I do have other chemical sensitivities, but I have kept a food diary, and the same foods cause the same reactions.
We have no carpeting in our house except for one flight of stairs and have encountered no black mold or anything.
We don’t have pets and mr.mm, who is very mechanical and aware of air quality issues (part of his job) keeps the heating ducts relatively clean.
But my exposure to those substances causes the more classic allergic response, sneezing, itchy nose, watery eyes, and are relieved with anti-histamines.
Interestingly, the smell of Windex, or exposure to Orange Glo on my hands seems to bring on the same symptoms that the foods do. Some fragrances make me sick to my stomach, which is a different reaction.
In the chemical sensitivity, what’s the body’s reaction that causes the symptoms, since it’s not allergic.
That’s a good question. But that condition can get fierce for those that have it. Even some motels and other accommodations now offer special rooms that have never been cleaned with synthetic cleaners, have no artificial perfumes or dyes, have all natural fibers, and very simple paints with no varnishes for wood.
Some go so far as to seal all concrete surfaces, and some of the people who have MCS get a response to concrete sealer, but not bare concrete. It’s a real puzzler, but the symptoms are very clear, and the people are clearly in distress.
http://www.multiplechemicalsensitivity.org/