I am not a fan of Wikipedia, but it does seem quite accurate about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. I thought it worth posting as peanut allergies are a real issue and we dont want this thread hijacked:
Multiple chemical sensitivity (
MCS), also known as
idiopathic environmental intolerances (
IEI), is a disputed
chronic condition characterized by
symptoms that the affected person attributes to low-level exposures to commonly used chemicals.
[2] Symptoms are typically
vague and
non-specific. They may include
fatigue,
headaches,
nausea, and
dizziness.
MCS is not recognized as an organic, chemical-caused illness by the
World Health Organization,
American Medical Association, or any of several other professional medical organizations.
[3]
[4] Blinded clinical trials show that people with MCS react as often and as strongly to
placebos as they do to chemical stimuli; the existence and severity of symptoms is related to perception that a chemical stimulus is present.
[5]
[6] Some attribute the symptoms to depression,
somatoform disorders, or
anxiety disorders.
[7]