Chemical sensitivity and gulf war veterans' illnesses.
Dr. Proctor summarizes the current research literature describing Gulf War (GW) veterans' health issues, particularly as they pertain to chemical sensitivity (CS) and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) syndrome. In several studies of GW veterans, using differing criteria and varying assessment measures for CS and MCS, the prevalence rates for CS are reported to be 36-86% in Department of Veterans' Affairs patient populations and 0.8-20% in general cohorts of GW veterans. The rates of MCS are 2-6%. Targeted research is needed to adequately evaluate GW veterans' health concerns and MCS.
Proctor
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Boston Environmental Hazards Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D018923:Persian Gulf Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014728:Veterans