Phenotypes of individuals affected by airborne chemicals in the general population.
OBJECTIVE
To characterise the chemical exposures and symptoms affecting individuals with subsequent adjustments of social life or occupational conditions, and further characterise these severely affected individuals.


METHODS
All individuals (n = 1,134) who reported symptoms from airborne chemical exposures in a population-based questionnaire study of 6,000 individuals were included and dichotomised according to severity. Logistic regression models were used to characterise the group of severely affected individuals.


RESULTS
Severely affected individuals reported more symptoms and exposures related to symptoms than less severely affected individuals, and the number of symptoms was more predictive for severity than the number of exposures. Most predictive for the severity of reported symptoms were CNS-symptoms other than headache (OR = 3.2, P < 0.001) and exposure to freshly printed papers or magazines (OR = 2.0, P = 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
CNS-symptoms except from headache were a main characteristic of individuals severely affected by common chemical exposures in a general population-based sample.
Berg
Nikolaj Drimer
ND
The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Ledreborg Allé 40, Gentofte, Denmark. nidrbe01@geh.regionh.dk
Linneberg
Allan
A
Dirksen
Asger
A
Elberling
Jesper
J