Watch Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities is a documentary released in 2013, directed by Susan Abod. The film centers around the lives of three individuals who suffer from Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (MCS), a condition affecting approximately 12% of the population. MCS is a debilitating disorder wherein the body reacts adversely to exposure to chemicals in the environment, such as perfumes, pesticides, and cleaning products.

The film aims to raise awareness about MCS and its impact on the daily lives of those who suffer from it. Throughout the documentary, the three individuals share their personal experiences and struggles with the disorder. The first subject, Cindy Duehring, is a middle-aged woman who developed MCS after a car accident that exposed her to toxic chemicals. The second, Aaron Singer, is a young man who became ill after his exposure to toxic mold in his apartment. The third, Anne Steinemann, is a doctor and researcher who studies chemical sensitivities in the population.

The documentary portrays the daily challenges faced by those with MCS. Duehring, for instance, struggles to find a safe home in which to live; her search has taken her from a small trailer in the middle of the desert to a small cabin in the woods. She is unable to work in a traditional job, and her friends and family often do not understand her condition. Singer is shown struggling to find a reasonably priced apartment that is free of mold and other contaminants, leading to his forced homelessness. Finally, Steinemann weighs in on the science behind MCS, particularly the lack of research and regulation surrounding the exposure to chemicals in the environment.

One of the notable aspects of the documentary is its focus on the intersection of MCS and socioeconomic status. Duehring, for example, is unable to afford a home with a safe air filtration system, and therefore must rely on a cheap air purifier which provides only marginal relief. Singer is shown panhandling after a failed attempt to seek medical treatment for his illness, clearly demonstrating his lack of financial resources. The implication is clear that those who fall on lower economic rungs are more likely to suffer from MCS.

The documentary also addresses the social difficulties faced by those with MCS. Both Duehring and Singer describe the isolation they feel in social situations, as well as the lack of understanding from friends and family. Singer tells of a childhood friend who no longer associates with him due to his condition. Even doctors shown in the documentary are often shown to be unsympathetic, dismissive of MCS as a "psychological ailment".

Throughout the film, interviews with medical professionals and advocates provide insight into the scientific and political debates surrounding MCS. It is revealed that MCS is yet to be recognized as a legitimate medical condition by many organizations and governments, leading to a lack of regulation on the chemicals that trigger MCS symptoms. The documentary calls for greater awareness of the disorder and more effort from the government and chemical industries to protect the exposed population and to reduce the use of toxic substances that can trigger MCS symptoms.

Overall, Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities is a thought-provoking exploration of a condition that is largely unknown to the average person. The documentary shines a light on the plight of those suffering from MCS, telling their stories with empathy and understanding. The film is a call to action that asks viewers to reconsider their own roles in the worldwide use of chemicals and their impact on the health of individuals, ultimately asking us to take a step towards a healthier and safer environment.

Homesick: Living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 56 minutes.