What is environmental illness?

An environmental illness is a set of symptoms or a disease caused by chemicals, fumes, pollution, allergens, viruses or toxins or physical hazards found in the environment. Exposure to toxic chemicals or other hazards 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 may be difficult to diagnose. And they are sometimes mistaken for other illnesses.

Symptoms may occur suddenly and disappear when 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.

The first treatment for an environmental illness includes getting rid of or reducing exposure to the things causing the illness. Additional treatment is based on the specific symptoms and part of the body that is affected.