EVOLVING CONCEPTS OF CHEMICAL-SENSITIVITY

Chemical sensitivity appears to be an elusive phenomenon. Studies on i ndividual differences in susceptibility may provide glimpses into the range oi sensitivity in a population, which can be used for further st udy. Preliminary evidence in laboratory animals suggests the range of sensitivity to manufactured chemicals may span orders oi magnitude. De termining the reasons that underlie individual differences in sensitiv ity is a more difficult enterprise. Conditioning of adverse physiologi cal effects of airborne chemicals may play a vital role in the etiolog y of chemical sensitivity. and it provides a rigorous laboratory model by which to investigate some aspects of this elusive phenomenon.