Prevalence and Characteristics of Chemical Intolerance: A Japanese Population-Based Study

Azuma, Kenichi; Uchiyama, Iwao; Katoh, Takahiko; Ogata, Haruhiko; Arashidani, Keiichi; Kunugita, Naoki

doi:10.1080/19338244.2014.926855

Cited by 58 publications

(54 citation statements)

References 47 publications

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“…Till date, many studies have been globally conducted to investigate indoor chemical substances and their influence on health to prevent "sick building syndrome (SBS);" the symptoms of "SBS" include mucosal irritation and allergylike symptoms and are linked to spending time in a specific building [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]. In Japan, restrictions have been placed on the concentration of certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and total volatile organic compounds generated by implementing values in the indoor concentration guideline by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and by the revisions of the building-standard laws by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport [12,13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and risk factors of pre-sick building syndrome: characteristics of indoor environmental and individual factors

Nakayama

Nakaoka

Suzuki

et al. 2019

Environ Health Prev Med

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Background: With the aim to prevent sick building syndrome and worsening of allergic symptoms, primarily resulting from the indoor environment, the relationships among people's residential environment in recent years, their lifestyle habits, their awareness, and their symptoms were investigated using an online survey. Methods: In the survey, respondents experiencing symptoms specific to sick building syndrome, although they were not diagnosed with sick building syndrome, were categorized in the pre-sick building syndrome group. The relationships among individual characteristics, residential environment, and individual awareness were analyzed. Results: Results showed that the prevalence of pre-sick building syndrome was high among young (aged 20-29 years) population of both sexes. In addition, "condensation," "moisture," "musty odors" in the house, and the "use of deodorant and fragrance" were all significantly associated with pre-sick building syndrome. Conversely, there was no significant association with recently built "wooden" houses that are highly airtight and have thermal insulation. Conclusions: Efficient "ventilation" plans and "ventilation" improvement and air conditioning systems to prevent mold and condensation in rooms are necessary to maintain a good, indoor environment that is beneficial for health. Efforts should also be made to encourage individuals to regularly clean and effectively ventilate their homes.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevalence and risk factors of pre-sick building syndrome: characteristics of indoor environmental and individual factors

Nakayama

Nakaoka

Suzuki

et al. 2019

Environ Health Prev Med

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“…According to population-based surveys, the prevalence of MCS is estimated to range from 8 to 33 % [4][5][6][7][8][9]. Thus, MCS has become a large public health concern during the past two decades, particularly in industrialized countries.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of cerebral blood flow in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity using near-infrared spectroscopy—recovery after olfactory stimulation: a case–control study

Azuma

Uchiyama

Tanigawa

et al. 2015

Environ Health Prev Med

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Objectives Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic acquired disorder characterized by non-specific symptoms in multiple organ systems associated with exposure to odorous chemicals. We previously observed significant activations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) during olfactory stimulation using several different odorants in patients with MCS by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) imaging. We also observed that the patients with MCS did not adequately distinguish non-odorant in the late stage of the repeated olfactory stimulation test. The sensory recovery of the olfactory system in the patients with MCS may process odors differently from healthy subjects after olfactory stimulation. Methods We examined the recovery process of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) after olfactory stimulation in patients with MCS. NIRS imaging was performed in 6 patients with MCS and in 6 controls. The olfactory stimulation test was continuously repeated 10 times. The study also included a subjective assessment of the physical and psychological status and of the perception of irritating and hedonic odors. 123Environ Health Prev Med (2015) 20:185-194 DOI 10.1007 Results After olfactory stimulation, significant activations were observed in the PFC of patients with MCS on both the right and left sides compared with controls. The activations were specifically strong in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC). Compared with controls, autonomic perception and feelings identification were poorer in patients with MCS. OFC is associated with stimuli response and the representation of preferences. Conclusions These results suggest that a past strong exposure to hazardous chemicals activates the PFC during olfactory stimuli in patients with MCS, and a strong activation in the OFC remains after the stimuli.

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“…Chemical sensitivity was assessed as being "allergic or unusually sensitive to everyday chemicals like those in household cleaning products, paints, perfumes, detergents, insect spray, and things like that." In Japan, a survey in 2012 (n = 7245) estimated a prevalence of 7.5% of chemical intolerance (Azuma et al 2015). In Denmark, a survey in 2010 (n = 2000) found a prevalence of 8.2% of chemical intolerance (Skovbjerg et al 2012).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

International prevalence of chemical sensitivity, co-prevalences with asthma and autism, and effects from fragranced consumer products

Steinemann

2019

Air Qual Atmos Health

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Chemical sensitivity is a medical condition characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to common chemical pollutants and products. This study investigated the prevalence of chemical sensitivity in four countries-the United States (US), Australia (AU), Sweden (SE), and the United Kingdom (UK). In addition, it investigated the co-prevalence of chemical sensitivity with medically diagnosed multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), fragrance sensitivity (health problems from fragranced products), asthma/asthma-like conditions, and autism/autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Using nationally representative population samples in each country, data were collected in June 2016 and June 2017 through on-line cross-sectional surveys of adults (n = 4435). Results found that, across the four countries, 19.9% of the population report chemical sensitivity, 7.4% report medically diagnosed MCS, 21.2% report either or both, and 32.2% report fragrance sensitivity. In addition, 26.0% of the population report asthma/asthma-like conditions, of which 42.6% report chemical sensitivity and 57.8% fragrance sensitivity. Also, 4.5% of the population report autism/ASDs, of which 60.6% report chemical sensitivity and 75.8% fragrance sensitivity. Among individuals with chemical sensitivity, 55.4% also report asthma/asthma-like conditions, 13.5% autism/ASDs, and 82.0% fragrance sensitivity. Although the prevalence of chemical sensitivity across the countries is statistically different, its co-prevalences with other conditions are statistically similar. Results also found that, for 44.1% of individuals with chemical sensitivity, the severity of health effects from fragranced products can be potentially disabling. Further, 28.6% of those with chemical sensitivity have lost workdays or a job, in the past year, due to exposure to fragranced products in the workplace. Results indicate that chemical sensitivity is widespread across the four countries, affecting over 61 million people, that vulnerable individuals such as those with asthma and autism are especially affected, and that fragranced consumer products can contribute to the adverse health, economic, and societal effects.

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Prevalence and Characteristics of Chemical Intolerance: A Japanese Population-Based Study

Cited by 58 publications

References 47 publications

Prevalence and risk factors of pre-sick building syndrome: characteristics of indoor environmental and individual factors

Prevalence and risk factors of pre-sick building syndrome: characteristics of indoor environmental and individual factors

Assessment of cerebral blood flow in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity using near-infrared spectroscopy—recovery after olfactory stimulation: a case–control study

International prevalence of chemical sensitivity, co-prevalences with asthma and autism, and effects from fragranced consumer products

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