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A review of multiple chemical sensitivity
R A Graveling1, A Pilkington, J P George
1Institute of Occupational Medicine, Edinburgh.
Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|August 17, 1999
Summary
Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is recognized, though its prevalence may be overestimated. Current evidence suggests a physical origin, potentially involving the limbic system, but further research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Psychosomatic Medicine
Background:
- Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is characterized by symptoms in multiple organ systems triggered by low-level chemical exposures.
- Definitions and diagnostic criteria for MCS remain inconsistent across studies.
- The scientific literature on MCS encompasses various proposed etiologies and epidemiological data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the scientific literature concerning Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).
- To address two primary questions: the existence of MCS and its potential causes.
- To adopt a broad definition of MCS for the review, encompassing symptoms across multiple organ systems triggered by diverse chemicals.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted, identifying numerous references.
- Key papers were selected from the search results for in-depth analysis.
- The review focused on evaluating evidence for the existence and causation of MCS.
Main Results:
- While literature on MCS is extensive, unequivocal epidemiological evidence is lacking.
- Quantitative exposure data for MCS triggers are notably absent, and qualitative data are inconsistent.
- Evidence suggests MCS exists, but its prevalence may be exaggerated, and it is sometimes misdiagnosed.
Conclusions:
- The most compelling evidence points towards a physical mechanism involving limbic system sensitization as a cause of MCS.
- Psychological factors are increasingly recognized for their influence on physical illness, potentially impacting MCS predisposition and prognosis.
- Further research is essential to establish MCS prevalence and validate proposed causal mechanisms.
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