The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast

MCS Insights from Australia: The Urgent Need for Care and Support 

Aaron Goodman speaks with Sharyn Martin, PhD, an Australian researcher and MCS advocate, about the urgent need for:

• Informed healthcare and safe hospital protocols
• Recognition and disability support
• Safe, affordable housing
• Listening to people with MCS in research and policymaking

In Australia—and around the world.

Listen and subscribe 

Watch and subscribe on YouTube

Sharyn's links:

Australian National Register of Environmental Sensitivities (ANRES)- MCS Resources 

Allergy, Sensitivity & Environmental Health Association of Queensland (ASEHA)

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

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For many people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), diagnosis and appropriate healthcare remain out of reach.

In this episode, Aaron Goodman speaks with Dr. Pilar Muñoz-Calero, a leading MCS expert and founder of the Alborada Foundation in Spain, who brings both clinical knowledge and lived experience of the illness.

Aaron hiked for an hour to her home outside Madrid to record this conversation and bring her insights to clinicians, researchers, and people living with MCS around the world.

Topics include:

• Barriers to diagnosis and healthcare
• The impact of disbelief and delayed recognition
• The physiological nature of MCS and the harm caused by mischaracterizing it as psychological
• Why researchers and clinicians need to learn from people with lived experience

Listen and subscribe: 

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19933696-what-medicine-needs-to-hear-about-mcs-dr-pilar-munoz-calero

Watch and subscribe on YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMOB84Z5ByI

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
 
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

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Para muchas personas con Sensibilidad Química Múltiple (SQM), el diagnóstico y una atención sanitaria adecuada siguen estando fuera de su alcance.

En este episodio, Aaron Goodman conversa con la Dra. Pilar Muñoz-Calero, una destacada experta en SQM en España que aporta tanto conocimientos clínicos como su propia experiencia de vivir con la enfermedad.

Aaron caminó durante una hora para llegar a su casa, a las afueras de Madrid, y grabar esta conversación, compartiendo sus reflexiones con profesionales de la salud, investigadores y personas que viven con SQM en todo el mundo.

Los temas incluyen:

• Las barreras para acceder al diagnóstico y a la atención sanitaria
• El impacto de la incredulidad y del reconocimiento tardío
• La naturaleza fisiológica de la SQM y el daño que causa atribuirla erróneamente a causas psicológicas
• Por qué los investigadores y los profesionales de la salud deben aprender de las personas que viven con la enfermedad

Escucha la conversación original en español:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19933422-lo-que-la-medicina-necesita-escuchar-sobre-la-sqm-dra-pilar-munoz-calero

Mira la conversación y suscríbete en YouTube: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtIMrQaFDvw&t=117s

También está disponible una versión de esta conversación doblada al inglés.

AVISO LEGAL: ESTE SITIO WEB NO OFRECE ASESORAMIENTO MÉDICO

La información contenida en este sitio web, incluidos, entre otros, textos, gráficos, imágenes y otros materiales, tiene fines exclusivamente informativos. Ningún material de este sitio pretende sustituir el asesoramiento, diagnóstico o tratamiento médico profesional.

Consulte siempre a su médico u otro profesional sanitario cualificado si tiene preguntas sobre una afección médica o un tratamiento, y antes de iniciar un nuevo régimen de atención sanitaria. Nunca ignore el asesoramiento médico profesional ni demore la búsqueda de atención médica por algo que haya leído en este sitio web.

Ningún material ni información proporcionados por The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast o su sitio web asociado pretenden sustituir el asesoramiento, diagnóstico o tratamiento médico profesional.

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

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What happens when researchers treat Multiple Chemical Sensitivity primarily as a psychological condition?

In this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, Aaron Goodman speaks with Christine Malfay-Regnier, an ophthalmologist based in Perpignan, France, who lives with MCS and is a member of SOS MCS.

Topics include:

• The psychologization of MCS in French research
• How research may influence the healthcare people receive
• Stigma, isolation and the difficulty of being heard
• Why people with MCS should be involved in research and medical training

Christine shares her concerns about the effects of a primarily psychological approach to MCS and calls for clinicians and researchers to listen more closely to patients.

🎧 Listen and subscribe where you get your podcasts:

▶️ Listen and subscribe on YouTube:

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

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Que se passe-t-il lorsque des chercheurs considèrent la sensibilité chimique multiple avant tout comme un trouble psychologique ?

Dans cet épisode de The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, Aaron Goodman s’entretient avec Christine Malfay-Regnier, ophtalmologue à Perpignan, en France. Elle vit avec la sensibilité chimique multiple, ou SQM, et fait partie de SOS MCS.

Ils abordent :

• La psychologisation de la SQM dans la recherche en France
• L’influence possible de cette recherche sur les soins reçus
• La stigmatisation, l’isolement et la difficulté à se faire entendre
• Les aménagements qui ont permis à Christine de continuer à exercer
• La place des personnes atteintes de SQM dans la recherche et la formation médicale

Christine explique pourquoi cette approche de la SQM l’inquiète et appelle les médecins et les chercheurs à écouter davantage les personnes concernées.

🎧 Écoutez et abonnez-vous:

▶️ Écoutez sur YouTube et abonnez-vous:

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

Please follow the podcast on social media:

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For people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), everyday spaces can become inaccessible — from healthcare and workplaces to public buildings and transportation.

In this episode, Aaron Goodman speaks with María López Matallana, President of CONFESQ in Spain, about why people with MCS cannot keep waiting for recognition, protection, and meaningful accessibility.

Topics:

• The everyday reality of living with MCS in Spain
• Barriers in healthcare and public spaces
• Exposure to fragrances and chemicals
• Disability rights and accessibility
• Why action is needed now

🎧 Listen now and subscribe:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19783018-mcs-in-spain-why-accessibility-can-t-wait-maria-lopez-matallana-confesq

▶️  Watch and subscribe on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSF6q8ov9mk&t=2s

GREEN BOOK on Workstation Adaptation for People with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and/or Electrohypersensitivity 

https://confesq.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Green-Book-on-SQM-and-EHS-in-English.pdf

#MCS #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #ChemicalSensitivityPodcast #Accessibility #Spain

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

Please follow the podcast on social media:

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Para las personas con Sensibilidad Química Múltiple (SQM), los espacios cotidianos pueden volverse inaccesibles: desde la atención sanitaria y los lugares de trabajo hasta los edificios públicos y el transporte.

En este episodio, Aaron Goodman conversa con María López Matallana, presidenta de CONFESQ en España, sobre por qué las personas con SQM no pueden seguir esperando reconocimiento, protección y una accesibilidad real.

Temas:

• La realidad cotidiana de vivir con SQM en España
• Barreras en la atención sanitaria y los espacios públicos
• Exposición a fragancias y productos químicos
• Derechos de las personas con discapacidad y accesibilidad
• Por qué es necesario actuar ahora

🎧 Escúchalo ahora y suscríbete:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19782886-sqm-en-espana-por-que-la-accesibilidad-no-puede-esperar-maria-lopez-matallana-confesq

▶️ Míralo y suscríbete en YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14d4l9CFQhU&t=2s

#SQM #SensibilidadQuímicaMúltiple #SensibilidadQuímica  #Accesibilidad #España

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

Please follow the podcast on social media:

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Can people with MCS fight discrimination even without full medical recognition?

In this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, Aaron Goodman speaks with human-rights lawyer Paloma Torres López, co-founder of MEDUSA Human Rights in Madrid, Spain.

They discuss:

• Why people with MCS shouldn’t have to wait for full medical recognition
• Disability rights and the social model of disability
• Accessibility and reasonable accommodation
• Discrimination at work, in schools, healthcare and public spaces
• Fragrance-free environments as an accessibility measure

Paloma explains how environmental barriers can prevent people with MCS from participating equally in society — and why disability and human-rights law may offer another path toward recognition, access and equality.

🎧 Listen and subscribe where you get your podcasts:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19721803-beyond-medical-recognition-mcs-disability-human-rights-paloma-torres-lopez

▶️ Listen and subscribe on YouTube.

Transcription available in all languages:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbVdvkyZO_A

DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE
 
The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

Please follow the podcast on social media:

Facebook
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X
BlueSky
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How can better measurement of MCS and chemical intolerance help reduce misunderstanding, missed cases, and misdiagnosis?

In this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, Aaron Goodman speaks with Raymond Palmer, PhD, a biostatistician and research professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio who has studied chemical intolerance for more than a decade.

You'll hear:

• Why better recognition may help address misunderstanding and misdiagnosis
• How the QEESI can help identify and measure MCS and chemical intolerance
• The TILT model and the potential role of environmental exposures
• Research into genetics, mast-cell activation, and biomarkers
• Why listening to patients and improving recognition matter

A conversation about how researchers are working to better measure and understand MCS and chemical intolerance — and why doing so could help change how people with the illness are recognized and treated.

Links:

The QEESI (Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory)

Raymond Palmer, PhD

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

Please follow the podcast on social media:

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Fragrance pollution, known as kogai, has become a growing public-health concern in Japan, affecting millions of people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and others who experience adverse health effects from everyday fragranced products.

In this episode, Aaron Goodman speaks with Keiko Fukaya, Professor Emeritus Ryoichi Terada, and Yuri Kitagawa about the rise of fragrance pollution in Japan, its impact on daily life, and the movement to reduce unnecessary chemical exposures.

Topics include:

• Fragrance pollution and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)
• Living with MCS in Japan
• Schools, workplaces, and public accessibility
• Environmental justice and social exclusion
• Fragrance microcapsules and laundry products
• Consumer advocacy and public policy
• What other countries can learn from Japan

🎧 Listen and subscribe:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19587898-mcs-and-the-hidden-costs-of-fragrance-pollution-in-japan

▶️ Listen and subscribe on YouTube:

https://youtu.be/EzLPXZr0EOc

Support the show

Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!

If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:

https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/new

https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  

Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. 

Please follow the podcast on social media:

Facebook
Instagram
X
BlueSky
TikTok