PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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NEW PEER-REVIEWED STUDY CONFIRMS OVER 1.13 MILLION CANADIANS LIVING WITH MULTIPLE CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY
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Saint Sauveur, February 16, 2026 - A newly published peer-reviewed study in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health confirms the sustained prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) in Canada.
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Robins, Molot, and Peris (2026) analyzed national data collected by Statistics Canada between 2000 and 2020 and found that over 1.13 million Canadians live with a diagnosis of MCS. Approximately 72% are women, underscoring the important gendered dimensions of this recognized disability.
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The analysis further shows that MCS prevalence increases with age for both sexes. Although women are diagnosed at nearly three times the rate of men overall, age-stratified findings indicate that males account for a notable share of diagnosed cases within younger age groups. This highlights the importance of early prevention and exposure reduction strategies.
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MCS is not anecdotal or newly emerging. Statistics Canada has tracked the condition consistently since 2000, demonstrating long-term federal recognition within national health data systems.
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MCS is also recognized under Canadian human-rights law and addressed internationally under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has specifically referenced MCS in its Concluding Observations to Canada, calling for the elimination of discrimination and advancement of equality — obligations that extend to municipalities and public institutions.
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The findings reinforce the need for evidence-based accessibility measures, including fragrance-free and least-toxic environments, to ensure equal participation in workplaces, healthcare, housing, education, and public life.
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Key Findings for Media
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| • | 1.13+ million Canadians live with a diagnosis of MCS.
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| • | MCS has been tracked by Statistics Canada for over 20 years (2000–2020).
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| • | 72% of diagnosed individuals are women, highlighting significant gender disparities.
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| • | Prevalence increases with age for both sexes, with younger males representing a meaningful share of early-age diagnoses.
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| • | MCS is recognized in Canadian human-rights law and referenced by the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing the need for accessible, fragrance-free, and least-toxic environments.
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Attributed Quote
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“This study confirms what our community has long known — multiple chemical sensitivity is measurable, documented, and nationally recognized. With over 1.13 million Canadians affected and more than two decades of federal data tracking the condition, MCS demands evidence-based policy, accommodation, and prevention strategies. Recognition must translate into real accessibility, including fragrance-free, lowest-VOC emissions and the use of least-toxic products, so that people living with MCS can participate fully and equally in society.”
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— Rohini Peris, President & CEO
Environmental Health Association of Canada (EHAC-ASEC)
Environmental Health Association of Québec (ASEQ-EHAQ)
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Citation
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Robins, S., Molot, J., & Peris, R. (2026). Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Canada Between 2000 and 2020. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 23(2), 236. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph23020236
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Source :
Michel Gaudet, Executive Director
514-332-4320
michelgaudet@aseq-ehaq.ca
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