Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which an individual becomes sensitized to one or more chemical agents in their surrounding environment. This sensitization can cause dramatic and frustrating (and sometimes even life-threatening) symptoms and allergic reactions, such as breathing problems (including asthma), headaches, nausea, confusion, memory problems, chest pain, digestive issues, dizziness, insomnia or fatigue, skin rash, change in heart rate, and many more. The reaction can occur for some individuals when they have even an incredibly minor exposure after their system is sensitized to that item.
MCS has been known by several other names over the years, examples include sick building syndrome, chemical injury syndrome, environmental illness, fragrance sensitivity, chemical intolerance, chemical hypersensitivity, and more. (Note: some of these names may denote similar symptoms with or without an official diagnosis, but are often used interchangeably outside of medical settings.)
There are dozens of chemicals and components that can trigger MCS. Some of the more common examples include fumes from everyday things like perfume, lotion, shampoo/soap, paint, cleaning products, smoke, air fresheners, and even carpet. MCS can also be triggered by things like pesticides, mold, machinery, or exhaust fumes.
What Employers Can Do for Employees with MCS
Since MCS could easily impact an individual’s ability to breathe, concentrate, sleep, etc., it could possibly qualify as a recognized disability under the ADA for some individuals who are significantly affected. As such, employers who have employees with MCS will likely need to start the interactive process to determine what reasonable accommodations may exist for affected employees.
Some examples of reasonable accommodations for employees with MCS may include:
- Allowing remote work so the individual can control his or her working environment.
- Creating a fragrance-free workplace to minimize the impact of fragrances from others.
- Providing masks for chemically-sensitive employees to wear.
- Get the air quality tested professionally to assess irritant levels.
- Improving the ventilation in the work area or installing fans to keep fumes away from that individual’s work station. This may include ventilation systems, fans, windows, air purifiers, air filtration systems, etc.
- Changing an individual’s role to something that does not have contact with the offending chemical if possible.
- Changing the cleaning products or other products used in the workplace to types that do not cause the reactions.
- When chemical use cannot be avoided, schedule it as far outside of working hours as possible.
This list is of course not exhaustive; it is meant to be a starting point for ideas. For any employer with employees experiencing MCS, it will, of course, be critical to use the interactive process to determine what problems the employee is having and come up with possible accommodations that will work for their individual situation. Not every sensitivity will rise to the level of disability; this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
What has been your experience? What does your organization do to minimize problems for anyone with MCS or fragrance sensitivity?
Bridget Miller is a business consultant with a specialized MBA in International Economics and Management, which provides a unique perspective on business challenges. She’s been working in the corporate world for over 15 years, with experience across multiple diverse departments including HR, sales, marketing, IT, commercial development, and training.