Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities in an Occupational Health Clinic: Presentation and Follow-Up

Lax, Michael B.; Henneberger, Paul K.

doi:10.1080/00039896.1995.9935978

Cited by 72 publications

(57 citation statements)

References 10 publications

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“…MCS can produce a wide range of symptoms, and individuals with hypersensitivity can encounter great difficulty functioning in normal working and living environments (Lax and Henneberger 1995).…”

Section: Mcs Prevalencementioning

confidence: 99%

A review of a two-phase population study of multiple chemical sensitivities.

Caress

Steinemann

2003

Environ Health Perspect

105

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In this review we summarize the findings of a two-phase study of the prevalence, symptomatology, and etiology of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). We also explore possible triggers, the potential linkage between MCS and other disorders, and the lifestyle alterations produced by MCS. The first phase of the study consisted of a random sampling of 1,582 individuals from the Atlanta, Georgia, metropolitan area to determine the reported prevalence of a hypersensitivity to common chemicals. In this phase, 12.6% of the sample reported a hypersensitivity. Further questioning of individuals with a hypersensitivity indicated that 13.5% (1.8% of the entire sample) reported losing their jobs because of their hypersensitivity. The second phase was a follow-up questioning of the respondents who initially reported hypersensitivity. In this phase, we found that individuals with hypersensitivity experience a variety of symptoms and triggers. A significant percentage (27.5%) reported that their hypersensitivity was initiated by an exposure to pesticides, whereas an equal percentage (27.5%) attributed it to solvents. Only 1.4% had a history of prior emotional problems, but 37.7% developed these problems after the physical symptoms emerged. This suggests that MCS has a physiologic and not a psychologic etiology.

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Section: Mcs Prevalencementioning

confidence: 99%

A review of a two-phase population study of multiple chemical sensitivities.

Caress

Steinemann

2003

Environ Health Perspect

105

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Clinical samples studied by some authors (98)(99)(100)(101)(102) were also predominantly women. In their large representative household population study, Meggs et al (11) found that 39% of women and 24% of men reported chemical sensitivity.…”

Section: Gendermentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part one)

Watanabe

Tonori

Aizawa

2003

Environ Health Prev Med

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Multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance (MCS/IEI) is a commonly used diagnostic term for a group of symptoms. These symptoms have been described and commented on for more than 15 years in the USA. Recently, it has also been observed in Japan. The main features of this syndrome are multiple symptoms involving in multiple organ systems that are precipitated by a variety of chemical substances with relapses and exacerbation under certain conditions when exposed to very low levels which do not affect the population at large. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings. Although traditional medical organizations have not agreed on a definition for this syndrome due to the lack of obvious evidence to demonstrate the existence of these symptoms, it is being increasingly recognized. It constitutes an increasing percentage of the caseload at occupational/environmental medical clinics.Part one of this review article discusses pathophysiological theories, substances which cause symptoms, prevalence in the general and specific populations, past history and family history, and clinical symptoms of MCS/IEI patients.

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“…Because research on treatments for MCS is sparse, people have few data on which to rely when choosing interventions. Physicians have described health findings from patient samples (Bell et al 1995;Galland 1987;Heuser et al 1992;Lieberman and Craven 1998;Ross 1992a) and suggested treatment strategies (Jewett 1992;Ross 1992b;Ziem 1992), but only a small number of published studies describe MCS treatment and follow-up (Lax and Henneberger 1995). In addition, only three studies to date have examined patients' assessments of a large number of health interventions for MCS (Gibson 2000;Johnson 1996Johnson , 1997aJohnson , 1997bJohnson , 1998Leroy et al 1996).…”

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confidence: 99%

Perceived treatment efficacy for conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple chemical sensitivity.

Gibson

Elms

Ruding

2003

Environ Health Perspect

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Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a condition in which persons experience negative health effects in multiple organ systems from exposure to low levels of common chemicals. Although symptoms experienced from particular chemicals vary across persons, they are generally stable within persons. The sensitivities often spread over time, first to related chemicals and then to other classes of chemicals. This study examined self-reported perceived treatment efficacy of 101 treatments used by 917 persons with self-reported MCS. Treatments examined included environmental medicine techniques, holistic therapies, individual nutritional supplements, detoxification techniques, body therapies, Eastern-origin techniques, newer therapies, prescription items, and others. The three most highly rated treatments were creating a chemical-free living space, chemical avoidance, and prayer. Both creating a chemical-free living space and chemical avoidance were rated by 95% of respondents as helpful. Results for most therapies were mixed. Participants had consulted a mean of 12 health care providers and spent over one-third of their annual income on health care costs. We discuss this drain on personal resources and describe respondents' attitudes toward the possibility of healing from MCS.

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Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivities in an Occupational Health Clinic: Presentation and Follow-Up

Cited by 72 publications

References 10 publications

A review of a two-phase population study of multiple chemical sensitivities.

A review of a two-phase population study of multiple chemical sensitivities.

Multiple chemical sensitivity and idiopathic environmental intolerance (part one)

Perceived treatment efficacy for conventional and alternative therapies reported by persons with multiple chemical sensitivity.

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