Jury Awards $10.6 million to Victim of Perfume Exposure

Many of the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia also overlap with those associated with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Exposures that trigger MCS, which is also sometimes referred to as chemical hypersensitivity, sick building syndrome, or environmental illness, can result in symptoms of fatigue, difficulty concentrating, depressed mood, memory loss, weakness, dizziness, headaches, heat intolerance, and arthralgias (joint pains). Depending on the individual and the severity of the person's MCS, symptoms can be triggered by perfumes, public restroom and other room deodorizers, exhaust fumes, insecticides, and scents from laundry and cleaning products, general cleaning supplies, and nail polish or nail polish remover, to name a few. MCS can also alter the scents of some things. (In my case, many perfumes smell like insecticides; my environmental specialist says the reason for that is because more than likely I'm sensitive to the preservatives in those perfumes and therefore the "masking fragrances" don't cover up the preservative smells for me.)

Too often, employers (and physicians) are skeptical about an MCS sufferer's complaints. Erin Weber, a former top-ranked radio host, was fired in 2001 because she complained about her sensitivity to a fellow employee's perfume. (That perfume would cause Erin to lose her voice!) A federal court jury agreed with Weber's grievance about her firing; the jury awarded her $10.6 million! You can read more about Erin Weber and her lawsuit in The Detroit News business section article, Radio DJ wins $10.6 million in stink over perfume.