Chemical Intolerance in Primary Care Settings: Prevalence, Comorbidity, and Outcomes

I just received an article on the results of the above-named study from a friend with multiple health challenges.  I thank my friend for sharing this article with me.  I know how difficult it can be to sit at the computer and type for people living with these types of challenges.

The study indicated that Chemical Intolerance was noted at a much higher rate than previously thought, 20.3% of the participants in the study.  The researchers found that socioeconomic status had a positive and significant relationship with Chemical Intolerance.  The study also showed a greater rate of Chemical Intolerance among Hispanics.

The researchers hypothesize that the increased prevalence of chemical intolerance among patients in the low-SES group may be related to their occupations, which may increase their exposure to "solvents, cleaning agents, pesticides, and other substances now clearly linked with the development of chemical intolerance and associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, via a process referred to as toxicant-induced loss of tolerance. (emphasis mine)

The study indicated that Chemical Intolerance was linked to loss of function and social activities, "chemical intolerance is associated with poor quality of life and functional impairments leading to loss of employment and socioeconomic hardships."  The link to the entire article is below and can be found on Medscape.com.  There is also a link to the full text of the original article in Annals of Family Medicine.  Thanks again to my friend for sharing this important article.

Medscape.com article HERE.               Ann Fam Med. 2012;10:357-365. Full text HERE