Issue link: https://hi.iaq.net/i/630729
12 Section 2 A small percentage of the population may be sensitive to a number of chemicals in indoor air, each of which may occur at very low concentrations. The existence of this condition, which is known as multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), is a matter of considerable controversy. MCS is not currently recognized by the major medical organizations, but medical opinion is divided, and further research is needed. The applicability of access for the disabled and worker's compensation regulations to people who believe they are chemically sensitive may become concerns for facility managers. Sometimes several building occupants experience rare or serious health problems (e.g., cancer, miscarriages, Lou Gehrig's disease) over a relatively short time period. These clusters of health problems are occasionally blamed on indoor air quality, and can produce tremendous anxiety among building occupants. State or local Health Departments can provide advice and assistance if clusters are suspected. They may be able to help answer key questions such as whether the apparent cluster is actually unusual and whether the underlying cause could be related to IAQ.