1985 |
Ad hoc Committee, Ontario Ministry of
Health (1985):
More than 3 months duration
Multisystem disorder
Intolerance to foods, chemicals, environmental agents at levels
generally tolerated by majority
No objective physical findings; no consistently altered laboratory
test
Symptoms diminish with avoidance; recur with exposure. |
1987 |
Cullen (1987):
Multiple chemical sensitivities is an acquired disorder
characterized by recurrent symptoms, referable to multiple organ systems, occurring in
response to demonstrable exposure to many chemically unrelated compounds at doses far
below those established in the general population to cause harmful effects. No single
widely accepted test of physiologic function can be shown to correlate with symptoms. |
1991 |
Ashford and Miller (2. ed. 1998):
The patient with multiple chemical sensitivity can be discovered by
removal from the suspected offending agents and by rechallenge, after an appropriate
interval, under strictly controlled environmental conditions. Causality is inferred by the
clearing of symptoms with removal from the offending environment and recurrence of
symptoms with specific challenge. |
1992 |
American Academy of Environmental
Medicine (1992):
Ecologic illness is a chronic multisystem disorder, usually
polysymptomatic, caused by adverse reactions to environmental incitants, modified by
individual susceptibility and specific adaptation. The incitants are present in air,
water, food, drugs, and our habitat. |
1992 |
National Research Council (NRC),
Workshop on Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, Working Group on Research Protocol for
Clinical Evaluation:
Symptoms or signs related to chemical exposures at levels tolerated by
the population at large that are distinct from such well recognized hypersensitivity
phenomena as IgE-mediated immediate hypersensitivity reactions, contact dermatitis, and
hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Sensitivity may be expressed as symptoms and signs in one or more
organ systems
Symptoms and signs wax and wane with exposures.
It is not necessary to identify a chemical exposure associated with
the onset of the condition.
Pre-existent or concurrent conditions (e.g. asthma, arthritis,
somatization disorder, or depression) should not exclude patients from consideration. |
1992 |
Association of Occupational and
Environmental Clinics: Workshop on Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, Working Group on
"Characterizing Patients" (1992):
A change in health status identified by the patient
Symptoms triggered regularly by multiple stimuli
Symptoms experienced for at least 6 months
A defined set of symptoms reported by patients
Symptoms that occur in three or more organ systems
Exclusion of patients with other medical conditions (psychiatric
conditions are not considered exclusionary). |
1993 |
Nethercott (1993):
The symptoms are reproducible with exposure.
The condition is chronic.
Low-level exposure results in manifestations of syndrome.
Symptoms improve or resolve when incitants are removed.
Responses occur to multiple, chemically unrelated substances. |
1995 |
Kurt (1995):
The symptoms are "odor-triggered" and "exposure
perceived" at very low levels, but are manifest as a multitude of neurobehavioral
symptoms that correspond to the accepted definitions of panic disorder. |
1996 |
International Program on Chemical
Safety (IPCS) (1996):
An acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms; associated
with diverse environmental factors tolerated by the majority of people; not explained by
any known medical or psychiatric disorders. |