Pest controllers: a high-risk group for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)?
BACKGROUND
Based on the assumption that professional groups with frequent chemical exposure are at an increased risk for developing Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), a sample of 45 professional pest controllers was investigated.


METHODS
The examination of the pest controllers consisted of a physical and laboratory examination with urine screening for pyrethroid metabolites, a psychiatric interview, a neuropsychological test battery, and a chemical sensitivity questionnaire.


RESULTS
Persistent or serious work related health problems and chemical sensitivity were not reported. In urine, cis-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (Br(2)CA) was detected in 11%, 4-fluoro-3-phenoxybenzoic acid (F-PBA) in 7%. 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA) exceeded the reference range in 9%, cis- and trans-3-(2,2-dichlorovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl-cyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (Cl(2)CA) in 20%. Increased liver enzymes and blood count deviations were rather common. 38% had psychiatric disorders. With few exceptions, neuropsychological testing results were normal.


CONCLUSIONS
The results do not support the hypothesis that work-related insecticide exposure promotes chemical sensitivity.
Bornschein
Susanne
S
Section of Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Medicine, II. Med. Clinic, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany. s.bornschein@lrz.tum.de
Hausteiner
Constanze
C
Pohl
Corina
C
Jahn
Thomas
T
Angerer
Jürgen
J
Foerstl
Hans
H
Zilker
Thomas
T
D000328:Adult; D000342:Affective Symptoms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D001007:Anxiety / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007361:Intelligence Tests; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000453:epidemiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010571:Pest Control; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000187:drug effects; D012306:Risk; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires