Stanley M. Caress, PhD, Environmental Studies, State University of West Georgia, 128 Maple Street, Carrollton, GA 30118, 770 8364569, scaress@westga.edu

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and several other federal health agencies report that hypersensitivity to low levels of common chemicals is a ubiquitous problem that requires extensive additional study. While there have been regional population studies to determine the prevalence of hypersensitivity to low levels of common chemicals (multiple chemical sensitivities), there have been heretofore no studies to determine its national prevalence. This study determines the national prevalence of chemical hypersensitivity and the medical diagnosis of multiple chemical sensitivities, and also investigates etiology and symptomatology. This study utilizes 1,054 randomly selected cases from the continental United States to produce a national sample, with a 95% confidence level and a confidence interval of plus or minus 3%. Random digital dialed numbers, weighted for geographical region, were used to construct the sample. A pre-tested, twenty-two item questionnaire was utilized as the research implement. It obtained data on hypersensitivity, severity, potential causation factors and triggers, and demographic characteristics of respondents. 11.2% of the sample reported an unusual sensitivity to common chemical products, such as fresh paint, perfume, new carpeting, and pesticides. Additionally, 2.5% had been diagnosed by a medical professional as having multiple chemical sensitivities, and 31.1% of the respondents report an aversion to fragranced products, while 17.6% experience adverse physical reactions to air fresheners. The hypersensitivity was reported more by females and respondents in the over 50 age group, but it affected individuals in all age, gender, educational, and racial/ethnic groups studied.

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