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CHEMICAL SENSITIVITIES
by Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ March 12, 2026
*Although we wrote this post together, we have chosen to present the following through Mom’s eyes.
How chemicals can affect you without you knowing.
Chemicals are woven into so many of the products we use and buy that most of us move through the world without realizing how surrounded we truly are. And yet, even without our awareness, these exposures can affect us—sometimes subtly, sometimes profoundly.
My daughter, Nikki, lives with chemical sensitivities. For her, everyday environments can become overwhelming. A simple walk through the mall is difficult. Standing near someone wearing perfume can trigger symptoms. And the smell of marijuana can leave her severely disoriented.
Avoiding these triggers has become a necessary part of her life, though doing so is often nearly impossible.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major part of the challenge. These chemicals, found in countless household and consumer products, evaporate easily into indoor air and can cause short- or long‑term health effects. For Nikki, VOCs are especially dangerous. They can impair her mentally and physically—sometimes for minutes, hours, or even days.
Awareness to chemical sensitivities
One of her most recent reactions happened after I purchased two small rugs for our home: a runner for the main staircase and hallway, and another for the basement stairs. The chemical fumes released from the rugs overwhelmed her system. She became disoriented, confused, and intensely agitated.
Despite the freezing, windy weather, I opened every door and window and ran large fans to clear the air. It took four days before the smell was even somewhat contained.
The impact on her health was unmistakable. But it made me wonder: what about people who don’t show such obvious reactions? Is the exposure still harmful? And what can someone do if they suspect they have chemical sensitivities?
What can you do if you have chemical sensitivities?
Awareness is essential.
If I hadn’t recognized that Nikki was reacting to the rugs, her symptoms could easily have been mistaken for a mental health crisis. And I know she’s not alone. Many people are likely treated for emotional or psychological issues when the true cause may be an unrecognized chemical sensitivity. That misunderstanding is deeply unfortunate.
A few important truths about chemical sensitivities:
Know your own body and pay attention to how you react.
Help the people around you understand what affects you and how.
And above all, remember that these reactions are real. They are not imagined, exaggerated, or “in someone’s head.”
Some everyday products and environmental exposures can trigger chemical sensitivities.
Common triggers include:
Perfumes and fragranced body sprays
Household cleaning supplies
Chlorine from pools or cleaning agents
Bleach and other strong disinfectants
Dyes in clothing, cosmetics, and household items
Fresh paint or paint thinners
Preservatives found in packaged foods and personal care products
Gluten, which can act as a chemical trigger for some individuals
Lotions, creams, and other scented skincare products
Bug sprays and pesticides
Sunscreens, especially those with added fragrances
Shampoos, conditioners, and hair products
Propane fumes from grills, heaters, or appliances
furniture
carpeting
adhesives
laundry detergents
air fresheners
nail polish
gasoline fumes
certain types of plastics
Understanding these triggers doesn’t mean living in fear—it means being informed. When you know what affects you, you can make choices that support your well‑being, reduce unnecessary exposure, and help others understand what you’re experiencing.
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“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
– Aristotle –
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Note: all information in “Nikki’s Story” are based on detail journals covering seven years of Nikki’s life on prescription drugs.
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