What he is talking about is Multiple Chemical Sensitivity or MCS. I've
written several books dealing with it (e.g. The Healthy House). People
with MCS can have sensitivities to a wide variety of "everyday"
chemicals (e.g. perfume, household cleaners, vehicle exhaust, carpet
odor, fresh paint), and the original trigger of their sensitivities can
be quite varied (a single strong exposure to some chemical, long-term
low-level exposure to a pollutant, a severe viral infection, hormonal
changes, etc.). The symptoms can sometime seem bizarre to unaffected
individuals (virtually any symptom imaginable is possible, both physical
and psychological), and the symptoms can result from exposures that are
no problem for unaffected individuals. It can radically change a
person's life. I've spoken to many, many people with MCS and none of
them were born with the condition. Some of them are amazing in that they
react to environmental pollutants that are far, far below "safe"
industrial guidelines, sometime they react to levels that are difficult
to measure. There is a lot of information on the web about MCS.
John Bower
Hagner, Andrew wrote:
Speaking of not putting one's hands into chemicals, I have recently spoken to a commercial lab owner in Montreal who developed some kind of super sensitivity to certain volatiles in the environment, including perfumes and other cosmetics. Apparently this is caused by dermal exposure to the compounds in the B&W fixer, which I assume it to mean thiosulphate. The initial symptoms are tightness in the joints of the hands. Does anyone know any details of this phenomenon? It is supposed to be reasonably well documented but not widely known. I understand that the sensitivity is quite severe.
- Andrew.
I have taken to wearing sweat pants and a sweat shirt. Actually, this has become my routine around-the-house costume. I use paper towels and toss them after one use. That absolutely prevents contamination. My lady friend does not understand why I go through so many paper towells. I use tongs these days. I hate rubber gloves but don't put my hands in the chemicals any more. I do have a good plastic apron made by Kodak but don't much use it. If I were working with anything hazardous I would take considerably more precautions.
---
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles, CA, USA
dickburk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
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