Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Indoor Air Pollution

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is a term that has been loosely applied to a number of illnesses and syndromes. Although we are not experts on MCS, we have been involved over the past decade in helping sufferers find relief by removing some of the pollutants from their environment that may be causing problems. A number of culprits may be to blame, including pesticides, synthetic and natural fragrances, cleaning products, detergents, petroleum based products, and out gassing, mostly from carpeting, automobile vinyl, and paneling.

A major contributor to MCS may be commercially available products that are marketed to deodorize, or "freshen" the air. A current article concerning this can be viewed here: Environmental groups petition U.S. to regulate air fresheners.

Omni-Zorb products can help alleviate some MCS related problems. We suggest that you first address the most controllable areas of your environment, such as automobiles and other vehicles, and sleeping areas. Larger living areas and working areas are more challenging but can also be improved. Here are a few suggested ways to improve conditions using Omni-Zorb products:

Vehicles: Most vehicle interiors are covered in vinyl and carpeting. Both materials give off gasses that may be toxic to some individuals. This is called out gassing. These fumes are released more when the surfaces heat up from the sun. Hanging Omni-Zorb pouches inside vehicles and placing pouches on dashboards and under seats can continually absorb a large quantity of these gasses. Leaving windows open slightly will not only assist in letting gasses escape, but it also causes the air inside to circulate, which enhances the pouches' activity. Our Zeo-Fresh carpet deodorizer can also help by drawing out carpet gasses. If your vehicle will not be used for a day or more, sprinkle our Carpet Deodorizer on the carpets and let sit as long as possible. Vacuum the granules up before resuming use of the vehicle.

Omni-Zorb pouches and carpet deodorizer both contain a highly pure and effective grade of zeolite. The EPA predicts that zeolite will replace carbon and charcoal as the most effective air pollutant sweeper. The entire EPA article is available here: EPA Report - Zeolite: A versatile air pollutant adsorber

RV's, camper vans, and boats use wood and vinyl paneling which also out gasses. Again, hanging Omni-Zorb grommeted pouches throughout and keeping a fridge-pack in the ice box or refrigerator further reduces the problem.

Sleeping areas: The combination of Omni-Zorb pouches and Carpet Deodorizer can also be used in bedrooms to great advantage. If you have a central air vent in the room, remove the grate and place a pouch inside. Hang pouches in opposite corners of the room and in closets. Make sure the air circulates freely around the pouches. A small desk fan pointed at a pouch can accelerate the absorption of indoor pollution.

Once a month or more, use Zeo-Fresh Carpet Deodorizer on the carpets. Every 6-8 weeks, remove the pouches from the room and place outside on a sunny day. They will release absorbed pollutants and recharge themselves for continued use.

Offices: Sometimes co-workers who wear perfumes or fragrances can cause MCS sufferers problems. If you work in a cubicle or area that is somewhat separated, a small desk fan blowing through an Omni-Zorb pouch can help. Place the fan so that it points toward your typical location, and hang or mount a pouch in the air flow. The air exiting the pouch will have a reduced level of irritants.