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Multiple Chemical Sensitivities |
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| Evaluation and Management |
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Limited information is available on effective control measures,
exposure assessments, and regulations dealing with multiple chemical
sensitivities (MCS). However, OSHA does regulate exposures to specific chemical hazards.
For additional information, see OSHA's Safety and Health Topics pages for Hazardous and Toxic Substances
and Ventilation.
Many physicians are uncertain how to approach the evaluation and care of persons
who have multiple symptoms attributed to low-level chemical exposure. The
identification of MCS is based largely on the patient's description of the
symptoms and the relationship of these symptoms to environmental exposures. The
following references provide information about the clinical evaluation process
and management of MCS.
- A
Report on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Interagency Workgroup
on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, (1998, August 24). Provides a public health evaluation of the extent and nature of MCS and
recommends future actions for federal agencies to consider.
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Case Studies in Environmental Medicine: Taking An Exposure
History. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
Also available as a 480 KB
PDF, 66 pages. Helps increase the primary care provider’s knowledge of
hazardous substances in the environment and to promote the adoption of medical
practices that aid in the evaluation and care of potentially exposed patients.
- Magill, M. and A. Suruda. "Multiple
Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome." American Family Physician 58.3(1998, September 1). Provides a
description of MCS and its symptoms. It also presents recommendations for
physicians' evaluation and management of the syndrome.
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