{"id":357682,"date":"2016-04-04T10:45:23","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:45:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/chemical-sensitivities-discrimination.html"},"modified":"2025-03-24T20:11:00","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T01:11:00","slug":"chemical-sensitivities-discrimination","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/employment\/employment-discrimination\/chemical-sensitivities-discrimination.html","title":{"rendered":"Is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity a Disability Under the ADA?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity a Disability Under the ADA?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Linda Sanabria, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aviana Cooper, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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Yes, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) can qualify as a disability. However, it must substantially affect your life and job. Workplace accommodations for employees with MCS are on a case-by-case basis. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The Americans with Disabilities Act<\/a> (ADA) bans employers from discriminating against people with disabilities. It orders employers to treat workers and job applicants fairly. When an employer becomes aware of someone\u2019s disability, it must make reasonable accommodations, but some exceptions apply.<\/p>\n

But some conditions don\u2019t fit neatly into a widely accepted category. MCS and Environmental Illness (EI) are two such medical conditions. Adverse reactions to various chemicals and environmental irritants characterize MCS and EI.<\/p>\n

This article will explain whether these conditions are disabilities under the ADA. Yet, every case is different. If you need support getting an accommodation, you can turn to an employment attorney<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n

The Americans With Disabilities Act May Cover Multiple Chemical Sensitivities<\/h2>\n

The ADA does not make an exhaustive list of disabilities covered. Instead, it covers a physical or mental disability substantially limiting one or more major life activities<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Some of the examples the ADA gives for major life activities are:<\/p>\n