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Prevalence and Factors Related to High Risk of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity among Japanese High School Students

Author

Listed:
  • Tamami Suzuki

    (Graduate School of Nursing, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu 321-0293, Japan)

  • Yoshiko Bai

    (Institutional Research Center, Dokkyo Medical University, 880 Kitakobayashi, Mibu 321-0293, Japan)

  • Yuko Ohno

    (Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka University, 1-1 Yamadaoka, Suita 565-0871, Japan)

Abstract

Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) onset in minors can greatly impact learning and future employment. This study investigated the prevalence of MCS and related factors in high school students to determine whether it was the same as in adults. A comprehensive survey was conducted on 80 high schools in Gunma Prefecture, Japan. The survey incorporated the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory, as well as items related to allergies, the living environment, and lifestyle. Of the 4630 students analyzed, according to Hojo’s cut-off value, 9.0% were classified as high-risk for MCS and 77.9% reported some allergy-like symptoms. Significant factors associated with elevated MCS risk included female sex, having various allergic conditions, having experienced living in a new home or home renovations or extensions, proximity to environmental stressors (freeways, national highway, factories, rubbish dumps, or sources of offensive odors), insufficient physical activity (exercising less than once a week outside of physical education classes), having cold hands and feet, being fatigued, having a bedtime earlier than 11 p.m., and having moderate–frequent subjective stress. Overall, 9.0% of high school students in Japan are at high risk for MCS. Enhancing awareness of MCS-like symptoms and addressing allergies, living environments, and lifestyle habits may mitigate these symptoms.

Suggested Citation

  • Tamami Suzuki & Yoshiko Bai & Yuko Ohno, 2024. "Prevalence and Factors Related to High Risk of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity among Japanese High School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(7), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:7:p:934-:d:1437402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pia Nynäs & Sarkku Vilpas & Elina Kankare & Jussi Karjalainen & Lauri Lehtimäki & Jura Numminen & Antti Tikkakoski & Leenamaija Kleemola & Heini Huhtala & Jukka Uitti, 2021. "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity in Patients Exposed to Moisture Damage at Work and in General Working-Age Population—The SAMDAW Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(23), pages 1-10, November.
    2. Sandra Fares-Medina & Isabel Díaz-Caro & Rebeca García-Montes & Inmaculada Corral-Liria & Soledad García-Gómez-Heras, 2022. "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: First Symptoms and Evolution of the Clinical Picture: Case-Control Study/Epidemiological Case-Control Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-19, November.
    3. Raymond F. Palmer & Tatjana Walker & David Kattari & Rudy Rincon & Roger B. Perales & Carlos R. Jaén & Carl Grimes & Dana R. Sundblad & Claudia S. Miller, 2021. "Validation of a Brief Screening Instrument for Chemical Intolerance in a Large U.S. National Sample," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-12, August.
    4. Antonio Del Casale & Stefano Ferracuti & Alessio Mosca & Leda Marina Pomes & Federica Fiaschè & Luca Bonanni & Marina Borro & Giovanna Gentile & Paolo Martelletti & Maurizio Simmaco, 2020. "Multiple Chemical Sensitivity Syndrome: A Principal Component Analysis of Symptoms," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-12, September.
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