MCAS and Environmental Illness (Surrounds)
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When creating surroundings for someone with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and Environmental Illness (EI) (also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, MCS), the goal is to reduce exposure to triggers that can cause flares. This often means controlling the indoor environment, minimizing chemical exposures, and supporting sensory regulation.
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of supportive surroundings:
🏠 Indoor Environment
1. Air Quality
- HEPA air purifier in each room (especially bedroom and main living space).
- Activated carbon filter for VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and odors.
- Avoid gas stoves; use induction or electric cooking surfaces.
- Use ventilation when cooking or cleaning (exhaust fans or open windows if tolerable).
- Consider hypoallergenic furnace filters and regular HVAC maintenance.
2. Fragrance-Free & Low-VOC Home
- All products should be labeled “fragrance-free”, not just “unscented.”
- Use non-toxic cleaners (e.g., baking soda, vinegar, unscented castile soap, or MCAS-safe brands).
- Avoid air fresheners, scented candles, incense, or dryer sheets.
- Choose low- or zero-VOC paint, building materials, and furniture when possible.
3. Bedroom Setup
- Organic/natural fiber bedding: cotton, linen, or bamboo.
- No memory foam unless certified low-VOC or off-gassed outside for weeks.
- Mattress and pillow protectors for dust mites and allergens.
- Consider grounding sheets if tolerated.
- Use blackout curtains and reduce EMF exposure (if relevant to sensitivity).
🧴 Products to Avoid or Replace
Safer Alternatives:
| Category | Replace with… |
|---|---|
| Cleaning | Branch Basics, Force of Nature, baking soda, vinegar |
| Laundry | Molly’s Suds, Attitude, or unscented soap nuts |
| Body care | Alaffia unscented, VMV Hypoallergenics, True Botanicals Calm |
| Haircare | Free & Clear, No Nothing Very Sensitive |
| Toothpaste | Risewell, Davids, plain baking soda (if extremely reactive) |
| Skin support | Organic aloe, jojoba oil, calendula (single-ingredient, pure) |
🛋️ Furniture & Surroundings
- Choose solid wood or metal over particle board or MDF (off-gasses more).
- Let new items off-gas outside or in a garage for a few weeks.
- Use glass, ceramic, or stainless steel for food and drink—no plastic or Teflon.
👃 Scent and Odor Control
- Ask guests to come fragrance-free (even natural essential oils can be problematic).
- Keep a “clean zone” in the home where no new items, pets, or products are allowed.
- Consider a decontamination space (entry area where outside clothes/shoes stay).
🎧 Sensory Support for Environmental Illness + MCAS
- Soft, natural lighting or full-spectrum lights if artificial light is needed.
- Noise-dampening features: thick curtains, rugs, noise machines, headphones.
- Light-blocking sleep mask, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones if hypersensitive.
- Avoid electromagnetic overload: reduce smart devices and Wi-Fi exposure if sensitive.
🧘♀️ Calm + Safety Enhancements
- Quiet retreat space for decompression.
- Weighted blanket (if not overheating) or calming textures like soft cotton fleece.
- Gentle music or nature sounds to soothe the nervous system.
- Gentle humidity (e.g., ultrasonic humidifier with distilled water, cleaned daily).
- Avoid blue light at night—use amber glasses or warm lighting.
🛍️ Resources for Safe Products
- The Environmental Working Group (EWG): www.ewg.org
- The Chemical-Free Home by Melissa Poepping (MCAS-friendly lifestyle ideas)
- My Chemical-Free House blog: great for housing, furniture, and renovation advice
- National Center for Environmental Health Strategies: www.ncehs.org