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Suzuki T, Bai Y, Ohno Y. Prevalence and Factors Related to High Risk of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity among Japanese High School Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:934. [PMID: 39063510 PMCID: PMC11276707 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21070934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) onset in minors can greatly impact learning and future employment. This study investigated the prevalence of MCS and related factors in high school students to determine whether it was the same as in adults. A comprehensive survey was conducted on 80 high schools in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The survey incorporated the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, as well as items related to allergies, the living environment, and lifestyle. Of the 4630 students analyzed, according to Hojo's cut-off value, 9.0% were classified as high-risk for MCS and 77.9% reported some allergy-like symptoms. Significant factors associated with elevated MCS risk included female sex, having various allergic conditions, having experienced living in a new home or home renovations or extensions, proximity to environmental stressors (freeways, national highway, factories, rubbish dumps, or sources of offensive odors), insufficient physical activity (exercising less than once a week outside of physical education classes), having cold hands and feet, being fatigued, having a bedtime earlier than 11 p.m., and having moderate-frequent subjective stress. Overall, 9.0% of high school students in Japan are at high risk for MCS. Enhancing awareness of MCS-like symptoms and addressing allergies, living environments, and lifestyle habits may mitigate these symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamami Suzuki
- Graduate School of Nursing, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu 321-0293, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Bai
- Institutional Research Center, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu 321-0293, Japan;
| | - Yuko Ohno
- Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan;
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Hempel S, Danz M, Robinson KA, Bolshakova M, Rodriguez J, Mears A, Pham C, Yagyu S, Motala A, Tolentino D, Akbari O, Johnston J. Multiple chemical sensitivity scoping review protocol: overview of research and MCS construct. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072098. [PMID: 37739463 PMCID: PMC10533706 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has been characterised by reported adverse responses to environmental exposures of common chemical agents (eg, perfumes, paint, cleaning products and other inhaled or ingested agents) in low doses considered non-toxic for the general population. There is currently no consensus on whether MCS can be established as a distinct disorder. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The scoping review of the literature will be guided by five questions: How is MCS defined and which diagnostic criteria have been proposed? What methods are used to report prevalence and incidence estimates of MCS? What are the characteristics of the body of scientific evidence that addresses whether MCS is a distinct disorder or syndrome? What underlying mechanisms for MCS have been proposed in the scientific literature? Which treatment and management approaches for MCS have been evaluated in empirical research studies? We will conduct a comprehensive search in 14 research databases. Citation screening will be supported by machine learning algorithms. Two independent reviewers will assess eligibility of full-text publications against prespecified criteria. Data abstraction will support concise evidence tables. A formal consultation exercise will elicit input regarding the review results and presentation. The existing research evidence will be documented in a user-friendly visualisation in the format of an evidence map. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Determined to be exempt from review (UP-22-00516). Results will be disseminated through a journal manuscript and data will be publicly accessible through an online data repository. REGISTRATION DETAILS The protocol is registered in Open Science Framework (osf.io/4a3wu).
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Hempel
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Margie Danz
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Karen A Robinson
- Division of Health Science Informatics, John Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maria Bolshakova
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jesus Rodriguez
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Alanna Mears
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Cindy Pham
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sachi Yagyu
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Aneesa Motala
- Southern California Evidence Review Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Danica Tolentino
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Omid Akbari
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jill Johnston
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Lu X, Hojo S, Mizukoshi A, Katoh T. Prevalence and correlation of multiple chemical sensitivity and electromagnetic hypersensitivity with age, sex, and depression in the Japanese population: a retrospective study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1205. [PMID: 37344806 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16152-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, there are currently no definitive conclusions regarding the characteristics of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) and electromagnetic hypersensitivity (EHS). This study aimed to determine the prevalence and correlation of MCS and EHS with age, sex, and depression in the Japanese population. METHODS An anonymous self-report questionnaire was distributed to 2,007 participants. Variables such as MCS, EHS, depression score, and demographic characteristics were individually evaluated using the U-test, chi-squared test, and correlation analyses. Moreover, we performed a covariance structure analysis to build a structural equation model. RESULTS Older individuals and women were more likely to exhibit MCS and EHS symptoms. Moreover, depression was correlated with MCS and EHS. CONCLUSIONS Although MCS and EHS are strongly correlated, they exhibit distinct characteristics and symptoms, indicating that they can be regarded as separate conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Lu
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan.
| | - Sachiko Hojo
- Shokei Gakuin University, Natori, Miyagi, 981-1295, Japan
- Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Mizukoshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, 589-8511, Japan
| | - Takahiko Katoh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Patients Exposed to Moisture Damage at Work and in General Working-Age Population-The SAMDAW Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312296. [PMID: 34886041 PMCID: PMC8657242 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A considerable proportion of patients having respiratory tract or voice symptoms associated with workplace moisture damage (MD) could have multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). MCS is characterized by symptoms of different organ systems in association with low-level chemical exposure. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of MCS among patients referred to secondary health care because of respiratory or voice symptoms associated with workplace MD compared to the general working-age population. Using three subscales of the QEESI© questionnaire, we assessed MCS in the study patients and 1500 controls in the same district randomly selected from the Finnish Population Information System. Study patients had significantly more often high scores in chemical intolerance (39% vs. 23%, p = 0.001), symptom severity (60% vs. 27%, p < 0.001), and life impact subscales (53% vs. 20%, p < 0.001). Asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis, laryngeal problems, and atopy were not associated with the presence of MCS. MCS is common among patients referred to secondary health care with respiratory tract and/or voice symptoms associated with workplace MD, and it considerably affects their everyday life. MCS should be considered as a possible explanatory factor for MD-associated symptoms.
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Quarato M, De Maria L, Caputi A, Cavone D, Cannone ESS, Mansi F, Gatti MF, Vimercati L. A case report of idiopathic environmental intolerance: A controversial and current issue. Clin Case Rep 2020; 8:79-85. [PMID: 31998492 PMCID: PMC6982481 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.2535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this case of idiopathic environmental intolerance, a little known disease characterized by many symptoms of irritation due to exposure to several toxic compounds, genetic analysis could be helpful in case of differential diagnosis issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Quarato
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Luigi De Maria
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Antonio Caputi
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Domenica Cavone
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Enza Sabrina Silvana Cannone
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Francesca Mansi
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Maria Franca Gatti
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Luigi Vimercati
- Interdisciplinary Department of MedicineOccupational Medicine “B. Ramazzini”University of Bari Medical SchoolBariItaly
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Briones-Vozmediano E, Espinar-Ruiz E. How do women suffering from multiple chemical sensitivity experience the medical encounter? a qualitative study in Spain. Disabil Rehabil 2019; 43:1110-1120. [PMID: 31407924 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2019.1650297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is a condition principally suffered by women. As with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome, Multiple Chemical Sensitivity is usually included among the so called "contested illnesses", defined as illnesses whose cause, diagnosis, prevalence and even existence are subject to controversy. This article seeks to explore how women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity experience this contested illness, through their own descriptions of diagnostic processes, search for treatment and encounters with different health professionals. We aim to observe these experiences in detail and to identify aspects that could improve care for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity sufferers. METHOD Qualitative design. We performed personal in-depth interviews, which were recorded and transcribed to conduct a qualitative content analysis supported by Atlas.ti-7. SUBJECTS/PATIENTS 22 women diagnosed with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Spain. RESULTS Two main categories were identified in the interviews: (1) unavoidable barriers: patients' exposure to chemicals and the absence of treatment, and (2) Skepticism on the part of care providers and lack of recognition in the process of diagnosis. CONCLUSION Training and above all awareness raising strategies are needed to address health professionals' prejudices regarding the existence of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. These prejudices hinder diagnosis and medical follow-up, and add negative emotions to the physical limitations already suffered by patients.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Multiple Chemical SensitivityIt is important to promote a compassionate and empathetic attitude among health providers, in order to avoid rejection and delegitimization of the experiences of women with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.Multiple Chemical Sensitivity protocols should be developed and implemented to give skills to health professionals to assist patients with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.These protocols should include avoidance of exposure to chemicals present in healthcare facilities.Training programs for health providers should include not only knowledge, but awareness raising about the characteristics and severity of contested illnesses such as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.Health providers should avoid stigmatizing patients by psychologizing their symptoms and be aware of the existence of stereotypes regarding women suffering from Multiple Chemical Sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eva Espinar-Ruiz
- Department of Sociology II, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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