Potential triggers for those with environmental sensitivity are everywhere.
Environmental sensitivity, a.k.a. multiple chemical sensitivity or environmental illness, affects millions of people worldwide. Triggers such as scents can be painful, debilitating and isolating.
The condition is still not understood. You can help create more inclusive spaces by learning about it and ways to show up for those that have it.
What is environmental sensitivity?
Some people have adverse reactions to environmental factors at intensities that don’t affect the general population. These can occur from exposure to common substances found in homes, workplaces and public spaces.
The condition can strike anyone at any age. Women are most affected (70 to 80 per cent of sufferers are female).
Symptoms vary from person to person. They may include headaches, asthma, fatigue, rashes, muscle and joint aches, confusion and/or memory loss.
Environmental sensitivity triggers
Common triggers for those with environmental sensitivity include:
- Air pollution (e.g., vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, etc.)
- Additives and preservatives (e.g., artificial colours, flavours, MSG, etc.)
- Cleaning product ingredients (e.g., bleach, ammonia, etc.)
- Dust and dust mites
- Electromagnetic fields
- Fragrances (e.g., perfumes, colognes, air fresheners and scented products)
- Mould and mildew
- Smoke (e.g., cigarette smoke, wood smoke and other combustion byproducts)
- Off-gassing (e.g., from adhesives and synthetic materials in new furniture, carpets, etc.)
- Paint fumes (e.g., solvents and volatile organic compounds in paint)
- Pesticides
How to support those with environmental sensitivity
One million people in Canada have a medical diagnosis of environmental sensitivity. Chances are you know someone affected.
Potential triggers for those afflicted are everywhere. Sufferers can’t tolerate being in offices, schools, hospitals and public places. This can happen all at once or over time.
Living with environmental sensitivity often requires significant lifestyle modifications. Once simple activities such as shopping, dining out or visiting others become complex challenges.
The social impact can be especially difficult. Friends and family may struggle to understand why their loved one can’t visit their home or attend certain events. The condition is invisible. People may be skeptical or dismiss the legitimate health concern. This can strain relationships and lead to isolation.
Help demystify the illness, reduce isolation and support those afflicted. Take action in your personal life and in your community.
Personal ways to take action
- Recognize and understand the medical condition. Learn about the person’s specific triggers and symptoms. Respect their needs without questioning or minimizing their experience.
- Offer practical support. Research safe products. Help communicate the person’s needs to others in social or professional settings.
- Create safe spaces for connection. Make your home or meeting space a place that the person can visit in comfort. Remove air fresheners. Use fragrance-free cleaning products. Avoid using scented personal care products before visits.
- Advocate. Help educate others about the condition. When planning group events, speak up for fragrance-free spaces or alternative arrangements. Your voice can help create more inclusive environments. You’ll also reduce the burden on those affected.
Community-level ways to take action
Encourage workplaces, educational institutions and shared public spaces (e.g., libraries) to adopt accommodation policies for environmentally sensitive people. Advocate for remote work options, fragrance-free zones, improved ventilation systems and/or modified cleaning schedules.
A victory for environmental sensitivity victims
In 2012, Ecojustice fought alongside Varda Burstyn, an award-winning author living with environmental sensitivity, in her battle for justice. She and her husband spent more than $200,000 to make their home safe. The Canada Revenue Agency denied their tax credit claims. Varda argued this violated her rights under the Canadian Human Rights Act.
Ecojustice and partners helped Varda secure a Canadian Human Rights Tribunal hearing. The mediation resulted in a confidential but meaningful settlement. It marked progress toward institutional recognition of environmental sensitivity as a disability.
More than a decade later, Varda’s case highlights the broader fight for human and environmental rights. It demonstrates the need to reduce toxic chemical exposure and ensure fairness for those affected.
