Adaptation to low levels of chemical exposure in individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity in a controlled indoor environment

Multiple chemical sensitivity, commonly known as environmental illness, is a chronic disease in which exposure to low levels of chemicals causes correlated symptoms of varying intensity. With the continuous introduction of new substances, people with MCS suffer significant limitations to their living environment and frequently to their workplace. This paper describes the current situation as regards MCS and the critical points in its case definition, which is still not generally agreed upon; this makes it difficult to recognize with certainty, especially, its precise relationship with work. Other problems arise in relation to the occupational physician’s role in diagnosing and managing the worker with the disorder, the question of low levels of exposure to chemicals, and the best measures possible to prevent it. A diagnostic “route” is proposed, useful as a reference for the occupational physician who is often called in first to identify cases suspected of having this disease and to manage MCS workers. Work-related problems for people with MCS depend not only on occupational exposure but also on the incompatibility between their illness and their work. More occupational physicians need to be “sensitive” to MCS, so that these workers are recognized promptly, the work is adapted as necessary, and preventive measures are promoted in the workplace.

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Chemical Exposure, Risk of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, and Occupational Safety

Safety and Health at Work ◽

10.1016/j.shaw.2020.05.006 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 383-384

Author(s):

Paolo D. Pigatto ◽

Anna Ronchi ◽

Gianpaolo Guzzi

Keyword(s):

Occupational Safety ◽

Chemical Exposure ◽

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Exposure Risk ◽

Multiple Chemical

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Psychiatric Symptoms in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Toxicology and Industrial Health ◽

10.1177/074823379401000518 ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 10 (4-5) ◽

pp. 487-496

Author(s):

Gregory E. Simon

Keyword(s):

Clinical Management ◽

Psychiatric Symptoms ◽

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽

Chemical Exposure ◽

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Future Research ◽

Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Relationship Of ◽

The Relationship ◽

Multiple Chemical

Neuropsychiatric symptoms are among the most prominent manifestations of generalized chemical sensitivity. Patients, clinicians, and researchers are in agreement that symptoms such as depression, irritability, and mood instability are prominent among the distressing and disabling symptoms occurring in response to low-level chemical exposure. Beyond that point, however, agreement is difficult. The pathophysiology and clinical management of these symptoms remain quite controversial. This paper will review available data on the prevalence and form of psychiatric symptoms among those suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity. Various models explaining the relationship of psychiatric symptoms to chemical sensitivity will be discussed. Finally, the implications of these models for clinical management and future research will be reviewed.

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Chemosensory perception, symptoms and autonomic responses during chemical exposure in multiple chemical sensitivity

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health ◽

10.1007/s00420-015-1053-y ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 89 (1) ◽

pp. 79-88 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Linus Andersson ◽

Anna-Sara Claeson ◽

Thomas Meinertz Dantoft ◽

Sine Skovbjerg ◽

Nina Lind ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chemical Exposure ◽

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Autonomic Responses ◽

Chemosensory Perception ◽

Multiple Chemical

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Biases in Perception and Reporting following a Perceived Toxic Exposure

Perceptual and Motor Skills ◽

10.2466/pms.1992.75.2.531 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 75 (2) ◽

pp. 531-544 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Paul R. Lees-Haley ◽

Richard S. Brown

Keyword(s):

Chemical Exposure ◽

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Toxic Exposure ◽

Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Prior Beliefs ◽

Self Perceptions ◽

Personal Histories ◽

The Media ◽

Response Biases ◽

Multiple Chemical

Reactions to chemical exposures often include fears of future illness, cancerphobia, reports of multiple chemical sensitivity, and other ill-defined complaints. Frequently, these complaints occur at levels of exposure not known to cause physiological harm. Although frequently dismissed as hysterical or hypochondriacal reactions, these complaints, along with other indefinite symptoms, may be better understood in terms of biases in perception and reporting. In this paper, we outline various sources of perceptual and response biases including prior beliefs, the media, influential others, reconstructed personal histories, self-perceptions, and the forensic environment. It is recommended that a thorough understanding of symptom-reporting and psychological distress following a chemical exposure involves consideration of these issues.

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PET in patients with clear-cut multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)

Nuklearmedizin ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1625294 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 41 (06) ◽

pp. 233-239 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

C. Hausteiner ◽

A. Drzezga ◽

P. Bartenstein ◽

M. Schwaiger ◽

H. Förstl ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Single Photon ◽

Photon Emission ◽

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Environmental Chemicals ◽

Chemical Sensitivity ◽

Clear Cut ◽

Positron Emission ◽

Symptom Complex ◽

Brain Changes ◽

Multiple Chemical

SummaryAim: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a controversially discussed symptom complex. Patients afflicted by MCS react to very low and generally nontoxic concentrations of environmental chemicals. It has been suggested that MCS leads to neurotoxic damage or neuroimmunological alteration in the brain detectable by positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). These methods are often applied to MCS patients for diagnosis, although they never proved appropriate. Method: We scanned 12 MCS patients with PET, hypothesizing that it would reveal abnormal findings. Results: Mild glucose hypometabolism was present in one patient. In comparison with normal controls, the patient group showed no significant functional brain changes. Conclusion: This first systematic PET study in MCS patients revealed no hint of neurotoxic or neuroimmuno-logical brain changes of functional significance.

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