ABSTRACT
Terpenes are the natural odors and colors of many plants and building materials to which the individual with chemical sensitivity may be constantly exposed and which may cause an ongoing exacerbation of symptoms. The terpenes are a class of natural products or hydrocarbons having structural relationship with isoprene or some of its multiple. Terpenes are a significant factor in the initiation, exacerbation, and propagation of some cases of chemical sensitivity. Even though terpenes rival methane as an outdoor pollutant, they are also found indoors. The emission of terpenes is almost equivalent to the emission of methane into the atmosphere and accounts for one-third of all hydrocarbons released into the atmosphere. The most common terpene in the body is the isoprene unit, 2-methyl 1,3-butadiene, which builds cholesterol. Isoprene is made through the methylerythritol 4-phosphate pathway in the chloroplasts of plants. Isoprene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals.
