Environmental illness

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Environmental illness

An environmental illness is a set of symptoms or a disease caused by chemicals, fumes, pollution, allergens, viruses, or other toxins or physical hazards commonly found in the environment. Exposure to toxins may occur in the home, workplace, or community.

Common symptoms, including headache, cough, fatigue, and nausea, will vary according to the amount and type of exposure. Environmental illnesses are difficult to diagnose and are sometimes mistaken for other illnesses.

Symptoms may develop suddenly and disappear once exposure to the substance ends, such as when dust, cigarette smoke, or pet dander triggers an asthma attack. Sometimes symptoms may not develop for years, which can occur after exposure to cancer-causing chemicals.

Initial treatment for an environmental illness includes eliminating or reducing exposure to the factors causing the illness. Additional treatment is based on the specific symptoms and part of the body that is affected.

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Author	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Peter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH - Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Last Updated	November 1, 2007

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Last updated:	November 01, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Peter Rabinowitz, MD, MPH - Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC

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