Environmental Sensitivities

Environmental sensitivities describes a chronic condition where a person has symptoms when exposed to certain chemicals, scents or other environmental agents at low levels tolerated by most people. The symptoms may range in severity from mild to debilitating; for example: wheezing, shortness of breath, asthmatic attacks, headaches, sore throat, eye irritation, nausea, sinus pain, dizziness, fatigue, poor concentration, anxiety, sweating, joint aches and skin irritation.

Triggers vary and may be caused by chemicals found at work and home, or by scented products containing chemical ingredients. As they relate to the workplace, triggers may include, but are not limited to, such things as chemicals, cleaning solvents, off-gassing from carpets/furnishings, mould, photocopier inks and fragrances. The use of detergent/fabric softeners, perfumes/aftershave, hair spray, hand cream/soaps shouldn’t be noticeable more than an arm’s length away.