What is MCS/TILT?
MCS refers to a wide range of chemical sensitivities from all of the unpronounceable toxic chemicals within the environment as a causative factor to various disease conditions. On the other hand, TILT is a theory of illness that was originally described by Dr. Claudia Miller in 1966. TILT theory describes the underlying mechanism behind various unexplained illness such as MCS in relation to exposure to specific chemicals, including their associated symptoms. In the context of textile industries, the MCS emanates from various chemicals used to manufacture synthetic fabrics in the treatment and finishing processes that lead to various TILT symptoms associated with a wide range of illnesses. In particular, some of the toxic chemicals sourced from textile industrial processes and commonly found on and in conventional fabrics include dioxins, PVC, BPA, formaldehyde, sweatshop labor, bleaches, dyes, etc.
What Causes MCS/TILT?
Researchers believe that the cause of MCS is typically triggered by systemic damage from exposure to toxic chemicals in the environment such as common household, body-care, and clothing items. The major routes of exposure to toxic chemicals include:
- Skin contact
- Inhalation
- Ingestion
Who is at Risk?
According to MCS researchers, it is hypothesized that genetic predispositions make some individuals more vulnerable than others. However, the most at risk individuals include:
- People with prolonged exposure or regularly exposed to products containing toxic chemicals such as clothes made of latex, spandex, dyes, bleaches, etc.
- People with low immunity such as children, as well as those sensitive to different types of environmental allergens, including certain chemicals, foods, insect stings, etc.
Symptoms
The MCS symptoms and physical effects associated with systemic damage of toxic chemicals include:
- Contact dermatitis/ inflammation of skin and joints
- Airway/nasal inflammation effects, asthma attacks, fogginess,
- Restricted blood flow to the brain characterized by headaches, reduced memory, and mental alertness
- Enzyme deficiencies, fatigue, and indigestion
Diagnosis and Prevention
Diagnosis for MCS involves various allergic testing including patch tests to determine the specific symptoms associated with particular toxic chemicals. The allergists use an elimination process to rule out other illnesses associated with similar allergic symptoms to the illness under investigation for appropriate intervention and prevention measures. Currently, little is known about the specific treatment for MCS. However, the severity of symptoms may be minimized by taking several preventive measures including:
- Avoiding exposure to known industrial toxic chemicals or irritants such as bleaches, fragrance detergents, latex/spandex products, etc.
- Purchasing and using hypoallergic/allergy-free products such as 100% natural, organic fabrics made of cotton, silk, wool, etc.
Why Should You Consider Cottonique?
At Cottonique, we offer a wide range of clothing collections and accessories made of 100% naturally-processed organic cotton. Our clothing styles come in different sizes for all ages of men, women, and kids to guarantee all-day comfort and hygiene, as well as protection against allergic reactions from common industrial toxic chemicals associated with MCS. We provide a fast delivery customer shipping services to reach our esteemed customers across the world. To enquire about our newest stocks, specials, and coupons of allergic-free apparel, contact us today through customerservice@cottonique.com or 1.888.902.6886.
References
Environmental Illness Resource (EIR) (March, 2015). Toxicant Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT). Retrieved on 5th August, August 2017 from www.ei-resource.org/toxicant-induced-loss-of-tolerance-tilt
Functional Health Minute. (2015). How to Prevent Chemical Sensitivities, Or TILT. Retrieved on 5th August, August 2017 from functionalhealthminute.com/2014/01/prevent-chemical-sensitivities-tilt
James Madison University Environmental Sensitivities Research Team (2013). Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Research. Retrieved on 5th August, August 2017 from www.mcsresearch.net/causes.htm
Rawganique. (2013). Multiple Chemical Sensitivities MCS & TTILT. Retrieved on 5th August, August 2017 from www.rawganique.com/Multiple-Chemical-Sensitivities-MCS-TILT.htm
