Frequently Asked Questions

About the Foundation

 

  • Marilyn Brachman Hoffman was a scholar of science and a philanthropist. As a post-graduate student, Marilyn Brachman Hoffman lived in a below-grade apartment, where she was exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide and other environmental toxicants. The experience triggered her lifelong sensitivity to chemicals. As a result of her illness, she dedicated herself to research on the causes of multiple chemical sensitivities and to raising awareness of this life-altering condition. Throughout her life, she was a fierce advocate for more rigorous and precautionary public health protections from toxicants in the workplace and home environments. Her parents, Sol and Etta Brachman, were community leaders in Fort Worth, Texas.

  • Marilyn started the Foundation, and it now exists to fulfil her vision. Her highest priority was environmental preservation, with a focus on air quality--both indoor and outdoor. We know that she cared about access to medical care, and she was also interested in how people experience their medical care. She wanted to help feed the hungry and shelter the homeless in her hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. She was concerned about civil liberties. She appreciated public broadcasting. We fund projects in each of these areas.  Because of the central importance of multiple chemical sensitivity in Ms. Hoffman’s life, we support efforts to educate and inform physicians, scientists, and the public about MCS. We fund research in keeping with Ms. Hoffman’s prodigious investigations and writings concerning this condition and its causes and effects. We envision a world where everyone, and especially people with MCS, can live full lives with access to nature, clean air, permanent housing, healthy food, and caring medical providers who will listen to and advocate for their most vulnerable patients.

  • The Foundation’s grantmaking is significantly influenced by Ms. Hoffman’s writing and what we know about her suffering due to an acquired sensitivity to chemicals, mold, and other toxicants, which is commonly known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS).  Ms. Hoffman was a scholar and a scientist who read and thought deeply about the condition that afflicted her, and she coined the term “Delta” to signify the change in health that could follow an initial toxic exposure. In her case, this may have been a moldy building and exposure to combustion byproducts. We support research and education about multiple chemical sensitivity and education about indoor air quality.  We also invest locally, in the Fort Worth Area, to reduce hunger and homelessness, improve outdoor air quality, protect civil liberties and support public media.

  • The Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals for grant funding. Broadly, the Foundation categorizes its giving in six categories (1) Research on MCS, (2) Indoor Air Quality, (3) Outdoor Air Quality, (4) Hunger and Homelessness in Fort Worth, (5) Medical Care and Medical Sociology, (6) Civil Liberties, and (7) Public Media. 

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

 

  • Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has been consistently described as a disorder in which affected individuals, after a triggering chemical exposure, become highly sensitized to a variety of chemicals and products in the environment, reacting to them at exposure levels far below those that affect most people. Since its initial description by Randolph in 1959, MCS has been variably defined, and its pathogenesis remains uncertain despite decades of research. The existence of MCS as a specific physiological disorder has remained controversial, especially in the United States, where it has not been acknowledged as a distinct disease for either diagnostic purposes or disability benefits. Nonetheless, MCS symptoms tend to be chronic and can render patients unable to work. Some patients cannot escape triggering exposures, including in their housing. The situation in some other countries offers a sharp contrast, including several European countries, Japan, and Canada, where MCS patients are recognized and may have access to disability benefits (see Zucco & Doty, 2022). For over 5 decades, sporadic research has been conducted into the disorder but with limited funding (none from NIH) and without a strategic agenda. Consequently, the literature offers conflicting and unvalidated results, many of which derive from studies with small participant samples. Treatment has generally been limited to avoidance of substances that trigger MCS symptoms.

  • Like many chronic and complex diseases, MCS as a specific physiological disorder is not yet well-understood.  Nonetheless, MCS symptoms cause substantial illness for many people, sometimes rendering patients unable to work. Treatment has generally been limited to avoidance of substances that trigger MCS symptoms, yet some patients cannot escape triggering exposures, including in their housing. We believe that understanding the underlying pathophysiology of MCS is essential for preventing MCS and developing effective treatments.

  • For over 5 decades, sporadic research has been conducted into the disorder but with limited funding (none from NIH). Consequently, the literature offers conflicting and unvalidated results, many of which derive from studies with small participant samples. Despite these limitations, findings on potential immunological, neurological, and genetic/metabolic mechanisms may guide future research. 

  • The Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation does not provide any medical advice or treatment information. 

    The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information.

    This website does not contain medical advice. The medical information is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.  This website may contain links to other websites or content belonging to or originating from third parties. We do not warrant, endorse, guarantee, or assume responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of any information offered by third-party websites linked through the site.

Air Quality & Education

 

  • Marilyn Brachman Hoffman emphasized the importance of air quality in her writing. People with multiple chemical sensitivity are particularly vulnerable to air pollution, but good air quality is important for everyone. Poor air quality is associated with circulatory diseases like stroke and heart disease as well as lung diseases including lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and pneumonia. It is linked with infertility and miscarriage, and babies with low-birth weight and small-for gestational age. Neurological disorders, dementia, cataracts, kidney disease, diabetes and hearing loss have also been associated with poor air quality.

  • Indoor environments, including homes, offices, schools, and vehicles, can have worse air quality than the air outdoors.  Sources of air pollution indoors can include fragrances, cleaning and laundry products, pesticides, building materials like paints, cooking fumes or gas stove combustion products, molds, pets, candles or incense, and supplies for hobbies and crafts. However, by limiting these sources of pollution and/or using appropriate ventilation and filtration, indoor spaces can become sanctuaries of cleaner air. 

  • Through learning about air quality, individuals and communities can understand the value of clean air.  Indoor air can be optimized by limiting sources of pollution (source control), using or installing ventilation systems, controlling humidity, and maintaining good air filters.

  • Please see our Resources page under Education.

Research & Funding

 

  • Please see our Sponsored Research page. Our research program is focused on understanding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. 

  • We do not accept unsolicited grant proposals. 

  • The Foundation has developed a competitive research program and will periodically issue requests for applications. These will be disseminated in the scientific community and posted to this website.  

  • We do not fund research on indoor air quality. 

Resources

 

  • Please visit the Education Center.

  • Please visit our page about Sponsored Research.

  • We provide links to external organizations and resources that appear to offer quality information. This is for general informational purposes only. All information is provided in good faith, however we make no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability or completeness of any information.