Chemical Sensitivity, Chemical Allergies

Millions of new chemicals have been created during the past 50 years, at least 10,000 of which are in regular daily use. Exposure to these chemicals does not cause problems for most people unless the level is high enough to cause poisoning.

Doctors who specialize in environmental medicine believe that, in certain people, long- term exposure to low doses of man-made chemicals causes a form of sensitivity or intolerance. This exposure to chemicals can make the person feel unwell when, later on, they come into contact with the same chemical or chemicals, and often when they are exposed to other chemicals and allergens as well.

A similar reaction can occur when a person is exposed to a single dose of a chemical, when the dose is high enough to cause poisoning. Symptoms will show when the person has not completely recovered from the exposure and they can vary from day to day. They include fatigue, disturbed sleep, nausea, mood changes, headaches, painful joints and muscles, disturbances of memory, inability to concentrate, palpitations and breathing too fast or too deeply.

Unfortunately, obtaining help if you think you are sensitive to chemicals can be difficult. Many doctors dismiss the idea of chemical sensitivity, not least because the symptoms vary greatly and are difficult to confirm. It is not possible, for example, to prove to someone that you have a headache or 'can't think'. However, because the severity of your symptoms seems to depend on the toal load' of chemicals entering the body, you may feel better and have more energy if you avoid chemicals as much as possible, and improve your diet. Such changes can strengthen immune system and help the body deal with the chemicals you cannot avoid.

ALLERGIES AND CHEMICALS

Research suggests that inhaling certain chemicals affects the immune system, increasing the likelihood of it producing an allergic reaction. Other chemicals appear to act as allergens or to have a direct toxic effect. There is increasing recognition that indoor pollution can often be more severe than that found outside.

Problem chemicals include:

• Nitrogen dioxide, from car exhausts and from burning gas for cooking or heating
• Formaldehyde, from cigarette smoke and a wide range of new furnishing and fittings.
• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), the term used to describe the cocktail of chemicals released from cleaning agents, paints, photocopying machines, furniture glues and varnishes.