Abstract
Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), its co-occurrence with asthma and fragrance sensitivity, and effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products.Methods:A nationally representative cross-sectional population-based sample of adult Americans (n = 1137) was surveyed in June 2016.Results:Among the population, 12.8% report medically diagnosed MCS and 25.9% report chemical sensitivity. Of those with MCS, 86.2% experience health problems, such as migraine headaches, when exposed to fragranced consumer products; 71.0% are asthmatic; 70.3% cannot access places that use fragranced products such as air fresheners; and 60.7% lost workdays or a job in the past year due to fragranced products in the workplace.Conclusion:Prevalence of diagnosed MCS has increased over 300%, and self-reported chemical sensitivity over 200%, in the past decade. Reducing exposure to fragranced products could help reduce adverse health and societal effects.
Highlights
Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) is a medical condition characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to common chemicals and pollutants, from products such as pesticides, new carpet and paint, renovation materials, diesel exhaust, cleaning supplies, perfume, scented laundry products, and air fresheners.[1,2] MCS can cause a range of acute, chronic, multiorgan, and disabling health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairment, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, nausea, mucous membrane irritation, and asthma attacks.[3]
Previous studies have found that MCS often cooccurs with asthma,[4] as well as fragrance sensitivity,[5] characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products.[6]
Data on fragranced product exposures and effects were derived from a survey of the general population,[6] while the present study focuses on effects on the subpopulations of individuals with MCS or chemical sensitivity
Summary
Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) is a medical condition characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to common chemicals and pollutants, from products such as pesticides, new carpet and paint, renovation materials, diesel exhaust, cleaning supplies, perfume, scented laundry products, and air fresheners.[1,2] MCS can cause a range of acute, chronic, multiorgan, and disabling health effects, such as headaches, dizziness, cognitive impairment, breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, nausea, mucous membrane irritation, and asthma attacks.[3] Individuals with MCS may not receive a diagnosis but exhibit the condition of chemical sensitivity. Previous studies have found that MCS often cooccurs with asthma,[4] as well as fragrance sensitivity,[5] characterized by adverse health effects from exposure to fragranced consumer products.[6]. MCS follows a two-step process of (i) initiation of the disease, often from exposure to petrochemical products, and (ii) triggering of symptoms when exposed to problematic chemicals, often at low
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