Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Mutliple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), once widelyAir Purifier contain 28 and 36 pounds of activated
regarded with skepticism, is a growing health concerncarbon, respectively, for heavy-duty chemical, gas, and
for many Americans. The October 2006 issue ofodor removal.
National Geographic magazine features an in-depthOther effective, unique air cleaners for unique chemical
article about the chemical pollution within our bodiespollution problems include the GC and GCX series air
and the increasing prevalence of MCS.purifers by IQAir. The IQAir GC AM air purifier
Most of the problematic chemicals did not exist untilspecializes in absorbing ammonia, a chemical found in
after World War II, when petrochemicalsmany cleaning products which can cause difficulty
(petroleum-based chemicals) were synthesized. Manybreathing. The IQAir GC Chemisorber air purifier rids
pesticides, synthetic fragrances, cleaning products, andthe air of many dangerous chemicals including
detergents are made from toxic petrochemicals.hydrogen sulfite, nitric acid, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur
These chemicals can be found all around us, especiallydioxide, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde. You may
inside the tightly sealed walls of homes, offices, andnot even know that these chemicals are present in the
automobiles.air, but after prolonged exposure, they can cause
Formaldehyde and other toxic volatile organicrespiratory disorders and other illnesses. The IQAir GC
compounds (VOCs) enter the air from carpet, plastic,Multigas air purifier specializes in the removal of
insulation, adhesives, and other building materials. Otherchemical fumes and tobacco smoke. Tobacco smoke
dangerous chemicals include: pesticides in bug sprays,is one of the most harmful and longest-lingering types
lawn chemicals, and household cleaners; nitrogenof smoke, and it's no surprise that many people are
dioxide in unvented gas stoves or heaters and carbonallergic to it. The IQAir GC VOC air purifier specializes
monoxide gas appliances; solvents from householdin the removal of VOCs.
cleaners, paint strippers, and gasoline; dyes fromConstructed of solid steel (so the housing will never
clothing and other materials; and latex from paints,off-gas chemicals), Austin Air Healthmate Superblend
gloves, and caulking. These chemicals may cause soreAir Purifiers contain strategically placed impregnated
throats, headaches, digestive problems, nervouscarbon/zeolite filters for removal of VOCs,
system problems, respiratory problems, various allergicformaldehyde, ammonia, other chemical fumes, and
reactions, and even cancer in some cases.odors. Blueair air purifiers with a SmokeStop Filter also
The right air purifier will remove these dangeroususe actived carbon to trap smoke, odors, and
chemicals from the air in your home; however, thechemicals.
wrong air purifier will only make the air quality worse. IfMany people experience reactions to VOCs and other
you suffer from MCS, you should avoid ozonechemical fumes inside automobiles (especially new
generators and ionic air cleaners. Not only do theseautomobiles). The Amaircare Roomaid Portable HEPA
machines generate ozone, which is a powerful lungAir Purifier with an optional auto adapter kit filters out
irritant, but the ozone can combine with ordinaryallergens such as dust, smoke, pollen, animal dander,
household fumes to create formaldehyde, carbonyls,and mold, as well as VOCs, auto exhaust, and other
and other reactive, unstable, and carcinogenicnoxious fumes and odors. The compact, portable
compunds.Blueair AirPod air purifier also provides clean air
"You start with a biologically innocent compound, andon-the-go.
you expose it to ozone, and you get a carcinogen,"Unfortunately, if you have chemical sensitivities, you
explains Professor William Nazaroff of the Universitycan't always carry an air purifier with you, even if it is
of California, Berkeley. "There's a lot of downside risksmall and portable. But you can always carry a mask
from reactive chemistry, as our investigations havewith you, and most people with extreme chemical
begun to explore."sensitivities do just that. During her bout with MCS, Dr.
Not all air purifiers emit dangerous chemicals. FoundedGloria Gilbere always carried an I Can Breathe mask.
by a man whose wife developed MCS, AllerAirDr. Gilbere says, "I use and recommend I Can Breathe
Industries specializes in correcting the problem ofmasks because I found they are the least reactive for
airborne chemical pollution. AllerAir air purifiers containhighly sensitive individuals as well as because of the
pounds of activated carbon to adsorb chemicals.protection of a disposable filter and the light weight. So
The AllerAir MCS Series Air Purifiers include specialmany masks I tried were so thick and heavy that I felt
features to handle even the smallest traces oflike I was suffocating. Fortunately, I don't have to wear
chemical vapors. Additionally, they are manufacturedone anymore, but I don't leave home without one in my
with inert materials to ensure that the air purifier itselfcar, briefcase or handbag."
does not off-gas VOCs or other harmful chemicals.Our modern world is becoming increasingly toxic, and in
Even the pre-filter is made with unbleached,order to live long, healthy lives, we must start paying
pesticide-free 100% cotton!closer attention to the pollutants that we inhale
AllerAir has perfected the art of creating specialeveryday. As David Ewing Duncan writes in the
carbon blends to address different chemical pollutionNational Geographic article, "Thanks to modern
problems. The AllerAir 5000 DS Air Purifier adsorbschemistry, eggs don't stick to the pan, underarms are
tobacco smoke, tar, fine ash, and other airbornefresh all day, SUVs hit 60 in six seconds. But such
particulates; its specially blended carbon traps up toconvenience has a price: Chemicals that suffuse
400 toxic chemicals found in tobacco smoke. AllerAirmodern life - from well-known toxins to newer
VOCARB air purifiers specialize in the removal ofcompounds with unknown effects - are building up in
VOCs and other gases and chemicals, while theour bodies and sometimes staying there for years.
AllerAir 6000 D Air Purifier and the AllerAir 6000 DX