Residential Outdoor Environments for Individuals with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

Emilia Danuta Lausen (), Marina Bergen Jensen and Victoria Linn Lygum
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Emilia Danuta Lausen: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Marina Bergen Jensen: Department of Geosciences and Natural Resource Management, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 23, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark
Victoria Linn Lygum: Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, A. C. Meyers Vænge 15, 2450 Copenhagen, Denmark

IJERPH, 2025, vol. 22, issue 8, 1-16

Abstract: Severe sensitivity to various environmental chemicals affects an increasing number of people—a condition referred to as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). The responses are both physical and psychological, where avoidance of chemical triggers can lead to social isolation, thereby increasing the level of disability. There is a need for user supportive environments where people with MCS can thrive, both indoors and outdoors. The study resulted in three principles for designing outdoor housing areas: (1) using spatial analysis to create a site layout that minimizes exposure to external and confounding triggers (e.g., noise, visual disturbances); (2) using zoning to clearly delineate private from semi-private areas; and (3) selecting vegetation and materials carefully to avoid triggers. The principles were developed in an iterative process based on existing research combined with a survey involving 58 MCS respondents.

Keywords: environmental triggers; chemical sensitivity; housing units; design strategy; zoning; supportive outdoor environments; universal design (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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