Prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities: a population-based study in the southeastern United States

Am J Public Health. 2004 May;94(5):746-7. doi: 10.2105/ajph.94.5.746.

Abstract

We examined the prevalence of multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), a hypersensitivity to common chemical substances. We used a randomly selected sample of 1582 respondents from the Atlanta, Ga, standard metropolitan statistical area. We found that 12.6% of our sample reported the hypersensitivity and that, while the hypersensitivity is more common in women, it is experienced by both men and women of a variety of ages and educational levels. Our prevalence for MCS is similar to that (15.9%) found by the California Department of Health Services in California and suggests that the national prevalence may be similar.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Environmental Exposure*
  • Epidemiologic Studies
  • Female
  • Georgia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Prevalence
  • Risk Factors
  • Surveys and Questionnaires