Identification of responsible volatile chemicals that induce hypersensitive reactions to multiple chemical sensitivity patients

Abstract

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) has become a serious problem as a result of airtight techniques in modern construction. The mechanism of the MCS, however, has not been clarified. Responsible chemicals and their exposure levels for patient's hypersensitive reactions need to be identified. We measured the exposure of 15 MCS patients to both carbonyl compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may induce hypersensitive reactions. The exposures of those not suffering from MCS (non-MCS individuals) were also measured at the same time. To characterize the chemicals responsible for MCS symptoms, we applied a new sampling strategy for the measurement of carbonyls and VOCs using active and passive sampling methods. The results of our study clearly demonstrated that the chemicals responsible for such hypersensitive reactions varied from patient to patient. Moreover, the concentrations during hypersensitive symptoms, which were apparent in some of the MCS patients, were far below both the WHO and the Japanese indoor guidelines. The average exposure levels of MCS patients within a 7-day period were lower than those of paired non-MCS individuals except for a few patients who were exposed to chemicals in their work places. This result indicates that the MCS patients try to keep away from exposures to the chemical compounds that cause some symptoms.

Symptoms in relation to chemicals and dampness in newly built dwellings

“…Quality control and quality assurance, that is, breakthrough, recovery efficiency, and reproducibility, have been described previously (Shinohara et al 2003(Shinohara et al , 2004. Table 4 shows lower limits of determination (LLDs).…”

“…The measurement methods referred to Shinohara et al (2003Shinohara et al ( , 2004. Aldehydes were collected with 2, 4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH)-coated silica cartridges (Waters Sep-Pak Xposure, Waters, Milford, Mass., USA) over a 1-week period in the living room.…”

Distribution of Indoor Concentrations and Emission Sources of Formaldehyde in Japanese Residences

“…Many people are suffering from sick building syndrome (SBS), sick house syndrome (SHS), and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in such houses. Formaldehyde has been reported to be one of the chemical substances responsible for causing SBS, SHS, and MCS symptoms, such as eye irritation, respiratory tract irritation, dizziness, fatigue, and neurotoxicity (Kim et al, 2000;Paustenbach et al, 1997;Shinohara et al, 2004). In addition, formaldehyde was reported to be a human carcinogen (IARC 2006).…”

Double-blind non-controlled chemical challenge with environmental toxicological assessment in a Multiple Chemical Sensitivity case

“…Provocation test and odor perception differences were also proposed to discriminate MCS patients from controls [8][9][10]. Seldom environmental toxicological investigations in situ, for example, personal sampling [11] or air sampling [12] were used to assess the exposure.…”