Part I

Entries 1-35

Part I: What Is MCS?

This part covers many aspects of MCS, such as the general and scientific (research/scientific models) approach and topics including adjustments in your life and your home. Important and useful information is geared to MCS patients and also for those who have simply experienced a sensitivity to chemicals or have only experienced them recently. This part is for everyone who takes an interest, from physicians to students, from scientists to nonprofessionals.

It includes answers to questions such as:

• Why are MCS patients called yellow canaries?

• Perfume never made people ill before; why does it happen now?

• Can an MCS patient become ill as a result of something that has no smell?

• Isn’t MCS just psychological?

Part II

Enries 36-93

Part II:  The Personal Situation

This part was written because many severe sufferers experience the same type of social problems, such as learning to live with solitude, the loss of family and friends, and maybe having to wear a respirator mask in public. We hope that the recognition and the awareness of not being alone will provide comfort and strength. It will also help relatives of patients understand that there are others with similar problems who are also looking for a way to live and survive. The author hopes that sharing the details of her own story will lead to more understanding for and from other people.

Part III

Entries 94-140

Part III:  The Voices of Others

People talk about how they fell ill, how they learned – or, in some cases, did not learn – to live with MCS. Appearing first are the stories of the owners of several international MCS organizations, followed by the stories of a number of Dutch patients and short stories commemorating several patients who have passed away. The people who work to raise awareness and who try to help others exhibit a positive example.

Part IV

Entries 141-314

Part IV: The ABCs of MCS: Tips and Advice in Alphabetical Order

This part contains lots of information, tips, advice, links and other reference information. This part can be helpful for MCS sufferers who have severe or milder cases. This could provide adequate support for MCS patients in changing their lives.

Part V

Entries 315-341

Part V:  Films, Books and Other Resources

This part discusses movies and documentaries and includes several book reviews. Art, music and a bit of spiritual nourishment are covered as well.

Part VI

Entries 342-381

Part VI: Further Resources

This part contains links to all the scientific articles mentioned in the book, various companies selling specific MCS products, MCS organizations and patient groups, and other important and useful websites.

Part VII

Part VII:  Providing Information to Others

This part contains a leaflet as attachment that can be used to raise awareness and provide others with information. The leaflet can be cut out (or copied) and given to family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, physicians or therapists. This contains the most essential information and serves as an introduction to MCS; its objective is to encourage people to find out more about the subject or to start showing some understanding and respect for the MCS patient.