| Document ID (ISN) | 61603 |
| CIS number |
94-288 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0748-2337 - Toxicology and Industrial Health |
| Year |
1992 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Simon G.E. |
| Title |
Epidemic multiple chemical sensitivity in an industrial setting |
| Bibliographic information |
July-Aug. 1992, Vol.8, No.4, p.41-46. 6 ref. |
| Abstract |
In 1987 a work unit at an aerospace manufacturing firm introduced a new process for producing fire-retardant composite plastics, which involved close work with solvents and irritants such as phenol and formaldehyde. Six months after the introduction of these materials 50 workers had reported illness, of whom a significant minority developed a full multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) syndrome. The subsequent evaluation of the case included air monitoring, medical examinations, psychiatric evaluations, and a study of the psychological conditions at the worksite. The subset of subjects with full MCS syndrome were examined more closely. Various psychological mechanisms are suggested which might explain the chemical sensitivity: a behavioural sensitization model in which physical symptoms are viewed as conditioned responses to some sensory cue; a symptom amplification model; a model which focuses on the social environment and views MCS as an exaggeration or displacement of legitimate concerns about health risks. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
mass psychogenic illness; plastics; multifactor aetiology; mental health; psychosomatic disorders; solvents; symptoms |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
case study; flame retardants; diagnosis |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | USA |
| Subject(s) |
Toxic and dangerous substances
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Chemical safety
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Mental health
Psychological factors
Multiple chemical sensitivities
|
