Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Case Report

Multiple chemical sensitivity caused by exposure to ignition coal fumes: a case report: Myeong-Ja Yun, Dong-Mug Kang, Kyoung-Hye Lee, Young-Ki Kim, Jong-Eun Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2013;25:32-32. Published online November 1, 2013; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/2052-4374-25-32

Background

Although multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a well-known disorder caused by environmental exposures, MCS caused by occupational exposure has been reported in Korea. Therefore, we report a MCS case caused by environmental exposure to ignition coal after a differential diagnosis to exclude other diseases.

Case report

Since 2011, a 55-year-old woman had experienced edema, myalgia, and other symptoms when she smelled ignition coal near her workplace. She had been diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome(FMS) and was treated, with no improvement of symptoms. Since then, she showed the same symptoms after exposure to city gas, the smell of burning, and exhaust gas. To avoid triggering substances, she moved to a new house and used an air purifier. She quit her job in November 2012. After visiting our hospital, she underwent a differential diagnosis for FMS, chronic fatigue syndrome, and somatization disorder. She was diagnosed with MCS by the Korean version of the Quick Environment Exposure Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). She was educated about the disease and to avoid triggering substances. She received ongoing treatment for her symptoms.

Conclusion

This case showed that symptoms began after smelling ignition coal. After that, her triggers was increased such as the smell of city gas, burning, and exhaust gas. This case is the first reported in Korea of MCS due to environmental exposure after ruling out other diseases.

Citations

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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(18): 6551. CrossRef

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Review

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Hong Jae Chae, Byoung Gwon Kim, Hwan Cheol Kim, Mi Young Lee, Jong Han Leem; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(4):328-338. Published online December 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.4.328

Abstract PDF

This article reviews newly available knowledge on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a chronic medical condition characterized by symptoms in multiple organ and caused by exposure to low levels of common chemicals. Although various pathophysiological models have been proposed (including toxicological, immunological or behavioral models), the causes and underlying mechanisms of MCS are still not fully understood. Most patients with MCS were women between the ages of 30 and 50 years. The most frequently reported trigger was a newly constructed home or job site. The common symptoms are vague, non-specific complaints: fatigue, difficulty concentrating, poor memory, sneezing/runny nose, headache, and muscle pain. There are no laboratory markers or specific investigative findings for MCS. The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI)(c) has been used as a screening questionnaire. Treatment focuses on assisting patients at the earliest possible opportunity to reduce their exposure to unique symptom triggers and known hazardous chemicals. Early comprehensive assessment, medical management, and social and financial support might avoid the deterioration of functions associated with prolonged illness.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

MCS/IEI Prevalence Rate of Workers Around an Accidental Release of Hydrogen Fluoride in Gumi Industrial Complex
Hye-Ji Han, Kuck-Hyeun Woo, Sung-Yong Choi, Byoung-Hak Jeon, Sangjun Choi
Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.2015; 25(4): 534. CrossRef

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Original Article

A Validation of the Korean Version of QEESI(c) (The Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory): Byoung Hak Jeon, Se Hoon Lee, Hyoung Ah Kim; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(1):96-114. Published online March 31, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.1.96

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
A standardized questionnaire is not available for use as a screening tool to assess individuals with MCS/IEI in Korea. The QEESI(c), originally developed by Miller & Prihoda in 1998, helps researchers, doctors, and their patients identify individuals with MCS/IEI. Therefore, this study was conducted in order to create a Korean version of the QEESI(c) and evaluate whether this Korean version could be used as an effective MCS/IEI screening tool in Korea.
METHODS
The Korean version of the QEESI(c) was developed using a six-step approach: permission, forward translation, the first quality control, backward translation, cognitive debriefing and the second quality control, final proof reading. In order to collect data, we have done a sample survey in certain parts of Korea. A household was used as the sampling unit; we extracted random samples in each survey cluster and then interviewed two adults over 19 years of age living in each sampled household. A total of 300 subjects were recruited from the general population in local community. The factor structure in the Korean version of the QEESI was analyzed with 40 items on four sub-scales except for the 10 items in masking index using principal components analysis with Varimax rotation. A convergent validity test two sub-scales: chemical intolerance and symptom severity. We carefully compared the chemical intolerance with Nordin's chemical sensitivity scale and the symptom severity with Cho's subjective symptom score.
RESULTS
The results showed that the 40 items on the four sub-scales,' chemical intolerances',' symptom severity', 'life impact', and 'other intolerances', were consistent with those reported for the US population by Miller and Prihoda. The convergent validity wes very good (r=0.4; p<0.001, r=0.5; p<0.001, respectively). A good internal consistency (Cronbach' alpha=0.86~0.96) and test-retest reliability (r=0.87~0.90) were found in all scales, except for the internal consistency in the masking index.
CONCLUSIONS
The Korean version QEESI(c) showed a good reliability and validity. It should be necessary to conduct a MCS/IEI study adopting Korean version QEESI(c).

Citations

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MCS/IEI Prevalence Rate of Workers Around an Accidental Release of Hydrogen Fluoride in Gumi Industrial Complex
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Allergic Diseases and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Korean Adults
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Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research.2014; 6(5): 409. CrossRef

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