Environmental house calls can reduce symptoms of chemical intolerance: A demonstration of personalized exposure medicine

Rodolfo Rincón, Roger Perales, Raymond F. Palmer, Jackie F. Forster, Jessica F. Hernandez, Bryan Bayles, Carl Grimes, Carlos R. Jaén, Claudia S. Miller

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim: The goals of this investigation were to 1) identify and measure exposures inside homes of individuals with chemical intolerance (CI), 2) provide guidance for reducing these exposures, and 3) determine whether our environmental house calls (EHCs) intervention could reduce both symptoms and measured levels of indoor air contaminants. Background: CI is an international public health and clinical concern, but few resources are available to address patients' often disabling symptoms. Numerous studies show that levels of indoor air pollutants can be two to five (or more) times higher than outdoor levels. Fragranced consumer products, including cleaning supplies, air fresheners, and personal care products, are symptom triggers commonly reported by susceptible individuals. Methods: A team of professionals trained and led by a physician/industrial hygienist and a certified indoor air quality specialist conducted a series of 5 structured EHCs in 37 homes of patients reporting CI. Results: We report three case studies demonstrating that an appropriately structured home intervention can teach occupants how to reduce indoor air exposures and associated symptoms. Symptom improvement, documented using the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory Symptom Star, corresponded with the reduction of indoor air volatile organic compounds, most notably fragrances. These results provide a deeper dive into 3 of the 37 cases described previously in Perales et al. (2022). Discussion: We address the long-standing dilemma that worldwide reports of fragrance sensitivity have not previously been confirmed by human or animal challenge studies. Our ancient immune systems' 'first responders', mast cells, which evolved 500 million years ago, can be sensitized by synthetic organic chemicals whose production and use have grown exponentially since World War II. We propose that these chemicals, which include now-ubiquitous fragrances, trigger mast cell degranulation and inflammatory mediator release in the olfactory-limbic tract, thus altering cerebral blood flow and impairing mood, memory, and concentration (often referred to as 'brain fog'). The time has come to translate these research findings into clinical and public health practice.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article numbere53
JournalPrimary Health Care Research and Development
Volume25
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 22 2024

Keywords

  • Fragrances
  • indoor air
  • mast cells
  • medically unexplained symptoms
  • mould
  • natural gas
  • quick environmental exposure and sensitivity inventory
  • sick building syndrome
  • toxicant-induced loss of tolerance
  • volatile organic compounds

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Care Planning

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Environmental house calls can reduce symptoms of chemical intolerance: A demonstration of personalized exposure medicine'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this