Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: A Population-Based Study in the Southeastern United States

Caress, Stanley M.; Steinemann, Anne

doi:10.2105/ajph.94.5.746

Cited by 103 publications

(67 citation statements)

References 5 publications

(2 reference statements)

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“…The present study is the first report to estimate the prevalence of MCS and the proportion of the ʻvery suggestiveʼ for the MCS risk in Korea. The overall prevalence of MCS was 14.4%, which is in the same range as those reported in the general population and military personnel in the US (the prevalence of MCS: 3.4 ~ 15.9%) [25][26][27][28][29][30]. The high cut-off point of risk degree for MCS [7], 21.8%, could be categorized as ʻvery suggestiveʼ to suffer from MCS, and there was no statistical difference between the two groups (general population, 23.0% vs. public facility workers, 20.8%).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Factors Contributing to the Self-Reported Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Public Facility Workers and the General Population of Korea

Heo

Kim

Lee

et al. 2017

J UOEH

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: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), an acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms, has been studied for its association with diverse environmental factors. The present study investigated the factors associated with the self-reported prevalence of MCS in public facility workers and the general population in Korea. The Quick Environmental Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) questionnaire was obtained from public facility workers (N=530) and the general population (N=500) to determine the prevalence of MCS and the degree of its risk. Information about demographic characteristics, subjective perceptions of sick building syndrome or sick house syndrome or allergy (SBS/SHS/Allergy), and certain home-or workplace-related events were also obtained. There was not a statistical difference between the public facility workers and the general population in the QEESI scores. The overall prevalence of MCS was 14.4% and there was no statistical difference between the two groups. Regarding the overall degree of risk of MCS, 21.8% of the study subjects were categorized as "very suggestive", and there was no significant difference between the two groups. Gender and the subjective perception of SBS/SHS/Allergy significantly affected the prevalence of MCS and the MCS risk criteria. Considering the absence of diagnostic criteria and/or treatment methods for MCS in Korea, these results can be utilized in establishing future strategies to manage MCS.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 63%

Factors Contributing to the Self-Reported Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Public Facility Workers and the General Population of Korea

Heo

Kim

Lee

et al. 2017

J UOEH

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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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“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7] This condition, known as chemical intolerance,* is the hallmark of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), also known as multiple chemical intolerance or idiopathic environ-CHEMIC A L INTOL ER A NCE mental intolerance. Chemical intolerance has a prevalence of 2% to 13% in population-based surveys.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Chemical intolerance has a prevalence of 2% to 13% in population-based surveys. 1,2 Symptoms are typically multisystem, that is, affecting cognitive, affective, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and cardiovascular systems. 8,9 Despite its relatively high prevalence in nonclinical samples, the diagnosis and etiology of chemical intolerance remain controversial and understudied.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Chemical Intolerance in Primary Care Settings: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Outcomes

Katerndahl¹,

Bell²,

Palmer³

et al. 2012

The Annals of Family Medicine

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Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities: A Population-Based Study in the Southeastern United States

Cited by 103 publications

References 5 publications

Factors Contributing to the Self-Reported Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Public Facility Workers and the General Population of Korea

Factors Contributing to the Self-Reported Prevalence of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Public Facility Workers and the General Population of Korea

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

Chemical Intolerance in Primary Care Settings: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Outcomes

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