Korean J Occup Environ Med.  2012 Dec;24(4):328-338.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

• Chae HJ
• Kim BG
• Kim HC
• Lee MY
• Leem JH

Abstract

This article reviews newly available knowledge on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a chronic medical condition characterized by symptoms in multiple organ and caused by exposure to low levels of common chemicals. Although various pathophysiological models have been proposed (including toxicological, immunological or behavioral models), the causes and underlying mechanisms of MCS are still not fully understood. Most patients with MCS were women between the ages of 30 and 50 years. The most frequently reported trigger was a newly constructed home or job site. The common symptoms are vague, non-specific complaints: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, sneezing/runny nose, headache, and muscle pain. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings for MCS. The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI)(c) has been used as a screening questionnaire. Treatment focuses on assisting patients at the earliest possible opportunity to reduce their exposure to unique symptom triggers and known hazardous chemicals. Early comprehensive assessment, medical management, and social and financial support might avoid the deterioration of functions associated with prolonged illness.

Keyword

Multiple chemical sensitivity; Idiopathic environmental intolerance; Chemical intolerance

MeSH Terms

Biological Markers
Environmental Exposure
Fatigue
Female
Financial Support
Hazardous Substances
Headache
Humans
Mass Screening
Memory
Multiple Chemical Sensitivity
Muscles
Nose
Questionnaires
Workplace
Biological Markers
Hazardous Substances

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Age of onset of hypersensitivity. Population study of multiple chemical sensitivity9).

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  Fig. 2 Estimated onset factors of multiple chemical sensitivity at the Environmental Medical Center of Kitasato Institute Hospital13).

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