PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Genuis, Stephen J.
AU  - Genuis, Shelagh K.
TI  - Human Exposure Assessment and Relief From Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Case Study of a Hairdresser
AID  - 10.3122/jabfm.17.2.136
DP  - 2004 Mar 01
TA  - The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
PG  - 136--141
VI  - 17
IP  - 2
4099  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/17/2/136.short
4100  - http://www.jabfm.org/content/17/2/136.full
SO  - J Am Board Fam Med2004 Mar 01; 17
AB  - Human exposure assessment and the results of implementing ‘precautionary avoidance’ suggested a relationship between a hairdresser’s neuropsychiatric symptoms and occupational exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals. A variety of investigations in response to patient complaints of depression, emotional instability and various physical symptoms revealed no objective abnormality; the CH2OPD2 mnemonic (community, home, hobbies, occupation, personal habits, diet and drugs) recommended by the Ontario College of Family Physicians was used as a first-line screening tool to assess potential environmental exposure to toxins. After occupational leave of absence, the patient reported cessation of symptoms. Environmental causes for familiar medical problems are frequently undiagnosed; it is recommended that, where appropriate, a screening tool for evaluation of environmental exposure to toxics be incorporated into primary care assessment and management of patients.