Allergic to the Twentieth Century: The Explosion in Environmental Allergies--From Sick Buildings to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

by Peter Radetsky, Bill Phillips (Editor)

The author of The Invisible Invaders discusses the causes and controversies surrounding Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), some form of which affects more than 2.5 million Americans, examining the history and spread of this new disease. 35,000 first printing. Tour.

Genres: Nonfiction, Health

264 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Rob Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this book since it came out in the late 90s, but my "get to" list is long (and constantly, exponentially growing), so it's taken me 20 years to do so! Wish I'd read it closer to its date of origin, mostly because its take on the potential effect of multiple and chronic chemical exposures by every citizen of the modern world is so interesting, frightening, and important.

However, twenty years is a long time in terms of the relevance of the scientific, legal, and medical issues Radetsky discusses. As I read, I constantly found myself wondering: "I wonder what's up with this issue now, in 2019?"

An updated book feels necessary, but what's here is well documented, organized, and explained. Radetsky does a good job of exploring both arguments and counter-arguments, though in the end he clearly leans towards a belief that chemicals in our environment are causing all sorts of issues, large and small, for a huge number of people, including many who may not even be aware of it, and also, sadly, those whom it benefits financially to keep the debilitating effects of chemical exposures under wraps.

[~☆~Autumn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think everyone should read this book! I have had this illness for ages but a lawyer had to diagnose me as doctors were unable to do so and most of them still don't have a clue. They should all be required to read this also.