Chemical sensitivity

Chemical sensitivity is an abnormal response to chemicals in the environment.  This has become more prominent in recent years since there is exposure to many more man-made chemicals. 

Chemicals can enter the body via a variety of routes:

• Ingested – e.g. in food, in water, as additives, via the hands or as drugs
• Injected
• Inhaled – e.g. house dust mite, mould, pets, pollen
• Absorbed via the skin

Once the chemical is in the body it has to be broken down (detoxified) and eliminated.  Chemical sensitivity may occur when the enzymes and pathways in the body (e.g. liver, kidney and blood) that carry out this process don’t keep up with demand.

Chemical sensitivity will often develop in people who are prone to other types of allergy e.g. asthma, eczema and hay fever but this is not always the case. 

The triggers for chemical sensitivity span a vast array of chemicals including:

• Household cleaners
• Air fresheners and room sprays
• Perfumes
• Traffic fumes
• Pesticides
• Cosmetics
• Plastics
• Air pollution
• Food additives
• Medications
• Mercury in dental fillings
• New carpet
• Chlorine in swimming pools

Those suffering with chemical sensitivity will often experience multi-organ complaints and although symptoms will vary from one person to another most chemically sensitive people will become very fatigued and have trouble with their coordination and lengthy concentration.  In addition they may suffer from headaches, skin rashes (urticaria and/or eczema), irritable bowel, nausea, dizziness, burning sensations and muscle pains.

Diagnosis is hard since there are very few doctors trained to recognise chemical sensitivity.  Many people are still mis-diagnosed, usually as suffering from a psychiatric condition.  If you think you may be suffering from chemical sensitivity it is important to speak with your medical professional.  A doctor will generally base the diagnosis on the description of symptoms, following a complete medical history and physical examination.

For most sufferers the avoidance of the pollutant/toxicant triggers is the only way to lower the symptoms of chemical sensitivity.  In addition, good nutrition has been shown to help since a wide range of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids and proteins are needed for detoxification pathways to work.

Information written by the talkhealth medical panel

Date Reviewed: 21 March 2011
Next Review Date: 21 March 2013