
http://missourikidshealthcoalition.wikifoundry.com/page/Dr.+Anne+Steinemann,+PhD
I look forward to hearing from you regarding your own experiences, ideas, and solutions!
Cheers -- and, on a much more somber note, prayers for those in the U.S. hit by the massive onslaught of tornadoes. May your new homes be strong and safe.
~ Carolyn
The same question, of course, applies to all chemical, synthetically fragranced products used on the person and in the home.
There are some pleasant alternatives to such chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Granted, in a medical facility, there might always be a baseline of chemical, antiviral, antibacterial agents that must be used under specific conditions in order to prevent infection and contagion. Still, might we not hope to keep such applications to a minimum? Might we, at least, hope not to continue mixing those "baseline chemicals" with other completely unnecessary airborne chemical toxins, to our own cellular destruction?
Going yet further, perhaps scientific minds could come up with natural alternatives to the baseline disinfectants necessary in medical settings?
I don't know exactly how far, for example, tea tree oil can go against major strains of resistant bacteria. But I do know that, for the average person cleaning his own household, tea tree oil can be an effective defense against many potentially harmful germs. I ask for reader feedback on the many applications and uses of tea tree oil.
Distilled white vinegar, as another example, can literally absorb odors from the air. Mixed with baking soda, it forms a pleasing cleaning solution around the house where hard water deposits do not make this difficult. I ask for reader ideas on natural alternatives to softening hard-water deposits in sinks and bathrooms.
Completely natural beeswax candles ("100% natural") can, likewise, help to purify the air and absorb odors. These should have cotton wicks and non-lead bases.
One wants to be extra careful, however, about supposedly "natural" or even "organic" products that are scented with essential oils or other supposedly "natural" fragrances. Some of these essential oils and "natural" fragrances are not completely natural and, in some cases, are quite harmful. For more specific scientific findings on this noteworthy topic, please see the following link:
http://missourikidshealthcoalition.wikifoundry.com/page/Dr.+Anne+Steinemann,+PhD
I look forward to hearing from you regarding your own experiences, ideas, and solutions!
Cheers -- and, on a much more somber note, prayers for those in the U.S. hit by the massive onslaught of tornadoes. May your new homes be strong and safe.
~ Carolyn
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