Multiple chemical sensitivities - 31 entries found

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• Multiple chemical sensitivities

2011

CIS 11-0341 Schlünssen V., Kespohl S., Jacobsen G., Raulf-Heimsoth M., Schaumburg I., Sigsgaard T.
Immunoglobulin E-mediated sensitization to pine and beech dust in relation to wood dust exposure levels and respiratory symptoms in the furniture industry
Wood dust exposure may cause imunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic diseases. The objectives of this study were to estimate pine and beech dust sensitization rates among woodworkers and a reference group, explore the association between exposure and sensitization and between sensitization and respiratory symptoms, and finally investigate the impact of proteinogenic specific IgE (sIgE) epitopes on respiratory symptoms. In a Danish study conducted in 52 furniture factories and two reference factories, workers' asthma and rhinitis status were evaluated using questionnaires and blood samples collected from 1506 woodworkers and 195 references. Workers with asthma symptoms (N=298), a random study sample (N=399) and a random rhinitis sample (N=100) were evaluated for IgE-mediated sensitization to pine and beech dust. The prevalence of pine and beech sensitization among current woodworkers was 1.7 and 3.1%, respectively. No differences in sensitization rates were found between woodworkers and references, but the prevalence of wood dust sensitization was dose-dependently associated with the current level of wood dust exposure. No relation was observed between wood dust sensitization per se and respiratory symptoms. Only symptomatic subjects had proteinogenic IgE epitopes to pine. Increased odds ratios for sIgE based on proteinogenic epitopes to beech and respiratory symptoms were found, although they were not statistically significant.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, Mar. 2011, Vol.37, No.2, p.159-167. Illus. 44 ref.

CIS 10-0828 Preventing sensitization and disease from beryllium exposure
Prevención de la sensibilización y la enfermedad por exposición al berilio [in Spanish]
Workers exposed to particles, fumes, mists or solutions from beryllium-containing materials may develop beryllium sensitization or chronic beryllium disease, a potentially-disabling or even fatal respiratory disease. This booklet provides guidance on preventing sensitization and disease from beryllium exposure. Contents: background; beryllium sensitization; diseases (berylliosis, cancer); medical surveillance; workplace surveys; case studies; current exposure limits; conclusions; recommendations.
Publications Dissemination, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), 4676 Columbia Parkway, Cincinnati, OH 45226-2001, USA, Feb. 2011. PDF document. 18p. 34 ref.
DHHS_(NIOSH)_Publication_No.2011-107/EN.pdf [in English]
DHHS_(NIOSH)_Publication_No.2011-107/ES.pdf [in Spanish]

2002

CIS 03-186 Caccappolo-van Vliet E., Kelly-McNeil K., Natelson B., Kipen H., Fiedler N.
Anxiety sensitivity and depression in multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma
Patients with sensitivities to multiple chemicals report symptoms of cognitive dysfunction, respiratory distress and mood disturbance. Lifetime and current psychiatric disorders, personality traits associated with symptom reporting and tests of cognitive function were compared between 30 subjects with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), 19 asthmatics and 31 healthy controls. When compared with asthmatics and controls, more MCS subjects met criteria for current depression and somatization disorder. MCS subjects and asthmatics scored significantly higher than controls on scales of chemical odour intolerance and anxiety sensitivity, both of which were significant predictors of physical symptoms. Few differences on objective neuropsychological tests were noted. However, MCS subjects with co-morbid depression performed significantly worse on a verbal memory test relative to asthmatics but not to controls.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Oct. 2002, Vol.44, No.10, p.890-901. 65 ref.

2000

CIS 03-183 Caccappolo E., Kipen H., Kelly-McNeil K., Knasko S., Hamer R.M., Natelson B., Fiedler N.
Odor perception: Multiple chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue and asthma
Patients with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) often report heightened sensitivity to odours. Odour detection thresholds to phenyl ethyl alcohol (PEA) and pyridine (PYR) were evaluated for 33 MCS subjects, 13 chronic fatigue syndrome subjects, 16 asthmatic subjects and 27 healthy controls. Odour identification ability (based on University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification test results) and ratings in response to four supra-threshold concentrations of PEA and PYR were also assessed. Odour detection thresholds for PTA and PYR and odour identification ability were equivalent for all groups; however, when exposed to supra-threshold concentrations of PEA, MCS subjects reported significantly more trigeminal symptoms and lower aesthetic ratings for the substance. No group differences were found in response to supra-threshold concentrations of PYR.
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, June 2000, Vol.42, No.6, p.629-638. Illus. 28 ref.

CIS 02-1262 Obiols Quinto J.
Idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI): Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and related phenomena
Intolerancia ambiental idiopática (IAI): sensibilidad química múltiple (SQM) y fenómenos asociados [in Spanish]
Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) and associated phenomena are increasingly frequent at work. Certain authors suggest that they could affect 2 to 10% of the population. This information note summarizes current understanding of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) and MCS. Contents: definitions; most frequent causal agents; systems or organs affected and most frequent symptoms; possible mechanisms (biological or psychogenic); diagnosis consensus criteria.
Instituto Nacional de Seguridad e Higiene en el Trabajo, Ediciones y Publicaciones, c/Torrelaguna 73, 28027 Madrid, Spain, 2000. 5p. 11 ref.

1999

CIS 01-1476 Herr C., Eikmann T.
The MCS issue: Current situation and developments
Die MCS-Problematik: Aktueller Stand und Entwicklungen [in German]
Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCSs) consists of a pattern of unexplained symptoms (headache, respiratory problems, exhaustion, muscular aches and cognitive disorders) attributed to very low levels of exposure to a variety of unrelated chemicals. Current research on MCS in the United States and in Germany is presented. Controversial issues on mechanisms, open questions and needs for research on causes and aetiophysiology of these diseases are highlighted.
Umweltmedizin in Forschung und Praxis, June 1999, Vol.4, No.3, p.125-132. 15 ref.

CIS 99-1575 Graveling R.A., Pilkington A., George J.P.K., Butler M.P., Tannahill S.N.
A review of multiple chemical sensitivity
The collated evidence suggests that multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) does exist although its prevalence generally seems to be exaggerated. Many causal mechanisms have been proposed, some suggesting a physical origin - such as MCS reflecting an immunological overload (total body load) - others favouring a psychological basis - such as MCS symptoms being evoked as part of a conditioned response to previous trauma. The available evidence seems most strongly to support a physical mechanism involving sensitization of the limbic system. However, it is increasingly being recognised that the psychological milieu of a person can considerably influence physical illness, either through generating a predisposition to disease or in the subsequent prognosis. Work is needed to establish the prevalence of MCS and to confirm or refute selected causal mechanisms. Topics: allergic reactivity; allergic respiratory disorders; chemical products; diagnosis; environmental illness; immunological tolerance; literature survey; mental disorders; multifactor aetiology; olfaction; porphyria; psychosomatic disorders; sensitization.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Feb. 1999, Vol.56, No.2, p.73-85. 71 ref.

1997

CIS 99-1244 Levy F.
Clinical features of multiple chemical sensitivity
Definitions and symptoms of multiple chemical sensitivity are reviewed and attempts at diagnosis are outlined. Solvent exposure was the most common cause of chemical intolerance reported by patients at a department of occupational medicine. Patients also reported psychosocial stressors and showed mood disorders with irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression, often with thoughts centered around different organ symptoms. The symptomatology of multiple chemical sensitivity is still nonspecific and in no way diagnostic of a specific illness or a medically acceptable syndrome. It may indicate many other conditions, both organic disease and psychopathology. Topics: anxiety; chemical products; clinical ecology; depressive neurosis; diagnosis; environmental illness; mental disorders; multifactor aetiology; neuropsychic stress; psychosomatic disorders; sensitization; sleep disturbances; solvents; symptoms.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 1997, Vol.23, Suppl.3, p.69-73. 12 ref.

CIS 99-1243 Shorter E.
Multiple chemical sensitivity: Pseudodisease in historical perspective
Multiple chemical sensitivity emerged as a descendant of food allergy during the 1920s and 1930s. Since the 1950s, interest has been focused on the environment, and concern about food allergies and chemical sensitivity has increased. Originally symptoms of patients were explained as allergies, but since the 1960s, the concept of chemical sensitivities has emerged and the ideas of clinical ecologists diffused rapidly into the community. Topics: allergies; chemical products; clinical ecology; environmental illness; epidemiological aspects; food; history; literature survey; multifactor aetiology; psychosomatic disorders; sensitization; toxic substances.
Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment and Health, 1997, Vol.23, Suppl.3, p.35-42. 47 ref.

CIS 97-878 Pirages S.W., Richard C.L.
Multiple chemical sensitivities
A review of scientific and medical information concerning the phenomenon of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), in which patients report a variety of symptoms allegedly associated with exposure to low levels of chemicals in the environment. Includes a historical perspective on the definition of the illness and its occurrence and causes, reported health effects and treatments by clinical ecologists. A major focus of the controversy surrounding this phenomenon is whether the symptoms described by patients are an organic response to real exposures, or a psychological response to perceived exposures. To date, no studies have found scientific support for the phenomenon.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal, Feb. 1997, Vol.58, No.2, p.94-97. 10 ref.

1996

CIS 97-1961 Renwick A.G.
Variability in toxic response - Human and environmental
Proceedings of a conference on human and environmental variability in toxic response held in Southampton, United Kingdom, 8-10 March 1995. Papers include: relevance of variability in toxic response to chemical safety and risk assessment; determination of risk evaluation criteria; variability in susceptibility of the nervous system to toxic insult; exposure factors that contribute to variability in toxic responses in man; influence of environmental and genetic factors on variation in human response to DNA-damaging agents; variability in immune response; modulation of toxicity by dietary and environmental factors; foetal haemoglobin as a possible marker of susceptibility to industrial pollutants; review of multiple chemical sensitivities.
Environmental Toxicology and Pharmacology, 15 Oct. 1996, Vol.2, No.2-3, p.75-242. Illus. Bibl.ref.

1995

CIS 96-655 Brooks S., Gochfeld M., Herzstein J., Schenker M., Jackson R.
Environmental medicine
Contents of this manual: principles and basic science of environmental medicine (environmental hazards, risk and exposure assessment, toxicology, carcinogenesis); clinical environmental medicine (diagnosis, vision, hearing, dermatoses, respiratory disorders, liver and kidney toxicity, nervous system, immunologic disorders); susceptible populations (susceptibility, multiple chemical sensitivity, exposure of children); specific environmental exposure sources (air, water and soil pollution, asbestos, man-made mineral fibres, fire and pyrolysis products, radiation, vibration, heat stress, high-altitude and space medicine, chemical and biological agents, hazardous waste); preventive approaches (health surveillance, biomarkers, chemical disaster preparedness, health risk communication).
Mosby-Year Book Inc., 11830 Westline Industrial Drive, St.Louis, Missouri 63146, USA, 1995. xix, 780p. Illus. Bibl.ref. Index. Price: GBP 69.00.

CIS 95-2163 Gots R.E.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - Public policy
Although multiple chemical sensitivity has been rejected as an established organic disease by the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the American College of Physicians and the International Society of Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology, it has achieved credibility in workmen's compensation claims, liability case law and the interpretation of regulations by various departments of the US federal government.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.111-113. 12 ref.

CIS 95-2162 Meggs W.J.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - Chemical sensitivity as a symptom of airway inflammation
The term "multiple chemical sensitivity" confuses aetiology with diagnosis: chemical sensitivity is a symptom expressed by patients. The symptom complex is also expressed by the majority of patients with asthma or rhinitis following a single acute exposure to a substance, a condition called "reactive upper airway dysfunction syndrome". The chemical sensitivity patient merits evaluation for upper airway and bronchial reactivity that may cause extra-airway symptomatology.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.107-110. 29 ref.

CIS 95-2161 Kurt T.L.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - A syndrome of pseudotoxicity manifest as exposure perceived symptoms
Current study of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) can be dated from 1962, but the syndrome called "neurasthenia" at the turn of the century is similar. A seven-point definition of MCS was proposed in 1992, but the criteria have not been accepted as an International Classification of Diseases diagnosis or code, nor by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An alternative definition of MCS is a symptom complex (1) triggered by odour or a perceived exposure; (2) occurring at exposure levels below those of allergic sensitivity or irritation; (3) analogous to the symptoms of panic disorder as defined by the American Psychiatric Association; (4) lacking objective clinical pathological criteria; (5) responsive to panic disorder management.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.101-105. 36 ref.

CIS 95-2160 Spyker D.A.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - Syndrome and solution
Although the incidence of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) is not known, the syndrome is demographically similar to agoraphobia. The classical (Pavlovian) conditioning model may be a useful description of MCS. Results with three patients suggest that a psychophysiological desensitization approach to diagnosis and treatment is worthy of further development.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.95-99. 17 ref.

CIS 95-2159 Bronstein A.C.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - New paradigm needed
The current principles of toxicology, immunology and allergy do not provide a coherent explanation of a chemical sensitivity that does not result in reproducible and measurable physiological or biochemical changes. A new paradigm is needed to provide a scientific model for multiple chemical sensitivities.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, 1995, Vol.33, No.2, p.93-94. 4 ref.

CIS 95-1324 Rantanen J.
New epidemics in occupational health. Which ones and how to identify them
Paper presented at the 10th International Symposium on Epidemiology in Occupational Health (Como, Italy, 20-24 Sep. 1994). It discusses the increasing complexity of "new" epidemics in the work environment, often of a multi-exposure and multi-outcome nature. The epidemics are often due to changes in the nature of the workplace or in the working population. Epidemiology as a science must also keep pace with growing demands from society (privacy protection, decentralization etc.). Some new epidemics specifically mentioned are: Hanta virus infections, sudden deaths, musculoskeletal overuse syndromes, multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome, health problems due to exposure to electric and magnetic fields, psychological disorders (connected with VDU or other computer work). Ways to identify new epidemics are listed.
Medicina del lavoro, Mar.-Apr. 1995, Vol.86, No.2, p.139-151. Illus. 45 ref.

CIS 95-1398 XXIIIrd 1994 French National Congress of Occupational Medicine - Theme I
XXIIIes Journées nationales de Médecine du Travail, Besançon, France, 7-10 juin 1994 - Thème n°1 - Neurotoxicité des solvants à de faibles doses d'exposition [in French]
Main issues dealt with at the XXIIIrd National Congress of Occupational Medicine (Besançon, France), 7-10 June, 1994 include: neurotoxicity of low doses of solvents (S): research on exposure to low levels of S in the construction industry; value of charts in the study of neurotoxic effects of S; assessment of exposure to S and their neurological effects in a paint factory; dyschromatopsies and exposure to S; effects on colour vision of exposure to organic S in the paint industry; implementing practical measures after determining that a group exposed to S is at risk; research into people whose central nervous system has been prematurely affected by S; assessment of exposure to S: comparison of expert's report and results of atmospheric and biological tests; psycho-organic solvent syndrome; the psychosyndrome of S and research into sleep apnoea; sleep apnoea syndrome and exposure to S; multiple chemical sensitivity: a study of 30 cases; the value of a battery of psychometric tests used in occupational psychology for detecting the neuro-behavioural toxic effects of organic S; recurrent neurological attacks with an abnormal excretion of trichloracetic acid (TCA) in the urine. Report on one case; occupational exposure to low levels of S and neurophysical effects: a cross-sectional study.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, 1995, Vol.56, No.2, p.87-126. Bibl.ref.

CIS 95-1409 Roux M., Foutel A., Ouhamed N., Rondeau du Noyer C., Bonnardel F., Talai S., Laroussi B., Choudat D.
Respiratory symptoms and multiple chemical sensitivity among workers in a resin-utilizing plant
Manifestations respiratoires et syndromes d'intolérance aux odeurs dans une entreprise utilisant des résines [in French]
Twenty-one workers in a plant (mostly non-smoking women) reported asthma, upper airways discomfort or multiple chemical sensitivity (odour intolerance). All the employees, exposed or not to the various chemicals used, were involved in a study to determine the prevalence of the symptoms. The symptoms were recorded on a standardized questionnaire addressed to 751 workers who were then divided into seven groups according to exposure. The prevalence of the respiratory symptoms was higher among smokers than non-smokers. Among non-smoking women (n=272), the prevalence of the symptoms was significantly higher in the exposed groups than in the non-exposed one: the prevalence of work-related hoarseness and cough were 26-31% in the exposed groups vs. 8% in the non-exposed group. This study confirms the influence of occupational exposure on the occurrence of respiratory symptoms and multiple sensitivity syndrome but does not differentiate among causative agents.
Archives des maladies professionnelles et de médecine du travail, 1995, Vol.56, No.1, p.1-5. Illus. 20 ref.

1994

CIS 95-991 Brock C.D.
Multiple chemical sensitivities - A presenting complaint in two patients
The nature and causes of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) are discussed. MCS is an acquired disorder characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in response to demonstrable exposure to many chemically unrelated compounds at doses far below those established in the general population to cause harmful effects. Differences of opinion as to whether the disorder is due to chemical exposure or has a psychological basis are presented and two case studies illustrate difficulties in diagnosis. A differential diagnosis of the disorder is suggested along with an approach to management.
Journal of Agromedicine, 1994, Vol.1, No.1, p.47-55. 11 ref.

CIS 95-146 Meggs W. J.
RADS and RUDS - The toxic induction of asthma and rhinitis
Occupational asthma arises from acute or chronic exposure to airborne substances in the workplace. Reactive airways dysfunction syndrome (RADS) is an asthma-like condition that develops after a single exposure to a respiratory irritant. Reactive upper-airways dysfunction syndrome is chronic rhinitis associated with exposure to a respiratory irritant and persisting after the exposure. Inflammation of the airway may be due to immunological processes involving immunoglobulin E antibodies, or neurogenic processes involving the release of mediators by sensory nerve endings. Non-protein "environmental adjuvants" may aggravate immunogenic inflammation. Neurogenic inflammation may be implicated in sick building syndrome and multiple chemical sensitivity as well as in asthma and rhinitis. The prevalence and incidence of asthma has increased in industrialized countries in recent decades; the evolution of rhinitis is unknown. More data on exposures, on the inter-relationship of various syndromes and on the susceptibility of individuals and groups are needed.
Journal of Toxicology - Clinical Toxicology, Sep. 1994, Vol.32, No.5, p.487-501. Illus. 84 ref.

CIS 94-1931 Deitchman S.
Occupational and environmental medicine
A brief review of recent developments in occupational and environmental medicine is presented. Topics covered: the need for better occupational health training among new medical graduates; consideration of parents' occupations when evaluating children's diseases; increased risk of hearing loss associated with exposure to both noise and solvents; multiple chemical sensitivity (environmental illness); assessment of both physical and psychosocial factors in the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders; infection control in health care facilities; violence in the workplace; adverse health effects of air pollution.
Journal of the American Medical Association, 1 June 1994, Vol.271, No.21, p.1691-1692. 17 ref.

CIS 94-1539 Clinical approach to the chemically exposed worker
This document contains material presented at a training course on clinical aspects of chemical exposure. Topics covered: scope of chemical exposure and exposure assessment; pesticide exposure as a prototype neurotoxin; renal and hepatotoxicity in the solvent-exposed worker; chemical toxicity of the lung - acute and chronic considerations; assessing chemical hazards to reproduction; clinical assessment of workers with multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome; workers' compensation - policy considerations for impairment and disability rating.
Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, SC-34 Seattle, Washington 98195, USA, 1994. 164p. Illus. Bibl.ref.

1992

CIS 94-289 Cone J.E., Sult T.A.
Acquired intolerance to solvents following pesticide/solvent exposure in a building - A new group of workers at risk for multiple chemical sensitivities?
This study describes an incident involving resort hotel workers who reported various symptoms most likely associated with pesticide applications to control cockroach infestation. Many of these workers subsequently developed acquired intolerance to pesticides, solvents, or other agents, suggesting multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). The accepted hypothesis for the outbreak is that it represents acute and chronic poisoning with a cholinesterase-inhibiting pesticide, probably the carbamate pesticide Baygon, mixed with organic solvent carriers. It is noted that in two previous building-associated pesticide poisoning cases there were far fewer MCS-like symptoms reported. It is suggested that the difference in the outbreak under review may be the ongoing nature of the exposure, namely that the repeated applications of pesticides and carriers in the same environment contrast with the evacuation and clean-up that occurred in the other two building outbreaks.
Toxicology and Industrial Health, July-Aug. 1992, Vol.8, No.4, p.29-39. Illus. 8 ref.

CIS 94-288 Simon G.E.
Epidemic multiple chemical sensitivity in an industrial setting
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.
Toxicology and Industrial Health, July-Aug. 1992, Vol.8, No.4, p.41-46. 6 ref.

CIS 93-885 Berg M., Arnetz B.B., Lidén S., Eneroth P., Kallner A.
Techno-stress - A psychophysiological study of employees with VDU-associated skin complaints
Little is known about the causes of health complaints associated with work with video display units (VDUs). The symptoms are to a large degree similar to those of "multiple chemical sensitivity." We observed 47 white-collar employees with and without VDU-associated skin complaints during a regular workday and a day of leisure. VDU workers with skin symptoms had higher levels of the stress-sensitive hormones thyroxin and prolactin compared with employees without symptoms. They also had lower levels of the anabolic hormone testosterone during work. VDU workers with skin complaints also reported more occupational mental strain. A model is proposed in which physiological signals act as unconditioned stimuli and the VDU environment as the conditioned stimulus.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, July 1992, Vol.34, No.7, p.698-701. 18 ref.

CIS 93-346 Fiedler N., Maccia C., Kipen H.
Evaluation of chemically sensitive patients
An increasing number of patients have been presenting with multiple symptoms they attribute to low-level chemical exposures, i.e. multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS). Although some studies have evaluated such patients, the selection criteria has not been rigorously defined. The present study is the first to use a relatively rigorous definition of MCS to select patients for study. Comprehensive evaluation of medical, psychiatric, neuropsychological, and immunological status of a series of MCS patients is presented. In contrast to previous studies, patients in this study did not have a history of psychiatric disorder. However, some patients were currently depressed. Neuropsychological assessment did not reveal any abnormalities with the exception of one test of verbal memory for which performance was consistently poor relative to the normative sample. No significant immunological abnormalities were noted.
Journal of Occupational Medicine, May 1992, Vol.34, No.5, p.529-538. Illus. 33 ref.

1991

CIS 92-536 Hileman B.
Multiple chemical sensitivity
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is illness related to low-level exposure to environmental factors that are tolerated by the population at large; reactions to well-recognised allergens are not included. MCS has been discussed in the medical literature, under a variety of names, for at least 40yrs. The lack of a clear definition or diagnostic test impedes estimation of its prevalence, but 4 groups of sufferers can be identified: industrial workers; occupants of poorly ventilated buildings, including office workers and schoolchildren; residents of highly polluted areas; individuals exposed to certain consumer products, drugs or pesticides. Several mechanisms have been proposed, but all are highly speculative.
Chemical and Engineering News, 22 July 1991, Vol.69, No.29, p.26-42. Bibl.ref. Offprints available from American Chemical Society, Distribution, Room 210, 1155 16th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, USA. Price: USD 10.00.

CIS 91-779 Recent developments in occupational medicine
Course material (most of it reproducing articles from scientific periodicals) for a 1-day seminar for occupational physicians, held in Seattle (WA, USA) on 1 Mar. 1991. Subjects covered (among others): clinical ecology; a prospective clinical and virologic study of chronic fatigue; nystatin therapy for the candidiasis hypersensitivity syndrome; study of fibromyalgia; recent trends in occupational diseases (classified by type of disorder); some new problems (dioxin, VDTs, sick-building syndrome, multiple chemical sensitivities); respiratory diseases in agriculture; occupational and environmental factors associated with Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease; detection of occupational liver disease; prevention and surveillance of occupational respiratory diseases.
Northwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety, Department of Environmental Health, SC-34, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA, 1991. 1 vol. Illus. Bibl.ref.

1987

CIS 90-508 Cullen M.R.
Occupational medicine - Workers with multiple chemical sensitivities
Collection of major review articles, each accompanied by many references. Contents: part one - an overview on the workers with multiple chemical sensitivities, the epidemiology of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS); part two - views of the pathophysiology of MCS - disorders of immune regulation, immunologic critique of clinical ecology theories and practice, a psychiatrist's view on MCS; part three - diagnostic approaches to MCS - environmental evaluation of workers with MCS, biochemical abnormalities in patients with MCS, patients with MCS (clinical diagnostic subsets among an occupational health clinic population), workers with MCS (a psychiatric approach to diagnosis and treatment); part four - management on the worker with MCS - biological intervention in the treatment of patients with MCS, management of patients with MCS at occupational health clinics, summary and directions for future investigators.
Hanley and Belfus, Inc., Medical Publishers, P.O. Box 1377, Philadelphia, PA 19105-9990, USA, Oct.-Dec. 1987. p.655-806. Bibl. Index. Price: USD 29.00 (outside the US: USD 34.00, airmail: USD 40.00).