4 ms·
I have very serious problems with fragrance chemicals and some VOCs also. It slowly emerged over time in my twenties, well at the same time I was also experienc
by code_duck 6y ago
I have very serious problems with fragrance chemicals and some VOCs also. It slowly emerged over time in my twenties, well at the same time I was also experiencing what I now know is undiagnosed celiac disease.
I've gone through times where almost anything made out of plastic and most indoor furniture made me feel sick, but these days it's mainly just artificial fragrances. Shampoo, conditioner, air freshener, carpet cleaners, garbage bags, dish soap, incense, laundry soap, pesticides, dryer sheets, and so on. I have to use all of these in special unscented versions and try to get any roommates to do so as well. Some are difficult to avoid in public, other people's clothes and hair, fumes coming from laundry vents outdoors, or areas where large amounts of these products are stored such as groceries and hardware stores. The distancing and masks from covid have helped a bit, plus I'm staying home more which is a safe place.
This is a problem that's been somewhat peripheral to my other health problems, but has been very disruptive for me. in terms of interpersonal relationships, maybe even worse than type 1 diabetes or celiac because it can make it uncomfortable to get near other people physically, either for a hug or to be in their house or car. Having to convince girlfriends to change hair products has been a major source of stress, too. There are times when I've been forced to be around people who use typical fragrances products on a visit, or at a hotel, and that's difficult.
I've tried to look into what health problems could be related to this. There is a syndrome that used to be called MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivity) and is now called TILT (Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance). Mainly I have found people with Multiple Sclerosis and an immune disorder called MAST cell activation. I have celiac and type 1 diabetes, which are very closely related to MS, so it makes sense. This is the sort of thing that's very difficult to work on with doctors, and it seems likely the best treatment currently available is like an allergy - avoid the triggers.