In order to clarify the subjective symptoms of Sick House Syndrome (SHS) and/or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) and the air quality in their surroundings, as well as to investigate countermeasures and future challenges, 2 patients showing SHS and/or MCS were selected. A preliminary study was conducted via mail using a questionnaire composed of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory and our own questions, and this was followed by interviews. Air quality was evaluated using the active method. Subjective symptoms differed between subjects A and B. The indoor air quality for subject B, who had received an early confirmed diagnosis and relevant treatment, was good, and her subjective symptoms tended toward improvement. The early confirmed diagnosis in subject B (after 3 months) was based on the presence of SHS and/or MCS patients in the surrounding area. Consequently, proactive information gathering was possible, and the cooperation of Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) specialists was obtained, thus assisting in the consideration and renovation of new homes. If one is able to access accurate information, then early diagnosis and early treatment are possible. Therefore, a need exists for the transmission of accurate information relating to patients with SHS and/or MCS. When compared to the outdoor reference values of C, the outdoor air quality for subject A was poor, with Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC) at 22.2 times higher, toluene at 5.7 times higher, ethyl benzene at 4 times higher and xylene at 8 times higher. This suggests that indoor air quality improvement measures alone would be of little help, and that government intervention based on environmental health concepts would be necessary for outdoor air quality. Within a feasible scope, we wish to provide support and guidance, and strive to improve symptoms of MCS.
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