Imagine being forced to live in a van—not for the thrill of the open road, but because your body can’t tolerate the air inside most buildings. That’s the reality for Marie LeBlanc, an artist and advocate living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). In this moving episode, Marie shares what it’s like to navigate a world full of invisible threats—fragrances, pesticides, laundry exhaust, and even Wi-Fi.
From organ failure to the loss of safe housing, Marie opens up about the physical and emotional toll of MCS, her search for healing, and how environmental exposures like mold pushed her toward a nomadic lifestyle. She explains why a clean environment is more than a luxury—it's essential for survival—and why we all need to start reducing chemical use now. Marie highlights her national awareness initiative, Illuminate Canada Yellow, and offers hope for those still searching for answers. Listen in to a conversation that will challenge assumptions, while providing a glimpse into the life of someone living with this misunderstood condition.
Episode Highlights
· What has Marie’s health journey been like with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)? (2:01)
· What happened when Marie went to doctors for a diagnosis, and what is her treatment plan? (7:56)
· What happened when Marie encountered mold in her environment? (12:27)
· Why did Marie end up living in a van, and what is van life like while living with MCS? (16:15)
· Marie shares her art and advocacy work. (19:14)
· What are common misconceptions about MCS? (22:30)
· Marie shares the changes she would like to see in society to better accommodate people living with MCS. (26:26)
· What is Marie’s biggest recommendation to prevent MCS, and what advice does she have for those currently living with it? (28:41)
Links mentioned in interview:
Illuminate Canada Yellow 2025 Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1149680286887033
Seriously Sensitive to Pollution: https://seriouslysensitivetopollution.org
Environmental Health Association of Quebec: https://aseq-ehaq.ca/en/
Environmental Health Association of Canada: https://ehac-asec.ca
Environmental Health Association of Manitoba: https://ehamanitoba.weebly.com/
Get in touch with our guest:
Email: whosaysweneedfreshair@gmail.com
Website: https://www.marieleblanc.net
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marieleblancartist
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@whosaysweneedfreshair2594
Learn more about Change the Air Foundation:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org
Sign up for our newsletter:
https://ChangeTheAirFoundation.org/stay-informed/
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