As a result of the scientific confusion, diagnostic difficulty and general lack of knowledge within the medical and broader community with regard to environmental sensitivities, the latter are often misdiagnosed as psychological or psychiatric conditions. This misdiagnosis and misunderstanding results in social stigma for people with sensitivities and may result in a denial of accommodation, with individuals being told that “it is in their head.” However, despite the lack of clarity on the causes of environmental sensitivities and the absence of a diagnostic test, there is no doubt that individuals experience physical symptoms as a result of environmental agents. Below are some examples of sensitivity conditions:

Perfume allergy

A perfume allergy occurs when the body has a hypersensitivity reaction to certain chemicals within a perfume or fragrance. Perfume and fragrances are not just found in colognes, they can also be in numerous household products such as cosmetics, soap, and deodorants. Everyone’s bodies react differently, due to this there is no way of knowing how one’s body will react to certain perfumes or fragrances. Certain people with the allergy receive various rashes or skin irritations, whereas others can develop much more severe symptoms such as anaphylactic shock. The treatments differ depending on the reaction. Some may only need a simple medicated lotion to calm down the rash, whereas others may need to be hospitalized and given medication to cure their symptoms .

Avoiding this allergy can be very difficult because even if someone doesn’t put on the perfume on themselves, they can still have a reaction by walking by someone or something that has perfume on. It is also a tricky process to find out what it is exactly that a particular individual is allergic too. All perfumes are made with different chemicals, as well as different combinations of chemicals which can make it tough when trying to pin point the allergy.

Source: Wikipedia

Multiple chemical sensitivity

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic medical condition characterized by symptoms that the affected person attributes to exposure to low levels of chemicals. Commonly suspected substances include smoke, pesticides, plastics, synthetic fabrics, scented products, petroleum products and paints. Symptoms may be vague and non-specific, such as nausea, fatigue, and headaches.

MCS is a controversial diagnosis and is not recognised as an organic, chemical-caused illness by the American Medical Association. Blinded trials have shown that MCS patients do not react to chemicals. This has led some to believe that MCS symptoms are due to odor hypersensitivity or are mainly psychological.

MCS has also been termed toxic injury (TI), chemical sensitivity (CS), chemical injury syndrome (CI), 20th Century Syndrome, environmental illness (EI), sick building syndrome, idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) and toxicant-induced loss of tolerance (TILT).

Source: Wikipedia

Asthma

Asthma is a predisposition to chronic inflammation of the lungs in which the airways (bronchi) are reversibly narrowed. Asthma affects 7% of the population of the United States, and 300 million worldwide. During asthma attacks (exacerbations of asthma), the smooth muscle cells in the bronchi constrict, the airways become inflamed and swollen, and breathing becomes difficult.

Migraines, nausea and tightening of the throat are common symptoms and people with asthma who are affected by fragrances can suffer respiratory impairment according to some medical practitioners and Occupational Health and Safety agencies.

Source: Wikipedia

Non-Allergic Rhinitis

Non-allergic rhinitis usually begins in adults and causes year-round symptoms, especially a runny nose and nasal stuffiness.

Strong odors, pollution, smoke and other irritants may cause symptoms of non-allergic rhinitis. Non-allergic rhinitis symptoms can also develop as side effects of medications, including some blood pressure medicines, oral contraceptives or medications used for erectile dysfunction. The most common form of this type of non-allergic rhinitis is caused by nasal decongestant sprays such as oxymetazoline, when used for long periods of time. This type of medication-induced rhinitis is also called rhinitis medicamentosa.

If there is inflammation in the nose, the treatment of choice is nasal corticosteroid sprays. Ipratropium nasal spray can relieve a runny nose. Decongestant pills can be used as needed to relieve nasal stuffiness. Other forms of treatment may be considered if you have problems with the structure of your nose, such as narrow drainage passages, tumors or a shifted nasal septum (the bone and cartilage that separate the right from the left nostril). In these cases, an operation may be needed.

Source: AAAAI

Environmental Sensitivities

An environmental sensitivity to, or intolerance of, one or more substances previously tolerated starts after an initial acute exposure, illness or injury, or after chronic exposure to environmental contaminants or other demands on the body. For example, a person may develop ES after one large exposure – such as a chemical spill or fire – or after being exposed repeatedly to low or moderate levels of contaminants – for example, as a result of living or working in a “sick building” or recently renovated space.

When a person is subsequently exposed to the offending substance(s), in amounts that were previously tolerated, this can trigger symptoms, which lessen or disappear when she is no longer exposed. These may be substances that the person comes into contact with regularly, like vehicle exhaust fumes, perfume, newsprint, cleaning and laundry products.

A person who initially develops a sensitivity to one substance may later be triggered by a broader range of substances. A person can be triggered by inhaling (breathing in), ingesting (eating or drinking), or absorbing (touching) the substance. Common triggers include Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), released as gases from gasoline, glues, paints, solvents, perfumes and scented personal care products, “air fresheners,” harsh cleaning products, fragranced detergents and fabric softeners, carpets, furnishings (particularly when new) and some building materials (such as pressed wood), among other triggers.

Source: Environmental Health Centre