Chemical sensitivity often (but not always) develops in people who are prone to other types of allergy. They may have a history of asthma, eczema or hayfever in the past, or in close family members. Some will have been prone to headaches from perfumes, or nausea from paint smells, for many years and this gradually develops into more serious chemical sensitivity.

Public concern and awareness has grown over the last few decades about adverse health effects of exposure to chemicals in the everyday environment. Much work has focused on potential chemical exposure in the work environment in offices. This first came to consideration in the 1970's when reports linked symptoms to the occupancy of buildings that had been deliberately "air-tightened" to conserve energy during a Middle East oil embargo.

In order to prevent the international spread of diseases there is now the widespread practice of spraying disinfectant aboard aircraft prior to take off. This article provides information and advice for passengers on how to protect themselves from exposure to these chemicals.