I was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity and chronic fatigue in 1994, while working as an administrative law judge in southern California. Because I was given a disability accommodation I was able to continue working until 2017, using a home office and conducting hearings by phone. That allowed me to keep my mortgage, my health insurance, and my pension plan, but it meant I had to live as an urban hermit, only leaving my house for a few hours each week, to avoid exposure to fragrance, car exhaust, cigarette smoke, etc. When it was time to retire I sold my house and moved to the Pacific Northwest in search of clean air, as I could not imagine spending my retirement trapped in my house. Since my move I have been able to build a house to which I don’t react, in an area with good air quality, and my health has steadily improved. While other people my age are struggling with declining health, I am celebrating the return of health and vigor.
I initially began posting publicly on Instagram, both because I hoped to connect with other chemically sensitive people who were thinking about how to build a healthy home and because I wanted to document my experience. Now that my project is close to completion, I am archiving those posts on this website, where I have expanded my comments and where I will continue to post occasional updates. I was able to create a safe, healthy home, and I wish the same for all MCS canaries looking for a cosy, safe nest.