COVID-19 and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
A joint research effort between ASEQ-EHAQ, clinicians at the Environmental Health Clinic at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, and other doctors and researchers — examining the impacts of COVID-19 health measures on people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), and delivering practical resources for safer everyday choices.
The Impact of COVID-19 Health Measures on Adults With Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Cross-Sectional Study
The project's findings were published in JMIR Formative Research in July 2024, translating the lived experience of the MCS community during the pandemic into peer-reviewed evidence for health professionals and policy makers.
Bray R, Wang Y, Argiropoulos N, Robins S, Molot J, Pigeon MA, Gaudet M, Auger P, Bélanger E, Peris R. The Impact of COVID-19 Health Measures on Adults With Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Cross-Sectional Study. JMIR Form Res. 2024 Jul 17;8. doi: 10.2196/48434. PMID: 39018551.
Read on JMIRListening to the community during a health crisis
ASEQ-EHAQ listened to the community's requests during the health crisis and launched the MCS/COVID-19 project in October 2020. The pandemic brought new challenges for people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) — and worsened existing ones.
Many faced increased disability due to greater exposure to disinfectants and fragranced products, along with increased barriers to essential needs such as food and healthcare. Confinement, limited social circles, and the increased use of chemicals and fragrances deepened isolation. The pandemic also gave rise to the spread of false information that affected both the scientific community and the public.
To improve access to healthcare and essential services, reduce isolation, and provide accurate, relevant information, the project engaged the MCS community through surveys, discussions, video conferences, and letters.
Increase in activity on ASEQ-EHAQ's telephone help lines since the start of the pandemic — a measure of how deeply COVID-19 health measures affected the MCS community.
Five goals guided the project
Identifying triggers that cause symptoms
People with MCS often have other chronic conditions that make them more vulnerable to the health effects of COVID-19. The project asked the MCS community to identify substances that trigger symptoms and may increase disability.
Improving accessibility and reducing disability
The MCS population experienced loss of accessibility due to barriers to essential needs such as food and healthcare, along with increased effects of isolation from confinement, limited social circles, and increased chemical use.
Gathering current, evidence-based data
Collecting current data on the impacts of pandemic measures on the MCS population, and publishing a scientific article to help translate findings into evidence-based practices for the community, health professionals, and policy makers.
Education and raising awareness of MCS
Despite being recognized as a disability under the Canadian Human Rights Act, MCS has long lacked awareness and recognition, making diagnosis and accommodation difficult. Engaging the community in all major steps of the project helped voices be heard.
Offering sustainable solutions for the future
COVID-19 will not be the last health crisis. The project worked to equip the MCS population, health professionals, and workplaces with the knowledge and safer alternatives needed to manage future crises.
From community survey to published science
Project launch
The MCS/COVID-19 project launched as a joint effort between ASEQ-EHAQ, the Environmental Health Clinic at Women's College Hospital in Toronto, and other doctors and researchers.
National survey completed
The online survey on the impacts of COVID-19 health measures closed, with community participation helping improve understanding of MCS in the health context.
Practical resources released
A fact sheet on safer, least-toxic cleaning and disinfection was published, along with a support letter to help people gain access to essential services.
Disinfection guidelines published
A guide to disinfectants and hand sanitizers authorized for sale in Canada by Health Canada, with guidelines from the CDC, Health Canada, EPA, and journal articles — including active ingredients, known health effects, and recommendations.
Presented at the Journées annuelles de santé publique
ASEQ-EHAQ presented findings on the lived experience of people with MCS during the pandemic at the INSPQ-hosted public health event in Montreal. View the poster (PDF).
Peer-reviewed study published
The cross-sectional study was published in JMIR Formative Research, contributing lasting evidence on the impacts of pandemic health measures on adults with MCS.
Resources from the project
Safer Cleaning Fact Sheet
Information on safer, least-toxic cleaning and disinfection methods and products.
Download PDFLetter of Support
A letter to help people living with MCS gain access to essential services.
Download PDFDisinfection Guidelines & Product Lists
Disinfectants and sanitizers authorized in Canada, with guidelines and known health effects.
Download PDFJASP 2023 Research Poster
The poster presented at the Journées annuelles de santé publique, Montreal.
Download PDFCompanion Qualitative Study
The qualitative study on the impacts of COVID-19 health measures on quality of life for adults with MCS.
Visit pagePublished Study (JMIR, 2024)
The peer-reviewed cross-sectional study in JMIR Formative Research.
Read online