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There have been documented examples of chemical injuries and sensitivities for centuries. A classic one is Mad Hatters disease. The hatters used mercury to make beaver hats.
When I was first diagnosed in 2004 and new nothing I found the website by Barbara Wilkie, Environmental Health Net of California. http://ehnca.org She has since past, 2011. She was a true champion. Anything about the history and the battle for recognition and accommodation can best be found there.