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. 2018 Mar;60(3):e152-e156.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001272.

National Prevalence and Effects of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Anne Steinemann  1
Affiliations

National Prevalence and Effects of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities

Anne Steinemann. J Occup Environ Med. 2018 Mar.

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.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest.

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