Prevalence and interannual changes in multiple chemical sensitivity in Japanese workers.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to evaluate the prevalence rates and interannual fluctuations in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) in Japanese workers.


METHODS
We assessed MCS using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, employing both Miller and Japanese criteria. Workers of two manufacturing companies located in Kyushu, Japan, were assessed, with company A surveyed in 2003, 2006 and 2011, and company B in 2003 and 2011.


RESULTS
In company A, the Miller criteria-based MCS prevalence rate was higher in 2011 than in 2003, and according to the Japanese criteria, it was higher in 2011 than 2006. In company B, the Miller criteria-based MCS prevalence rate was lower in 2011 than in 2003.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated that MCS exists among industrial workers in Japan. We found no statistically significant interannual changes in MCS rates.
Department of Public Health, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjou, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto, 860-8556, Japan, bjcxy860508@hotmail.com.
Xiaoyi
X
Cui
Xi
X
Lu
Mizue
M
Hiura
Masako
M
Oda
Aya
A
Hisada
Wataru
W
Miyazaki
Hisamitsu
H
Omori
Takahiko
T
Katoh
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007564:Japan / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D066192:Manufacturing Industry; D008875:Middle Aged; D018777:Multiple Chemical Sensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D015995:Prevalence; D012621:Seasons; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires