Quick Environmental Exposure Research Articles

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

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.

A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity.

To evaluate the efficacy of transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on functional impairments and symptom severity in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients. The study was conducted as a nationwide trial in Denmark using a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind and placebo-controlled design. Sample size was estimated at 40 participants. Eligibility criteria were age 18-75 years and fulfilment of the MCS case criteria. Participants received either PEMF or placebo PEMF (no stimulation) applied transcranially for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Life Impact Scale (LIS) of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Secondary outcomes were the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and the Chemical Intolerance Scale of QEESI. A total of 39 participants were randomised to PEMF or placebo treatment. No significant difference was observed on QEESI LIS between groups with a mean change score of -5.9 in the PEMF group compared with -1.5 in the placebo group (p=0.35, effect size=-0.31). However, a significant decrease was detected on QEESI SSS within and between groups with a mean change score of -11.3 in the PEMF group compared with -3.2 in the placebo group (p=0.03, effect size=-0.60). PEMF treatment of 6 weeks showed no effect on functional impairments in MCS. However, a significant decrease in symptom severity was observed.

Noise sensitivity and hyperacusis in patients affected by multiple chemical sensitivity.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of noise sensitivity and hyperacusis in patients suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a chronic condition characterized by several symptoms following low-level chemical exposure. Moreover, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) were performed to further study cochlear function. A questionnaire-based survey was performed. Eighteen MCS patients, selected with strict diagnostic criteria, and 20 healthy age- and gender-matched subjects filled Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire (WNS) and Khalfa's Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ). Results were compared with scores from the quick Environmental Exposure Sensitivity Index (qEESI), a routinarily used questionnaire to screen MCS symptoms, and with DPOAE values. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed between MCS and control subjects scores; moreover, Spearman's rank correlation test was performed between questionnaire results. ANOVA testing on DPOAE values showed any significant difference between groups, while WNS, HQ and qEESI scores were significantly higher in MCS group compared to controls. Correlation analysis showed strong positive correlation between WNS, HQ and qEESI in MCS subjects. For the first time, auditory-related perceptual disorders were studied in MCS. A strong association between WNS, HQ results and MCS symptoms severity has been highlighted. These findings suggest that decreased sound tolerance and noise sensitivity could be considered as possible new aspects of this syndrome, contributing to its peculiar phenotype. Furthermore, as DPOAE values did not differ from healthy subjects, present findings might suggest a 'central' source for such disorders in this group of patients.

Multiple chemical sensitivity: Clinical evaluation of the severity and psychopathological profile

Introduction and objectiveMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem disorder of controversial aetiology, affecting some subjects when exposed to chemicals at no harmful concentrations. The objective of this paper is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and psychological features of a sample of patients with MCS for further specific group treatment. Patients and methodDescriptive study of patients diagnosed with MCS in a toxicology unit. We administered the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, the structured interview SCID-II, the anxiety scale HAS and the type A personality test, PCTA. ResultsSeventy-three patients were included. The mean age was 52.6 years (range 33–77; SD 9.29). Sixty-six were females (90.4%). Fifty-three percent were classified as I–II and II grade. Sixty-one patients (83%) presented some type of comorbidity, mainly chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. They exhibited higher levels of anxiety (average score of 19.2), prevalence of phobic-avoidant traits of personality and type A behaviour in 31.1%. ConclusionsMCS affects middle-aged women with comorbidities (chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue) and high anxiety and avoidance behaviours. This preliminary analysis should help provide a specific therapeutic approach to these patients.

Lack of contralateral suppression in transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions in multiple chemical sensitivity: a clinical correlation study.

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic disorder characterized by a variety of symptoms associated with the exposure to chemicals at a concentration below the toxic level. Previous studies have demonstrated peculiar responses in brain activity in these patients with respect to sensory stimuli while the association between chemical sensitivity and other environmental intolerances such as noise sensitivity has been questioned by researchers. In this study, a cohort of 18 MCS patients underwent transient-evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) testing with and without contralateral suppression to evaluate the functionality of the medial olivocochlear (MOC) reflex involved in speech-in-noise sensitivity. Results were compared with an age- and gender-matched control group (n = 20) and correlation analysis with disease onset and quick environmental exposure sensitivity inventory (qEESI) symptom severity scale was performed. Subjects affected by MCS showed statistically significant impairment of MOC reflex, and the onset of the disease and several symptom subscales showed to be correlated to such reduction in some of the frequencies tested. These data suggest that alterations of MOC reflex could be part of the complex features of this disease although more studies are needed to further explore auditory perception disorders in environmental intolerances.

구미공단 불화수소 누출사고 주변 지역 근로자들의 화학물질과민증 유병률

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence rate of multiple chemical sensitivity/idiopathic environmental intolerance(MCS/IEI) among workers in the Gumi industrial complex around the region of accidental release of hydrogen fluoride in 2012. Materials: We evaluated MCS/IEI using the Korean version of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory(QEESI). A total of 535 workers at six manufacturing companies in the Gumi industrial complex were investigated using self-administered questionnaires from February to March 2015. After exclusion of incompletely answered questionnaires, 271 were analyzed. Results: The prevalence rate and proved positive rate of MCS/IEI were 5.9%(16 out of 271) and 3.7%(10 out of 271), respectively. The scores of chemical intolerance, other intolerance, symptom severity and life impact were significantly higher(p<0.05) in females than those of males. In terms of masking index scores, males showed significantly higher(p=0.003) than female. The self-reported MCS/IEI prevalence rate, 7.7%, of workers exposed to hydrogen fluoride in 2012 was higher than no-exposure group(5.6%), but not statistically significant(p=0.815). Conclusions: Although the prevalence rate of MCS/IEI symptoms of workers exposed to hydrogen fluoride gas in 2012 was not significantly higher than no-exposure group, it is necessary to conduct follow-up study on the exposure group of hydrogen fluoride.

Sensibilidad química múltiple: evaluación clínica de la gravedad y perfil psicopatológico

Introduction and objectiveMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a multisystem disorder of controversial etiology, affecting some subjects when exposed to chemicals at no harmful concentrations. The objective of this paper is to describe the epidemiological, clinical and psychological features of a sample of patients with MCS for further specific group treatment. Patiens and methodDescriptive study of patients diagnosed with MCS in a toxicology unit. We administered the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, the structured interview SCID-II, the anxiety scale HAS and the type A personality test, PCTA. ResultsSeventy-three patients were included. The mean age was 52,6 years (range 33-77; SD 9.29). Sixty-six were females (90.4%). Fifty-three percent were classified as i-ii and ii grade. Sixty-one patients (83%) presented some type of comorbidity, mainly chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue. They exhibited higher levels of anxiety (average score of 19.2), prevalence of phobic-avoidant traits of personality and type A behavior in 31.1%. ConclusionsMCS affects middle-aged women with comorbidities (chronic pain, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue) and high anxiety and avoidance behaviors. This preliminary analysis should help provide a specific therapeutic approach to these patients.

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS): Results from a randomized controlled trial with 1 year follow-up

ObjectiveMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a medically unexplained condition characterized by symptoms from multiple organ systems following the perception of common odorants. The condition can cause severe functional impairment for afflicted individuals. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) for individuals with MCS. MethodsThe intention-to-treat sample (ITT) included 69 individuals who had been randomized to either MBCT or treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome measure was the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI), which measures the following aspects of MCS: impact of MCS on daily life, symptoms, and reactions following chemical exposures. Secondary outcome measures included the Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) and the anxiety and depression subscales of the symptom checklist 92 (SCL-92). Participants were assessed at baseline and post treatment, and at follow-up periods of 6- and 12-months. ResultsWe found no effect of MBCT on the primary outcome, nor did we find an effect on levels of depression or anxiety. We did, however, find positive changes in illness perceptions, which were sustained at 12-month follow-up. Dropout rates were low, suggesting MBCT was well received and regarded as an acceptable intervention by individuals with MCS. ConclusionsOverall, these results suggest that MBCT does not change overall illness status in individuals with MCS, but that MBCT positively changes emotional and cognitive representations. Possible explanations for these results are discussed.

Maternal Chemical and Drug Intolerances: Potential Risk Factors for Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

The aim of this study was to assess whether chemically intolerant women are at greater risk for having a child with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We conducted a case-control study of chemical intolerance among mothers of children with ASD (n = 282) or ADHD (n = 258) and children without these disorders (n = 154). Mothers participated in an online survey consisting of a validated chemical intolerance screening instrument, the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Cases and controls were characterized by parental report of a professional diagnosis. We used a one-way, unbalanced analysis of variance to compare means across the 3 groups. Both mothers of children with ASD or ADHD had significantly higher mean chemical intolerance scores than did mothers of controls, and they were more likely to report adverse reactions to drugs. Chemically intolerant mothers were 3 times more likely (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-6.02) to report having a child with autism or 2.3 times more likely (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% confidence interval, 1.12-5.04) to report a child with ADHD. Relative to controls, these mothers report their children are more prone to allergies (P < .02), have strong food preferences or cravings (P < .003), and have greater sensitivity to noxious odors (P < .04). These findings suggest a potential association between maternal chemical intolerance and a diagnosis of ADHD or ASD in their offspring.

Evaluation of suffering in individuals with multiple chemical sensitivity

Qualitative studies show that patients suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) or Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) are aware of health-care professionals’ non-awareness of the disease, making communication difficult. The objective of this paper is to describe the suffering in individuals with MCS and to assess the disease's impact on each measured dimension of suffering by means of a descriptive and correlational study. A sample of 125 subjects fill out a survey consisting of three scales for assessing the impact of MCS and three scales for assessing suffering. The results show that MCS affects mostly women. Assessment with the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) showed that participants have high levels of disease. The physical sphere of suffering is the most affected, followed by the psychological and the existential. There are high correlations between the QEESI and suffering scales. A multivariate regression equation explained 38.2% of the variance of suffering observed. We conclude that MCS generates physical, psychological, and existential suffering. Severity of symptoms is the variable that generates most suffering, followed by life impact. Psychological distress is marked by anxiety or worry and lack of gaiety; existential suffering reveals thoughts of failure and lack of inner harmony. A detailed description of suffering in MCS is a useful basis for therapy. Lack of awareness among health-care personnel implies inattention of these patients within the general health-care service. With this investigation we hope to raise awareness of this emerging disease in order to improve the communication between health-care workers and patients.

Study of the different Cutoff Point of the QEESI Questionnaire as a Screening Tool for Sick Building Syndrome Diagnosis in Taiwan

The Indoor Air Quality Management Act in Taiwan formally came into effect in November 2012 to protect public health. Studies have reported that public and private buildings in Taiwan currently have been facing pollution problems regarding indoor air quality (IAQ), which threatens the health of occupants.1), 2)To clarify the correlation between the indoor air environment and influences on human health by using an economical and efficient method, the United States, Japan, and other countries use screening tools first to understand the health effects on building occupants, and, subsequently, adopt appropriate examination methods once primary influential factors are identified. To enable the integration of research results from Taiwan with those from abroad, this study introduced the quick environmental exposure and sensitivity inventory (QEESI) questionnaire, which the United States, Japan, and other countries have implemented for many years. In this study, the applicability of the QEESI questionnaire in screening sick building syndrome (SBS) in Taiwan was examined by observing the association between the QEESI score and IAQ survey results. The results from Taiwan were compared with those from the United States and Japan. A questionnaire concerning personal and residential environmental factors was also incorporated to identify factors with significant predictive power for the QEESI score.The following conclusions were derived from this study.1. The correlation between the IAQ survey values and the QEESI score indicates the capability of the QEESI questionnaire to identify problems related to sick buildings and to serve as a screening tool for SBS in Taiwan.2. Currently, using the cutoff points proposed by Japanese researchers3-5) to judge the QEESI score can optimally enhance the correlation between the IAQ survey results and the QEESI scores for people in Taiwan.3. Eight factors with significant predictively power for the QEESI score include gender, age, an understanding of the mechanism of SBS occurrence, allergy history, building type, air ventilation, the use of deodorants and fragrances, and smoking. These factors can serve as key points when performing on-site examinations.

Multiple chemical sensitivity worsens quality of life and cognitive and sensorial features of sense of smell

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by a loss of tolerance to a variety of environmental chemicals. Multiple chemical sensitivity is frequently triggered by exposure to chemical agents, especially insecticides. The aim of the study was to measure the sense of smell and quality of life in patients with MCS compared to the control group. We studied the sense of smell, both sensitive and sensorial characteristics, in female patients with MCS (n = 58, mean 50.5 ± 8.5 years) and healthy female volunteers without rhinosinusal pathologies (n = 60, mean age 46 ± 10.2 years). Olfactometry (Barcelona Smell Test 24/BAST-24), sinonasal symptoms (visual analogue scale/VAS 0-100 mm), and quality of life (Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory/QEESI) were assessed. Multiple chemical sensitivity patients showed a significant impairment in smell identification (19 ± 12 %; p > 0.05) and forced choice (62 ± 18 %; p > 0.05), but not in smell detection (96 ± 4 %) compared to the control group. Multiple chemical sensitivity patients reported more odours as being intense and irritating and less fresh and pleasant when compared with the control group. Patients scored a high level (40-100) on QEESI questionnaire (symptom severity, chemical intolerances, other intolerances, life impact). In MCS patients, total symptom intensity (VAS/0-700 mm) score was 202 ± 135, while disease severity score was 80 ± 23. The most frequent symptoms were itching and posterior rhinorrhea. Multiple chemical sensitivity patients have an impairment in smell cognitive abilities (odour identification and forced choice, but not for detection) with increased smell hypersensitivity and poor quality of life.

Prevalence and interannual changes in multiple chemical sensitivity in Japanese workers

We aimed to evaluate the prevalence rates and interannual fluctuations in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in Japanese workers. We assessed MCS using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, employing both Miller and Japanese criteria. Workers of two manufacturing companies located in Kyushu, Japan, were assessed, with company A surveyed in 2003, 2006 and 2011, and company B in 2003 and 2011. In company A, the Miller criteria-based MCS prevalence rate was higher in 2011 than in 2003, and according to the Japanese criteria, it was higher in 2011 than 2006. In company B, the Miller criteria-based MCS prevalence rate was lower in 2011 than in 2003. The results indicated that MCS exists among industrial workers in Japan. We found no statistically significant interannual changes in MCS rates.

Allergic diseases and multiple chemical sensitivity in korean adults.

PurposeMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a clinical syndrome representing multi-organ and psychological symptoms caused by chronic exposure to various chemicals in low concentrations. We evaluated the prevalence and related factors of MCS targeting Korean adults using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI©).MethodsA total of 446 participants were recruited from Severance Hospital. Participants underwent a questionnaire interview including questions on sociodemographic factors, occupational and environmental factors, allergic diseases, and the QEESI©. Among them, 379 participants completed the questionnaire and the QEESI©. According to the QEESI© interpretation results, participants were divided into very suggestive (VS) group and less suggestive (LS) group.ResultsThe estimated prevalence of MCS was higher in allergic patients than non-allergic participants (19.7% and 11.3%, respectively, P=0.04). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, ages of 30-39 (OR, 2.94; 95% CI, 1.25-6.95) and those of 40-49 (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.02-6.21) were significantly related to MCS compared to those aged less than 30 years. Female sex (OR, 2.16; 95% CI, 1.11-4.18), experience of dwelling in a new house (OR, 2.05; 95% CI, 1.04-4.03), and atopic dermatitis (OR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.04-3.69) were also significantly related to MCS. However, only age of 30-39 in the allergic group was significant in the stratified analysis.ConclusionsThe estimated prevalence of MCS was higher among allergic patients than non-allergic participants. People with experience of dwelling in a new house and atopic dermatitis were more at risk of being intolerant to chemicals. Further studies to provide the nationally representative prevalence data and clarify risk factors and mechanisms of MCS are required.

Noise Sensitivity and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Noise sensitivity is a personality trait covering attitudes to noise in general. Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is the most commonly used label for clinical chemical intolerance. This study aimed to investigate if the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale and Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory's (QEESI) Chemical Intolerance Subscale differentiate noise sensitivity and MCS as different entities. In 2002, 327 individuals (166 men, 161 women; age range 45–66 years) from the Finnish Twin Cohort answered a questionnaire. Factor analyses of the questionnaire items indicated the presence of three factors - Noise Sensitivity, Chemical Sensitivity, and Ability to Concentrate factors. Among all subjects, the Noise Sensitivity Factor was associated with neuroticism and smoking, and the Chemical Sensitivity Factor was associated with allergies and alcohol use. The study indicates that the Weinstein's Noise Sensitivity Scale and QEESI's Chemical Intolerance Subscale differentiate noise sensitivity and MCS as different entities.

A nationwide survey to elucidate the population susceptible to chemicals in Japan: trends in population characteristics in recent decades

Susceptibility to chemical exposure may be related to the induction of medically unexplained syndromes such as sick building syndrome (SBS), multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), and idiopathic environmental intolerance. SBS in housing is called Sick House Syndrome (SHS) in Japan. These syndromes have been issues of concern in the field of public health during the past two decades. The government ministries have taken effective measures such as guidelines for indoor air quality. We conducted a nationwide questionnaire survey to examine trends in the characteristics of the susceptible population to chemicals in the recent decade. A web based-survey was conducted in January 2012. Questionnaires to obtain information on symptoms, psychosomatic states, and the Quick Environment Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) were administered to a general adult population randomly selected from approximately one million monitors registered in a leading online research company on the basis of Japanese demographic data. A total of 7245 individuals responded. The proportion of respondents diagnosed with MCS and SHS was 1.02% and 0.97%. The combined cut-off scores of three scales provided by Miller indicated that the prevalence of high susceptibility to chemical exposure was 4.4% among the general population, while the scores of two scales indicated that the prevalence of moderate susceptibility to chemical exposure was 7.7%. Our previous study conducted in July 2000 by means of an interview indicated that the corresponding percentages were 0.81%, 0.53%, 0.74%, and 2.1%, respectively. Lack of vigor, irritability, fatigue, anxiety, depressed mood, and somatic symptoms significantly increased with an increase in scores of the three scales (p &lt; 0.001). QEESI scores were influenced by the psychosomatic state. Our study suggests that the prevalence of MCS and SHS as well as high susceptibility to chemical exposure still exist among the general population after a gap of 11 years.

Evaluation of Genetic Polymorphisms in Patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

ObjectiveMultiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic medical condition characterized by symptoms that the affect an individual’s response to low-level chemical exposure. In this study, we identified a chemical sensitive population (CSP) and investigated the effect of genetic polymorphisms on their risk of chemical sensitivity.MethodsA quick environment exposure sensitivity (QEESI) questionnaire was used to survey 324 Japanese male workers whose DNA samples had been collected and stored. The following genes, which encode enzymes affecting the metabolic activation of a large number of xenobiotic compounds, were selected and analyzed in order to determine their influence on genetic predisposition to CSP: cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2E1, N-acetyl transferase (NAT) 2, glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, GSTT1, GSTP1, low Km aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) 2.ResultsSignificant case-control distributed differences were observed in SOD2 polymorphisms and allele frequency distribution in high chemical sensitive subjects. Both the significant adjusted OR of 4.30 (95% CI, 1.23–15.03) and 4.53 (95% CI, 1.52-13.51) were observed in SOD2 Ala/Ala and Val/Ala compared to Val/Val and in SOD2 Ala/Ala compared to Val/Ala compared to Val/Val genetic analysis in the high chemical sensitivity case-control study.ConclusionsWe observed that high chemical sensitive individuals diagnosed by using Japanese criteria as MCS patients were more significantly associated with SOD2 polymorphisms.

Syndrome d’intolérance aux odeurs chimiques (SIOC) : un diagnostic à ne pas manquer. Épidémiologie, diagnostic, traitement

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition, which belongs to the group of medically unexplained syndromes. Patients (men as well as women) complain of many subjective symptoms such as nose and mouth irritation, sore throat, dyspnea, tiredness, dizziness, headache and concentration difficulties. Patient typically report at least four or five symptoms occurring when they are exposed to particular substances, at a very low concentration that usually does not cause symptoms or harm in normal individuals. The common feature of products that appear to be responsible (either occupational or domestic) is that they have a strong smell and include: solvent, paint, glue, tar, oil, pesticides, perfume, cosmetics and spray products. MCS is nowadays considered to be one aspect of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) whose other main aspect is hypersensitivity to electromagnetic fields. If the diagnosis is suspected clinically it can be confirmed using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI©) self-questionnaire. MCS is often misdiagnosed as asthma or an allergic conditions which means that patients are frequently referred to respiratory and allergy specialists. Misdiagnosis can lead to many futile medical investigations. Psychotherapy can improve quality of life in some cases. Preventive measures are often ineffective and do not stop the condition worsening: hypersensitivity can spread to common environmental odors so that a few people become severely disabled and limited in their workplace as well as in private life. In France, 435 cases were registered in the university hospital occupational disease departments network (RNV3P) during the period 2007–2010. It is therefore important that every clinician be able to recognize the condition and ensure that their patients could get compensation when unable to go on working.

Prevalence and Related Factors of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Patients Having Allergic Diseases

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a kind of syndrome characterized by multi-organ symptoms caused by various chemical exposures. However its prevalence is varied in worldwide. We evaluated prevalence and related factors of MCS in patients having allergic diseases using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) questionnaire, a good screening tool for MCS.

Traducción y adaptación transcultural del cuestionario Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory a la población española

ObjectiveTo perform the translation and cross-cultural adaptation of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) for the Spanish population. Patients and methodsSeventy-seven patients diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and 154 subjects without the syndrome, matched by sex and age, were included in this cross-sectional study. A translation, back-translation and a cross-cultural adaptation of the original questionnaire were performed. Subsequently, the Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the median score by scale between the subjects previously diagnosed and undiagnosed. Internal consistency by scale was analyzed (Cronbach's α). ResultsSignificant higher median score was found in subjects previously diagnosed on 4 out of 5 scales (P<.001). Good internal consistency was found in these 4 scales. Previously diagnosed subjects presented lower median scores on the Masking Index scale (P<.001). ConclusionsExcept for the Masking Index, the scales present strong potential for detecting cases of MCS among symptomatic subjects.