Environmental Management

Exposure to various environmental factors can trigger an MCAS reaction. This can range from exposure to cleaning chemicals to the heavy vibrations felt on an airplane. It may seem “out there,” but someone with MCAS understands better than most, and it’s quite possible other people may think you’re having a panic attack, which is why the first diagnosis people suffering with MCAS get is either “anxiety” or “panic disorder.” This slows the diagnosis process and derails symptom remission. Some people aren’t properly diagnosed and therefore not properly treated for decades — let that not be you!

First order: clean up your environment

While it’s impossible to control environments that are not your own, you can make your personal spaces as “free and clear” as possible.

The following suggestions are just that — suggestions. It is by no means a complete list. To help hit the “reset” button on your immune system, it’s imperative to clean up your environment and your diet. Once your symptoms are manageable, your provider will work with you to develop a long-term plan aimed at maintaining symptom remission.

REPLACE ALL CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH FREE-AND-CLEAR SOLUTIONS

  • Dish soap

  • Window & general cleansers

  • Hand soap

  • Laundry soap & dryer sheets

WASH OR AIR OUT ALL NEW ITEMS

  • Wash clothes, bedding, towels, and other items before first use

  • Avoid dry cleaning; if necessary, ask for scent-free solutions and allow items to air out before using

  • Allow new furniture, rugs, decorative pillows, and other items to air out before using

AVOID ROOM SCENTS

  • Fragranced plug-ins

  • Fragranced candles

  • Incense

  • Essential oils

  • Air fresheners

  • Room sprays

AVOID MOLD- & DUST-LIBERATING DECOR

  • Fresh/real Christmas trees, wreaths & garland

  • Consider blinds instead of drapes

  • Keep stuffed toys to a minimum and wash often (including children’s and pets’ toys)

CHOOSE ECO-MINDED TOILETRIES & MAKE-UP

  • Avoid xylitol in products, including toothpaste

  • Choose organic cotton tampons and pads

  • Avoid parabens, fillers, chemical colorants, and additives

  • Choose recycled and/or non-bleached toilet paper and facial tissue

  • Choose organic cotton swabs and cotton balls

  • Avoid latex (e.g., gloves, adhesive bandages)

  • Choose unflavored and unwaxed toothfloss

AVOID PERFUMED PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

  • Perfume & aftershave

  • Body wash & soaps

  • Hair care products, including hair sprays

  • Nail polish, polish remover, acrylic gel, etc.

  • Hand sanitizers (gel & wipes)

AVOID LARGE-SCALE BEAUTY SALONS

  • Choose a stylist where you are the only client during your appointment time

  • Work with your stylist to reduce your risk

  • Ask ahead of time that they do not burn incense, light candles, or use an essential oil diffuser before your appointment (being their first client of the day may reduce risks)

CHOOSE FILTRATION DEVICES

  • Water filters

  • Shower filters

  • Vacuums with HEPA filters

  • Air purifiers with HEPA filters

  • Wear a face mask in public places, including inside public transportation and rental cars (also consider wearing nitrile gloves)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Vacuum and dust often

  • Open windows weekly to allow a “blow out” through your home (unless you’re allergic to seasonal airborne substances)

  • Allow water to run for a couple of minutes before using the water from that particular faucet

  • Always wash your fruits and veggies before use

  • Properly remediate any mold issues in your home

  • Do not use products beyond their “best use by” dates (personal care products are typically 6 months after they’ve been opened, or by expiration date)

It is recommended to carry an “emergency bag” with you at all times. Consider adding the following items to your bag that you know are “safe”: face masks, nitrile gloves, bottled/filtered water, hand soap, any medications you take or may need (e.g., EPI pen, antihistamines, supplements), adhesive bandages, organic cotton tampons, etc.