title: Chemical sensitivity in physicians.
abstract: By the nature of their work environment, physicians may be exposed to potentially toxic substances that can trigger chemical sensitivity. Nineteen physicians with chemical sensitivity were evaluated at the Environmental Health Center - Dallas regarding: type of specialty, history of chemical exposure, symptoms produced, food and water tolerance, immune parameters and double-blind chemical inhalation challenge. Food and chemical sensitivities were demonstrated in these physicians by oral, intradermal and inhalation challenges. After treatment, fifteen of the nineteen physicians were able to resume medical practice. Potential sources of chemical exposure in medical environments are evaluated.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Health Center-Dallas, Texas.
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Rea
authors.forename: G H
authors.initials: GH
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Johnson
authors.forename: R E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Smiley
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Fenyes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004342:Drug Hypersensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D013502:General Surgery; D006801:Humans; D007153:Immunologic Deficiency Syndromes / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010820:Physicians; D012997:Solvents / Q000009:adverse effects; D013577:Syndrome; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
chemical_list: D012997:Solvents; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D013750:Tetrachloroethylene