My Story

I am a 35-year-old male and I became extremely sensitive to chemicals about five years ago in May of 2008. I graduated from law school only two or three weeks prior to becoming chemically sensitive.

I became chemically sensitive when my roommate sprayed pesticide in the house. The active ingredient in the pesticide is Bifenthrin. Ironically, the roommate who sprayed the pesticide worked in the indoor air quality industry. I previously had told my roommate that I was sensitive to pesticides and not to use any in the house but he said he forgot. I told him I was sensitive to pesticides because I had some experiences where I thought I had felt some pesticides on a number occasions--especially in a former apartment. Therefore, I wanted to be careful and avoid pesticides as much as possible. Furthermore, my dad acquired chemical sensitivity in his early 20s after being exposed to pesticide.

After my roommate sprayed the pesticide, I had the feeling that my central nervous system was revved up. I felt nervous and couldn't sleep in the house that night so I took a sleeping bag and slept in the backyard under the carport. I knew there was no way I could live in that house anymore and so I packed up some of my things. In the process of moving, I touched things that had been exposed to the pesticide, such as my shoes. The pesticide residues caused a burning sensation on my skin. That was when I believed I had chemical sensitivity. I was able to move in with my family shortly thereafter. Since that time I have been extremely sensitive to various kinds of chemicals, but especially pesticides and solvents. Also, I cannot be around most types of perfume, most glues, most commercial soaps and detergents, and many other products. It is difficult for me to be in many buildings because of the pesticides and other chemicals used in those places. Consequently, I work from home and rarely go into public buildings. I have been practicing law for about five years, but I had to stop going to court because the court building made me ill.

Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

I developed electromagnetic hypersensitivity about two years after I developed chemical sensitivity. I can feel electromagnetic radiation from electrical equipment such as computers, radios, cell phones, blenders, and vacuum cleaners. Because it causes physical pain, I must try to avoid or at least distance myself from such electromagnetic radiation. For example, because using a computer keyboard causes pain in my hands and fingertips, I can generally only use the computer for a couple hours per day.

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