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Related Concept Videos

Gene-Environment Interactions01:20

Gene-Environment Interactions

Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
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Types of Toxins01:36

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
05:53

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 21, 2018

Overlap in prevalence between various types of environmental intolerance.

Eva Palmquist1, Anna-Sara Claeson1, Gregory Neely1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden.

International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
|September 14, 2013
PubMed
Summary

Environmental intolerance (EI) involves unexplained symptoms linked to exposures like chemicals and EMFs. This study found significant overlap between different EI types, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms or predispositions.

Keywords:
Environmental intoleranceMultiple chemical sensitivityNoise sensitivityOverlapPrevalenceSick building syndrome

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 7, 2026

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
05:53

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry

Published on: June 21, 2018

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Clinical Medicine
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Environmental intolerance (EI) presents as multisystem symptoms attributed to specific exposures.
  • Symptoms are medically unexplained, non-specific, and overlap across different EI types.
  • Understanding prevalence overlap may reveal underlying mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if the overlap in prevalence between chemical, building, electromagnetic field (EMF), and sound intolerance is greater than expected by chance.
  • To explore potential shared mechanisms or predispositions in individuals with EI.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional data from the Västerbotten Environmental Health Study in Sweden.
  • Analysis of self-reported and physician-diagnosed cases of four types of EI in 3406 adults.
  • Statistical comparison of observed overlaps against chance-based predictions.

Main Results:

  • Overlaps between the four EI types were significantly greater than predicted by coincidence for both self-reported and diagnosed cases.
  • An exception was noted for the overlap between diagnosed intolerance to sounds and EMFs.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between different forms of EI.

Conclusions:

  • The study indicates that different types of environmental intolerance may share common underlying mechanisms.
  • Alternatively, individuals experiencing EI might share a predisposition to developing these conditions.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific mechanisms involved.