In doing research for an article on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) this past week, I spoke with two experts, each of whom expressed significant concerns about being quoted. Talking about products with chemicals that trigger health problems is apparently risky business. Chemical companies, eager to protect their own interests, have large legal teams and must watch the Internet closely.
My goal in my research is to identify what hoteliers are doing wrong that causes issues for folks with MCS, and what they can do better to make their properties safer havens. Briefly, MCS involves severe sensitivity or allergy-like reaction to many different kinds of pollutants including solvents, Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), perfumes, petrol, diesel, smoke, “chemicals” in general and often encompasses problems with regard to pollen, dust mites, and pet fur and dander.
Over the years I have heard from different people who have had terrible times staying in hotel rooms because of the chemicals and fragrances found in the rooms. In fact, as one of the experts told me, MCS affects about 12 percent of the population but more than 30 percent are sensitive to fragrances. Travelers with MCS often bring their own soaps and shampoos, air purifiers, sheets, request a special cleaning of the room in advance, and even bring plastic sheets to cover mattresses and carpet.
One of the experts told me a traveler with MCS is like a canary in a coal mine—the coal mine being your hotel of course. That is one heckuva way to know whether or not your hotel is unhealthy—having your guests get sick in it.
Go Fragrance Free
One way to make your property safer for those with MCS is to simply go fragrance free, one expert told me. That means eliminating cleaning and laundry products that have fragrances and not using air fresheners of any kind. Introducing scents into the ventilation system is certainly not a good idea. Avoiding “wood” products, solvents, glues and adhesives that off-gas is important. So too is keeping mold out of your property. Pesticides and herbicides can cause problems for those with MCS and carpet can be a “reservoir” of many things that can cause issues.
Air filtration devices can help but so too can windows that open to allow in fresh air. Do not be surprised if those with MCS request rooms away from your parking lot or other areas where air quality may be a concern. Many hotels have implemented allergy-friendly rooms. That is a good first step toward accommodating those with MCS. Develop a training plan for your employees so they know how to accommodate and react to travelers with MCS. Consult with an expert who truly understands what is or is not going to be a problem for your guests with MCS. Realize that those steps you take to help your guests will also enhance the health of your own employees.
As you read this, there are thousands of travelers with MCS trying to figure out whether or not it will be safe to stay in your lodging establishment. Too many times these folks end up sleeping in their cars, in the hotel lobby or with your competition. The last reader I heard from with MCS told me the bathroom was the only safe place for her in her $110 room.
What has your experience been dealing with travelers with MCS? What steps have you taken to accommodate them? I would love to know. I can be reached at editor@greenlodgingnews.com, or by phone at (813) 510-3868.
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