Multiple chemical sensitivities syndrome: A review

Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) syndrome is a controversial diagnosis that has arisen in the latter half of the 20th century. Clinical ecologists strongly believe that multiple common environmental chemicals assault the immune system in certain individuals, producing multisystem disease. Mainstream medicine, however, largely believes that the symptoms of MCS syndrome can be attributed to a conditioned response to the environment and psychiatric disease. This review examines the controversy surrounding MCS syndrome in regard to the etiology, diagnosis, and management.