Versicherungsmedizin. 1996 Oct; 48(5): 175-8.

[Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)--the so-called chemical multiple hypersensitivity]

Wolf C.

Klinischen Abteilung Arbeitsmedizin, Universit�tsklinik f�r Innere Medizin IV, Wien.

Multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome (MCS) is believed to be a multiple organ disease caused by low-level exposure to chemical substances. It is characterized by central-nervous, gastrointestinal and irritative mucocutaneous symptoms. This phenomenon is not recognized in traditional medicine, opponents of the theory of a separate disease attributing all symptoms to psychopathological processes. Since this phenomenon is becoming increasingly prevalent in Western countries, appropriate strategies for its study need to be developed.