EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT OF CHEMICAL SENSITIVITY PATIENTS

摘要

We measured the personal exposure levels of chemical sensitivity (CS) patients. The objective of the study is to understand the variations in the patients' personal exposure levels and to investigate the relationship between exposure levels and the recuperation of CS symptoms. Subjects were all female CS patients. This study examined aldehydes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Personal exposure levels and indoor and outdoor concentrations were measured over one-week periods nearly every month since autumn 2000. Measurements continued for at least six months. Personal exposure levels were nearly identical to the indoor concentrations, and the levels were less than Japan' indoor air guideline. Personal exposure levels did not decreased over the measurement periods while formaldehyde levels increased from winter to summer. Severity scores decreased and no positive relationship was observed between the exposure levels and the recuperation of CS symptoms.