Spain incorporates Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) in its International Classification of Diseases

Spain incorporates Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) in its International Classification of Diseases

Spain has recognized Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

AC / MADRID

Day 09/26/2014 - 3:56 a.m.

Incorporating the health system has been made in accordance

with guidelines approved by WHO and other countries had

already adopted

Spain has officially recognized multiple chemical sensitivity

( MCS ) to incorporate its International Classification of

Diseases or ICD (the system that classifies the Health and

encodes their diagnoses). With this decision, Spain joins the

list of countries that recognize MCS as a disease: Germany

(2000), Austria (2001), Japan (2009), Switzerland (2010) and

Denmark (2012).

The process was carried out through a non-legislative proposal

(PNL) presented by Deputy María del Carmen Quintanilla's

Party;following a request made to it by the Fund for the

Protection of Environmental Health ( Fodesam ), in

collaboration with theInformation Service Multiple Chemical

Sensitivity and Environmental Health ( SISS ).

The SQM radically changes the lives of those who suffer

The recognition was a longstanding demand of those affected by

a disease that turns many common chemicals in everyday life a

torment for those affected by MCS. Detergents, soaps,

colognes, or air fresheners become aggressive to them products

they produce palpitations, vomiting, skin irritation or

recurrent headaches. "MCS changes the lives of those who

suffer and forces, in many cases, to live with many preventive

measures to not contact or in the air, with these products,"

says Carmen Quintanilla. Go outside or into a store can be,

for these people, impossible to perform tasks.

In an administrative limbo

This condition was further added the inappropriate treatment

that many of these patients receive from the health system.

Because it does not appear in the ICD as a disease is in an

administrative "limbo" that involves "a state of complete

helplessness. Something that should end with the recognition

of MCS as a disease.

"The situation of these people is very difficult," says Carlos

Prada,Chairman of Fodesam. His intolerance synthetic

substances frequently used in society often forces them to

live homebound, almost like "bubble people"; wear a mask and

the few times they go out.

MCS affects the central nervous system, but may also cause

malfunctions in other systems such as respiratory,

gastrointestinal or heart. This is an "emerging disease" of

chronic nature and "environmental toxic 'causing a'

physiological response to many agents and chemical compounds"

that can be found in air fresheners, colognes, personal care

products, cleaning supplies, food, water Griffin, clothing,

cosmetics, snuff ... Therefore, although as in other diseases

MCS have degrees and symptoms vary according to the parameters

of health and "chemical" environment of the patient, it is a

problem difficult to handle, further "limited remarkable

quality of life "form, noting the non-legislative proposal.

See article at http://www.bbc.co.uk/mundo/noticias/2014/09/140926_salud_dificil_vida_personas_burbuja_lv

International Classification of Diseases (ICD)

http://www.who.int/classifications/icd/en/