{ "id": 4260613, "name": "ARLENE BERNARDONI, Appellant, v. THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION et al. (Huntsman Chemical Company, Appellee)", "name_abbreviation": "Bernardoni v. Industrial Commission", "decision_date": "2005-12-06", "docket_number": "No. 3\u201405\u20140226WC", "first_page": "582", "last_page": "598", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "362 Ill. App. 3d 582" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "Ill. App. Ct.", "id": 8837, "name": "Illinois Appellate Court" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 29, "name_long": "Illinois", "name": "Ill." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "354 Ill. App. 3d 780", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3217364 ], "year": 2005, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "786" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/354/0780-01" ] }, { "cite": "355 Ill. App. 3d 879", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 3600538 ], "year": 2005, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "882" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/355/0879-01" ] }, { "cite": "349 Ill. App. 3d 493", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 5435225 ], "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "497" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/349/0493-01" ] }, { "cite": "284 Ill. App. 3d 936", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 1260397 ], "year": 1996, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "940" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/284/0936-01" ] }, { "cite": "172 Ill. 2d 303", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 55978 ], "year": 1996, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "309" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/172/0303-01" ] }, { "cite": "308 Ill. App. 3d 578", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 261365 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1999, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "586" }, { "page": "585" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/308/0578-01" ] }, { "cite": "207 Ill. 2d 193", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 974996 ], "weight": 2, "year": 2003, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "205" }, { "page": "204-05" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/207/0193-01" ] }, { "cite": "321 Ill. App. 3d 463", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 132430 ], "year": 2001, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "467" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/321/0463-01" ] }, { "cite": "111 Or. App. 99", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Or. App.", "case_ids": [ 4423324 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "103", "parenthetical": "evidence sustained finding that heightened sensitivity to chemicals was result of the claimant's exposure to pesticides and herbicides on the job" }, { "page": "1190-91", "parenthetical": "evidence sustained finding that heightened sensitivity to chemicals was result of the claimant's exposure to pesticides and herbicides on the job" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/or-app/111/0099-01" ] }, { "cite": "648 A.2d 472", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "A.2d", "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "MCS due to workplace exposure to occupational chemicals is an occupational disease compensable under workers' compensation statute" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "139 N.H. 24", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.H.", "case_ids": [ 2292762 ], "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "MCS due to workplace exposure to occupational chemicals is an occupational disease compensable under workers' compensation statute" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nh/139/0024-01" ] }, { "cite": "981 F. Supp. 703", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F. Supp.", "case_ids": [ 1140638 ], "year": 1997, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "705", "parenthetical": "noting that the Social Security Administration recognizes MCS as a medically determinable impairment" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f-supp/981/0703-01" ] }, { "cite": "791 A.2d 826", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "A.2d", "case_ids": [ 9476352 ], "year": 2000, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "850", "parenthetical": "\"Mainstream medicine has neither properly defined nor widely accepted MGS as an organic entity *** and [t]o this point, most Courts have not recognized the diagnosis of MGS as a scientifically valid diagnosis\"" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/a2d/791/0826-01" ] }, { "cite": "972 F. Supp. 130", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F. Supp.", "case_ids": [ 296279 ], "year": 1997, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "136-37", "parenthetical": "\"theory underlying MGS is untested, speculative, and far from general acceptance in the medical or toxicological community\"" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f-supp/972/0130-01" ] }, { "cite": "23 F. Supp. 2d 1081", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F. Supp. 2d", "case_ids": [ 1621864 ], "year": 1998, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1086", "parenthetical": "\"federal courts do not consider environmental illness or MGS a scientifically valid diagnosis\"" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f-supp-2d/23/1081-01" ] }, { "cite": "219 F. Supp. 2d 1130", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F. Supp. 2d", "case_ids": [ 11445405 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1139", "parenthetical": "diagnosis of MGS has not attained general acceptance and is outside the mainstream of medical practice" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f-supp-2d/219/1130-01" ] }, { "cite": "42 F.3d 434", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.3d", "case_ids": [ 7415986 ], "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "438", "parenthetical": "MCS's etiology has not progressed from the plausible or hypothetical to knowledge capable of assisting the trier of fact" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f3d/42/0434-01" ] }, { "cite": "132 F.3d 599", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.3d", "case_ids": [ 11888019 ], "year": 1997, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "603", "parenthetical": "\"MGS is a controversial diagnosis that has been excluded *** as unsupported by sound scientific reasoning or methodology\"" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f3d/132/0599-01" ] }, { "cite": "61 P.3d 1068", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "P.3d", "case_ids": [ 9340462 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1081" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/p3d/61/1068-01" ] }, { "cite": "733 N.E.2d 1042", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "N.E.2d", "year": 2000, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "432 Mass. 304", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Mass.", "case_ids": [ 285265 ], "year": 2000, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/mass/432/0304-01" ] }, { "cite": "327 Ill. App. 3d 567", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 79459 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "576" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/327/0567-01" ] }, { "cite": "199 Ill. 2d 63", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 58941 ], "year": 2002, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "75-76" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/199/0063-01" ] }, { "cite": "323 Ill. App. 3d 835", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 171767 ], "year": 2001, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "838-39" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/323/0835-01" ] }, { "cite": "213 Ill. 2d 523", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. 2d", "case_ids": [ 8449153 ], "weight": 7, "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "529" }, { "page": "529-30" }, { "page": "530" }, { "page": "530" }, { "page": "531" }, { "page": "531" }, { "page": "532" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-2d/213/0523-01" ] }, { "cite": "293 F. 1013", "category": "reporters:federal", "reporter": "F.", "case_ids": [ 11720199 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1923, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "1014" }, { "page": "1014" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/f/293/1013-01" ] }, { "cite": "352 Ill. App. 3d 561", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "Ill. App. 3d", "case_ids": [ 5454800 ], "year": 2004, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "566" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/ill-app-3d/352/0561-01" ] }, { "cite": "20 Ill. Reg. 4053", "category": "laws:admin_register", "reporter": "Ill. Reg.", "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "eff. February 15, 1996" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "268 JAMA 3465", "category": "journals:journal", "reporter": "JAMA", "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "3467" } ], "opinion_index": 0 } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 1546, "char_count": 41633, "ocr_confidence": 0.777, "pagerank": { "raw": 6.904728203399788e-08, "percentile": 0.41963933032389145 }, "sha256": "7939eb97a4fe219ba20a9bf90b1ce16e0d1dbaf373a93354361c05490f3d02a9", "simhash": "1:22cc65debe71a9dc", "word_count": 6440 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T16:28:25.526171+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "ARLENE BERNARDONI, Appellant, v. THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION et al. (Huntsman Chemical Company, Appellee)." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "JUSTICE CALLUM\ndelivered the opinion of the court:\nI. INTRODUCTION\nAlleging that she developed respiratory illness and chemical sensitivity while working for employer, Huntsman Chemical Company, claimant, Arlene Bernardoni, filed an application for adjustment of claim under the Workers\u2019 Occupational Diseases Act (Act) (820 ILCS 310/1 et seq. (West 1994)). An arbitrator awarded claimant $13,309 in medical expenses and found that she was permanently and totally disabled. The Industrial Commission (Commission) disagreed with the arbitrator and found instead that claimant\u2019s smoking caused her condition, which was temporarily aggravated by a work-related exposure to a cleaning agent. It awarded claimant 123/7 weeks of temporary total disability (TTD) benefits and $1,010.57 in medical expenses. In ruling, the Commission refused to consider claimant\u2019s expert evidence on multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS). On judicial review, the trial court confirmed the Commission\u2019s decision.\nOn appeal, claimant argues that (1) the Commission erred in finding that the testimony of her treating physician about MCS was inadmissible because the diagnosis of MCS is not sufficiently established to have obtained general acceptance in the medical community; and (2) the Commission\u2019s decision that claimant\u2019s condition of ill-being was caused by her smoking and not her exposure to chemicals while working in employer\u2019s plant is against the manifest weight of the evidence. We affirm.\nII. BACKGROUND\nFiled in 1995, the original application for adjustment of claim alleged that, on February 22, 1994, \u201c[wjhile cleaning carpet, [claimant] was exposed to chemicals resulting in injury to whole body.\u201d In 1998, claimant amended the application to allege that she was \u201calso exposed to other chemicals during the 14 years of employment by\u201d employer. As a result of the exposures, claimant developed chemical sensitivity.\nThe arbitration hearing took place on April 17, 2002, and May 23, 2002. Claimant testified that she began smoking cigarettes in 1964, at age 21. She smoked approximately one pack per day until she stopped smoking regularly in October 1994. Twice, she resumed smoking for short periods, 21/z months and 3 months, but quit. In July 1978, claimant began working for American Hoechst, employer\u2019s predecessor in interest. Employer purchased the plant in 1986, at which time claimant was laid off. Claimant returned to work for employer in 1990. While she was laid off, claimant worked as a dental hygienist and a waitress. She returned to work for employer because she could earn more money.\nWhen she began working for American Hoechst in 1978, claimant worked as an extrusion operator for less than six months. That position involved mixing batches of chemicals and pouring them into the extruder. During most of her tenure, claimant worked as a poly operator in building 4 on the plant site. She worked significant overtime in this position, which involved the manufacture of polysterene pellets. Claimant spent part of her time in the control room using a computer. Also, her duties involved adding chemicals, including styrene monomers, which is a catalyst, and flame retardants to the batch tanks. Claimant identified another chemical, pentane, that also was present in the tanks. Every 30 minutes, claimant had to go onto the production floor to take samples of the batches. This involved opening the sample port and dipping a test tube attached to a stick into the batch. The chemical mixture was hot, approximately 240 degrees, and \u201csteam and fumes just boiled out.\u201d The fumes had an odor similar to that of a petroleum product. The sample port was kept open no longer than five minutes. When the batch was complete, claimant dumped the contents of the tanks into a wash basin. Claimant testified that, during the time that she was exposed to the contents of the tanks, she experienced burning in her eyes, nose, and lungs; coughing; and difficulty breathing. While testing, claimant wore goggles but had no breathing apparatus.\nClaimant testified that she also came into contact with toulene, which was an acetone used to clean the tanks. While using this product, claimant experienced burning in her throat and chest pain that sometimes lasted for days.\nThe parties stipulated to the admission of material safety data sheets (MSDS) listing the chemicals that were used in employer\u2019s manufacturing process during the periods claimant worked for employer. Among the chemicals on the list were styrene monomer, toulene, polysterene, and pentane. The MSDS revealed the following. Inhaling styrene monomer fumes may cause irritation of the respiratory tract and occupational asthma. Overexposure to styrene vapor may cause headache, dizziness, lack of coordination, fatigue, and nausea. Inhalation of high concentrations of toulene may cause headache and dizziness. Inhaling toulene vapor may cause respiratory tract irritation. Inhaling polysterene vapor may cause dizziness, drowsiness, loss of coordination, headache, nausea, and vomiting. Inhalation of vapors or mist may cause irritation of the respiratory tract and delayed lung injury. Inhaling pentane may cause dizziness or difficulty breathing. Potential health hazards are irritation of the respiratory tract, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, and central nervous system depression.\nClaimant testified that, between 1978 and 1986, she suffered from colds and bronchitis frequently and constantly felt extremely tired. When she returned to work at the plant in 1990, claimant worked again as a poly operator and experienced the same symptoms. She felt tired and weak and became sick while cleaning her home or filling her car with gasoline. The odor of a permanent marker or pesticides bothered her. She frequently experienced deep coughing and headaches.\nClaimant began treating with Dr. Ramon Inciong, her primary care physician, in December 1992. She complained of head congestion and head, chest, and muscle aches. She reported coughing up green sputum. In June 1993, Dr. Inciong saw claimant and reported that claimant\u2019s lungs were clear and there were no signs of wheezing. His impression was acute bronchitis. He prescribed antibiotics and cough medicine.\nIn 1993, claimant transferred to a building maintenance job that paid less than what she made as a poly operator. She worked 40 hours per week. In her new position, claimant spent about five hours per shift in building 4 and the remainder of her time in employer\u2019s office building next to the plant. While cleaning in building 4, claimant experienced burning in her nose and lungs.\nOn February 22, 1994, claimant was using a 3M spot cleaning product to clean carpeting at work. Shortly thereafter, she began coughing and experienced headache, nausea, weakness, and a sore nose and throat. The MSDS for this product stated that overexposure to vapors may cause respiratory system irritation and light-headedness.\nOn March 8, 1994, claimant saw Dr. Inciong and reported the carpet cleaning incident. She complained of unproductive coughing and pain in her lungs. Dr. Inciong\u2019s impression was asthmatic bronchitis. He noted, \u201c[w]ill treat the patient with Prednisone and [BJiaxin. This may be related to occupational] exposures to noxious fumes.\u201d Claimant saw Dr. Inciong again on March 22, 1994, and reported that her symptoms had not improved. Dr. Inciong noted that \u201c[t]his is possibly due to smoking. More likely, the story appears that the patient had inhaled fumes at work, and [this] may have caused this prolonged, but hopefully transient phenomenon of bronchospasms and edema of the bronchial linings.\u201d He diagnosed early chronic bronchitis, prescribed steroids and inhalers, recommended that claimant stop smoking, and referred claimant to Dr. Bernard Taylor, a pul-monologist.\nOn March 23, 1994, claimant saw Dr. Taylor. A chest X ray was clear, and pulmonary function tests revealed a reduced FEVv Dr. Taylor\u2019s impression was that the cleaning agent may have caused some type of obstruction, possibly asthma. On April 15, 1994, claimant underwent methacholine challenge and pulmonary function tests. The results were consistent with reversible airways disease and mild obstructive lung disease. On April 27, 1994, claimant saw Dr. Taylor and complained of shortness of breath and coughing. Dr. Taylor reviewed claimant\u2019s test results and diagnosed bronchospastic disease. He mentioned the possibility of claimant finding a different job. He instructed claimant to taper her use of Prednisone and prescribed Proventil and Atrovent inhalers.\nOn May 25, 1994, Dr. Ricardo Calderon reviewed claimant\u2019s medical records at employer\u2019s request. He opined that claimant suffered from a mild underlying pulmonary obstructive disease that was probably secondary to her smoking. Claimant appeared to suffer an exacerbation of her underlying disease when exposed to the cleaning solutions. According to Dr. Calderon, claimant seemed \u201cto have been treated appropriately for both the exacerbation as well as her underlying problems.\u201d\nOn June 23, 1994, Dr. Inciong reported that claimant\u2019s asthmatic bronchitis had fully resolved. In October 1994, claimant saw Dr. Inci-ong and complained of a cough that occasionally produced yellow sputum. An X ray taken on October 12, 1994, contained findings consistent with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Dr. In-ciong diagnosed acute bronchitis and referred her to the Mayo Clinic.\nOn November 28, 1994, claimant saw Dr. Edward Rosenow of the Mayo Clinic. Dr. Rosenow diagnosed possible hyperreactive airways disease. In his report, Dr. Rosenow stated that he did not know how to answer whether the cleaning solvent claimant was exposed to on a single occasion precipitated her cough symptoms. He viewed this type of exposure as very unusual in provoking cough. Accordingly, he stated \u201cI can only say it may have aggravated the situation, but most commonly we think of viral tracheobronchitis that sets this off more than anything else, and maybe the two happened to co-exist at the same time.\u201d\nOn April 20, 1995, claimant saw Dr. Inciong and complained of a persistent cough that seemed worse whenever she was at work. She reported that she felt well for two weeks while vacationing in California. Claimant began coughing again, however, because a woman sitting next to claimant during the plane ride home was wearing nail polish. Dr. Inciong diagnosed COPD. He advised claimant to remain off of work for two weeks in an attempt to determine whether her work environment was aggravating her condition.\nOn April 28, 1995, claimant saw Dr. Inciong again and reported that her cough had subsided and that she was feeling well. Dr. Inciong noted that, during the previous visit, not one minute passed without claimant coughing. The congestion and bronchospasms were evident. During the April 28 visit, claimant did not cough once and appeared to be feeling much better. She reported that the last time she felt this well was during her California vacation. Dr. Inciong diagnosed acute bronchospasms. He noted that her condition \u201cis most likely related to exposure to the chemicals that she works around at work. It is obvious that she does very well when she gets away from her working environment and as soon as she goes back to work, the cough recurs.\u201d He advised claimant to return to work to find out if her cough returns.\nOn May 19, 1995, Dr. Inciong reported in a letter addressed to employer that claimant had been suffering from chronic respiratory symptoms that had not responded to medication. Claimant\u2019s symptoms resolved after remaining off of work for two weeks. When claimant returned to work after her April 28, 1995, visit, her symptoms returned. Dr. Inciong opined that claimant\u2019s working environment was the precipitating cause of her illness and all of her symptoms and recommended that she no longer work in such an environment. Claimant left her job with employer shortly thereafter.\nOn May 24, 1995, claimant saw Dr. Calderon. He diagnosed \u201cbreathing disorder, with exacerbations noted due to chemical exposure.\u201d He advised claimant that, if two pulmonologists recommended that she should not return to work, then she probably will not be able to return to her former position.\nOn October 31, 1995, claimant saw Dr. Frank Becker, a pulmonary specialist, at employer\u2019s request. Claimant reported that she had suffered from a cough since the carpet cleaning incident in February 1994. Claimant identified the 3M spot cleaner and two other cleaning products to which she was exposed while at work. During the examination, claimant did not exhibit any signs of wheezing, which would have been an indication of asthma or bronchitis. She had a positive reaction to the methacholine challenge, however, which was consistent with reactive airways disease.\nDr. Becker believed that claimant suffered from reactive airway disease but that the etiology of the condition was in question. He stated that \u201cthere is no evidence in the literature that any of the substances to which [claimant] was exposed can cause reactive airway disease. In contrast, there is a plethora of evidence *** that unequivocally does indicate that smoking causes reactive airway disease.\u201d Accordingly, Dr. Becker opined that it was significantly more likely that claimant\u2019s condition was the result of smoking rather than any chemical exposure. He recommended avoiding exposure to the cleaning product if it was irritating claimant. Claimant suffered from no condition, however, that would prevent her from working. During his deposition, Dr. Becker opined that there is very little scientific evidence to suggest that MCS exists as a syndrome or a diagnosis.\nDr. Becker testified that claimant attributed her symptoms only to the cleaning product to which she had been exposed and did not refer to any other chemicals. He explained that he had a difficult time obtaining the specifics of what claimant did at employer\u2019s plant before becoming a maintenance worker. Because most of the history claimant provided seemed to focus on the cleaning products as the source of claimant\u2019s complaints, Dr. Becker focused on those chemicals. He acknowledged that his impression when he examined claimant was that she had only a minimal exposure to chemicals.\nAlso, Dr. Becker acknowledged that there is a link between certain chemicals used in plastics manufacturing and obstructive lung disease. He opined, however, that the \u201cfact that she was having these attacks in public would [suggest] that it did not have anything to do with what was going on at work.\u201d\nClaimant saw Dr. Inciong twice in December 1995. She complained of cough, body aches, weakness, dizziness, and stomach and back pain.\nOn March 28, 1997, claimant began treating with Dr. Marsha Vet-ter. Dr. Vetter has an M.D. and a Ph.D. in microbiology and immunology and specializes in environmental medicine. Claimant complained of fatigue, burning in the nose and chest, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty concentrating. She reported that, since leaving her job with employer, she had been limiting her exposure to chemicals and was doing fairly well.\nSkin testing revealed sensitivity to, among other things, formaldehyde; orris root, which is a component of perfumes; phenol; and diesel fuel. Dr. Vetter started claimant on a variety of supplements to boost her immune system, antioxidants, and inhalant antigens. Claimant saw Dr. Vetter three more times, the last visit being on April 10, 1998. In April 1998, claimant reported that the inhalant helped but still complained of fatigue, burning nostrils, and chest pain.\nDuring her deposition, Dr. Vetter explained that susceptibility to chemicals can be the result of cumulative exposures. \u201cIt can persist and it can spread until it involves a wide variety of chemical compounds that were never a problem before ***. And, why this occurs physiologically, I believe no one knows the answer.\u201d\nDr. Vetter acknowledged that MCS is very controversial. She explained that\n\u201ca pulmonologist is not going to believe that chemical sensitivity exists because they say there is no literature. *** [T]he literature that they read is different than the literature we read. They don\u2019t consider that anything significant. ***\n*** [W]e also have a peer review journal, but, *** because they\u2019ve been told in medical school and along their training that this is not science, they\u2019re not going to pay any attention to any of that literature.\u201d\nDr. Vetter testified that she relied on materials published by the American Academy of Environmental Medicine and Dr. William Rea\u2019s treatise on chemical sensitivity (W. Rea, Chemical Sensitivity (1995)). According to Dr. Vetter, Dr. Rea \u201cis an internationally recognized expert on chemical sensitivity, also a controversial individual.\u201d\nDr. Vetter opined that claimant\u2019s history and symptoms were consistent with chemical sensitivity. She reviewed the MSDS for the cleaning product claimant used in February 1994 and noted that it stated that exposure to the vapors could cause respiratory system irritation and lightheadedness. Dr. Vetter explained that claimant\u2019s development of chemical sensitivity was a cumulative process involving repeated low-level exposures with the triggering event being the exposure to the cleaning product in February 1994. Also, Dr. Vetter reviewed the MSDS describing other chemicals present in claimant\u2019s workplace and opined that these substances could cause chemical sensitivity. She noted that the MSDS for several of the chemicals stated that the symptoms of exposure included headache; dizziness; and eye, nose, and throat irritation. Dr. Vetter opined that \u201cafter her 14 years of working in the chemical plant and her exposure to the cleaning products, [claimant] had definitely gotten to a point where she was very sensitive to a variety of different compounds.\u201d She acknowledged that it was likely that both claimant\u2019s smoking and her chemical exposures at employer\u2019s plant contributed to claimant\u2019s chronic cough. Claimant needed to be in an environment where she could control her exposure to chemicals. Accordingly, a chemical plant was not an ideal place for claimant to work. Also, because there are many chemicals present in a dentist\u2019s office, claimant should not return to work as a dental hygienist. Dr. Vetter opined that claimant\u2019s condition was permanent.\nDr. Vetter explained that there was no inconsistency between her diagnosis and the earlier diagnosis of bronchitis. She agreed that claimant\u2019s history of smoking contributed to her condition.\nOn December 16, 1997, claimant saw Dr. Katherine Duvall and complained of coughing, weakness, shakiness, and nose and throat soreness exacerbated by certain fumes and odors such as those of cleaning compounds, perfumes, insecticides, hair spray, nail polish, and gasoline. Dr. Duvall diagnosed chronic obstructive lung disease which was most likely related to claimant\u2019s smoking and exacerbated by her exposure to cleaning solvents while working for employer. Dr. Duvall believed that claimant\u2019s condition likely was permanent. Dr. Duvall felt that the MCS diagnosis was more controversial. In some respects, claimant did not qualify for such a diagnosis because one of the criteria is normal pulmonary test results, which claimant did not have. Claimant\u2019s chemical sensitivity likely was related to her hyper-reactive airways disease. Such chemical sensitivity was not an unusual complaint for individuals with reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. Dr. Duvall recommended that claimant avoid respiratory irritants when possible.\nDuring his deposition, Dr. Inciong testified that, when a person has a reactive airways disease, there are different irritants that can trigger bronchial spasms. Those irritants can be anything in the air such as an infectious agent, pollen, dust, or chemicals. When asked whether a chemical sensitivity could trigger bronchitis, Dr. Inciong stated, \u201cshe does have a sensitivity. *** When I say that, I\u2019m raising the possibility that she\u2019s *** sensitive to the chemical. So, yes, it would be a chemical sensitivity.\u201d Also, if a patient was sensitive to one chemical, he or she may potentially become sensitive to any number of chemicals or other irritants. Dr. Inciong opined that claimant\u2019s exposure to chemicals at work was a causative factor in her condition of ill-being. He acknowledged that claimant\u2019s condition did not fit neatly into any single, simple diagnosis.\nA pulmonary function test conducted in June 1999 revealed results consistent with COPD. Dr. Inciong did not see claimant from 1996 until December 1999. He was aware that, during that period, claimant was treating with other physicians for her pulmonary condition. In December 1999, claimant complained of cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath that became worse when she left her home. Dr. Inciong prescribed inhalers and medications and instructed her to avoid environments that were likely to trigger her symptoms.\nRespondent offered the evidence deposition of Dr. Marcus Bond, who specialized in occupational medicine and toxicology. He no longer treated patients and instead did consulting work for companies in the chemical industry. Dr. Bond never examined claimant but had reviewed her medical records. His report referenced the MSDS for 13 common chemicals \u201cused by janitors and others for maintaining a clean and sanitary building environment.\u201d Dr. Bond testified that he also reviewed the MSDS of four chemicals used in employer\u2019s manufacturing process. According to Dr. Bond, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine do not recognize MCS as a condition that can be verified through established scientific procedures. Dr. Bond opined that there was no scientific basis for recognizing MCS as an illness.\nEmployer introduced as deposition exhibits several medical journal articles addressing MCS. Representative of the conclusions that the authors of these articles reached is the following conclusion of the Council on Scientific Affairs of the American Medical Association: \u201c(1) there are no well-controlled studies establishing a clear mechanism or cause for [MCS]; and (2) there are no well-controlled studies providing confirmation of the efficacy of the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities relied on by those who practice clinical ecology.\u201d Council on Scientific Affairs, Council Report: Clinical Ecology, 268 JAMA 3465, 3467 (1992).\nAccordingly, Dr. Bond disagreed with Dr. Vetter\u2019s diagnosis. He testified that Dr. Vetter was not able to explain why she believed claimant suffered from MCS. Also, all of the testing that Dr. Vetter performed on claimant, such as blood and urine tests, yielded normal results.\nDr. Bond toured employer\u2019s plant. He did not notice any chemical odors and did not observe any operations that would have allowed styrene or pentane vapors to be present in the plant\u2019s atmosphere.\nDr. Bond believed that claimant suffered from mild chronic obstructive lung disease caused by smoking and that her condition improved after she stopped smoking. Dr. Bond also believed that claimant could work. He did not believe that any of the chemicals described in the MSDS were a contributing cause of claimant\u2019s condition and did not see anything in the materials that he reviewed indicating that anything other than smoking caused claimant\u2019s condition. When asked whether any of the chemicals used in the manufacture of polysterene pellets could cause reactive airways disease, Dr. Bond replied, \u201cyou\u2019d have to figure in a dose because, obviously, most people don\u2019t get reactive airways disease *** who work with monomers or pentane or polys-terene and so on.\u201d\nIn 1999, claimant began receiving social security disability benefits. At the time of the hearing, claimant had been using oxygen for about six years. Being near cologne or cleaning agents was difficult for claimant. She generally stayed at home and avoided any cleaners or hygienic products that were scented. Neighboring farmers notified claimant when they planned to spray pesticide, and claimant stayed with her daughter while the crops were being sprayed.\nIn 1998, claimant started her own business, Valley Massage and Reflexology, which she ran out of her home. She used only unscented oils and instructed her clients not to wear any perfume or other chemicals. Claimant earned $1,331 in 1999, $1,327 in 2000, and $1,154 in 2001.\nAn arbitrator awarded claimant $13,309 in medical expenses and found that she was permanently and totally disabled. The arbitrator found that claimant\u2019s exposure to chemicals during the course of her employment with employer was a cause of her present condition of ill-being. The arbitrator ruled that Dr. Vetter was qualified to testify as an expert about causation.\nThe Commission found that claimant was temporarily totally disabled from March 15, 1994, through May 8, 1994, or 12 3/7 weeks, and awarded claimant $1,010.57 in medical expenses. The Commission ruled that, because MCS is not sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the medical community, Dr. Vetter\u2019s testimony about claimant\u2019s MCS diagnosis and causation should not have been admitted. According to the Commission, claimant\u2019s condition was best described by Dr. Inciong and others as obstructive lung disease with a reactive component. Claimant\u2019s condition before February 22, 1994, was a \u201csmoking/viral\u201d related condition and was unrelated to her work environment. Claimant\u2019s February 22, 1994, exposure did not result in any serious or permanent disablement. Claimant returned to unrestricted work on May 9, 1994, and, on June 23, 1994, Dr. Inciong noted that claimant\u2019s asthmatic bronchitis was fully resolved. Claimant\u2019s subsequent persisting problems represented her preexisting, baseline smoking/viral condition.\nThe Commission found further that, even if claimant\u2019s current condition of ill-being was causally related to her work environment, there was no basis for awarding permanent total disability benefits. According to the Commission, no physician opined that claimant was permanently and totally disabled, and there was no basis to conclude that claimant was obviously permanently and totally disabled. Although there was evidence that claimant could not return to her job with employer, the evidence did not establish that she could not work anywhere else. There was no evidence of a job search or expert vocational testimony to establish that claimant fell in the \u201codd-lot\u201d category.\nThe trial court confirmed the Commission\u2019s decision. Claimant timely appealed.\nIII. DISCUSSION\nA. Admissibility of Expert Testimony on MCS\nClaimant argues that the Commission improperly excluded Dr. Vetter\u2019s testimony about MCS. Except when the Act provides otherwise, the Illinois rules of evidence govern proceedings before an arbitrator or the Commission. 50 Ill. Adm. Code \u00a7 7030.70(a), as amended by 20 Ill. Reg. 4053 (eff. February 15, 1996); National Wrecking Co. v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 352 Ill. App. 3d 561, 566 (2004). In Illinois, the admission of expert testimony is governed by the standard first expressed in Frye v. United States, 293 F. 1013, 1014 (D.C. Cir. 1923). In re Commitment of Simons, 213 Ill. 2d 523, 529 (2004). Commonly called the \u201cgeneral acceptance\u201d test, the Frye standard dictates that scientific evidence is admissible at trial only if the methodology or scientific principle upon which the opinion is based is \u201c \u2018sufficiently established to have gained general acceptance in the particular field in which it belongs.\u2019 \u201d Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 529-30, quoting Frye, 293 F. at 1014.\n\u201cGeneral acceptance\u201d does not mean universal acceptance, and it does not require that the methodology in question be accepted by unanimity, consensus, or even a majority of experts. Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 530. Instead, it is sufficient that the underlying method used to generate an expert\u2019s opinion is reasonably relied upon by experts in the relevant field. Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 530. The lower tribunal\u2019s Frye analysis is subject to de novo review. Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 531. In conducting such review, the reviewing court may consider not only the record but also, where appropriate, sources outside the record, including legal and scientific articles and court decisions from other jurisdictions. Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 531.\nWe note that, generally, if the proposed testimony concerns a syndrome that has not yet been admitted in Illinois, then the trial court should conduct a Frye hearing to determine the scientific validity, or invalidity, of the syndrome. People v. Shanahan, 323 Ill. App. 3d 835, 838-39 (2001). During a worker\u2019s compensation arbitration hearing, most expert testimony is received via evidence depositions. In most cases, it would be impractical and inconsistent with the general nature of worker\u2019s compensation proceedings to require a separate Frye hearing with live witnesses. Here, the arbitrator and the Commission considered all of the expert deposition testimony and the Frye standard and then ruled on the admissibility of claimant\u2019s proposed expert testimony. See Donaldson v. Central Illinois Public Service Co., 199 Ill. 2d 63, 75-76 (2002), overruled on other grounds, Simons, 213 Ill. 2d at 532 (the trial court\u2019s error, if any, in failing to hold a formal Frye hearing was harmless where the issue of the admissibility of the experts\u2019 testimony had come before the trial court in previous motions, during which the trial court became well versed in the experts\u2019 methodologies and dealt with the issues it would have addressed in a formal Frye hearing). The arbitrator and the Commission considered all of the evidence relevant to the Frye issue before ruling on the admissibility of Dr. Vetter\u2019s testimony and dealt with the issues they would have addressed had a separate Frye hearing been held. Therefore, we believe that the procedure employed here was appropriate.\nThe proponent of expert testimony has the burden of demonstrating that the proffered opinion is worthy of admission into evidence. Volpe v. IKO Industries, Ltd., 327 Ill. App. 3d 567, 576 (2002). Here, claimant has presented nothing to support a conclusion that Dr. Vetter\u2019s testimony about MGS satisfies the Frye standard. Dr. Vetter herself acknowledged that MGS is controversial and has not been accepted by the mainstream medical community. In support of her opinions, she identified only the literature of MGS proponents. A court must not define the relevant field of experts so narrowly that the expert\u2019s opinion inevitably will be considered generally accepted. If the community is defined to include only those experts who subscribe to the same beliefs as the testifying expert, the opinion always will be admissible. The community of experts must include a sufficiently broad sample of experts so that the possibility of disagreement exists. Canavan\u2019s Case, 432 Mass. 304, 314 n.6, 733 N.E.2d 1042, 1050 n.6 (2000).\nEmployer has referenced medical literature and court decisions supporting its assertion that the larger medical community does not recognize MGS. In upholding a trial court\u2019s decision to exclude expert medical testimony about MGS, one court noted that MGS is not recognized by the American Medical Association and several other medical organizations, including the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, and the American College of Occupational Medicine. Alder v. Bayer Corp., 61 P.3d 1068, 1081 (Utah 2002). Court decisions addressing the issue overwhelmingly support employer\u2019s position. See Summers v. Missouri Pacific R.R. System, 132 F.3d 599, 603 (10th Cir. 1997) (\u201cMGS is a controversial diagnosis that has been excluded *** as unsupported by sound scientific reasoning or methodology\u201d); Bradley v. Brown, 42 F.3d 434, 438 (7th Cir. 1994) (MCS\u2019s etiology has not progressed from the plausible or hypothetical to knowledge capable of assisting the trier of fact); Gabbard v. Linn-Benton Housing Authority, 219 F. Supp. 2d 1130, 1139 (D. Or. 2002) (diagnosis of MGS has not attained general acceptance and is outside the mainstream of medical practice); Coffey v. County of Hennepin, 23 F. Supp. 2d 1081, 1086 (D. Minn. 1998) (\u201cfederal courts do not consider environmental illness or MGS a scientifically valid diagnosis\u201d); Frank v. New York, 972 F. Supp. 130, 136-37 (N.D.N.Y. 1997) (\u201ctheory underlying MGS is untested, speculative, and far from general acceptance in the medical or toxicological community\u201d); Minner v. American Mortgage & Guaranty Co., 791 A.2d 826, 850 (Del. 2000) (\u201cMainstream medicine has neither properly defined nor widely accepted MGS as an organic entity *** and [t]o this point, most Courts have not recognized the diagnosis of MGS as a scientifically valid diagnosis\u201d).\nClaimant has not cited a decision that would support admitting Dr. Vetter\u2019s testimony about MCS. Research has uncovered some authority supporting claimant\u2019s position. See Creamer v. Callahan, 981 F. Supp. 703, 705 (D. Mass. 1997) (noting that the Social Security Administration recognizes MCS as a medically determinable impairment); Appeal of Kehoe, 139 N.H. 24, 648 A.2d 472 (1994) (MCS due to workplace exposure to occupational chemicals is an occupational disease compensable under workers\u2019 compensation statute); SAIF Corp. v. Scott, 111 Or. App. 99, 103, 824 P.2d 1188, 1190-91 (1992) (evidence sustained finding that heightened sensitivity to chemicals was result of the claimant\u2019s exposure to pesticides and herbicides on the job). None of these decisions addressed MCS\u2019s acceptance in the medical community, however, and therefore provide no support for admitting Dr. Vetter\u2019s opinions pursuant to the Frye standard.\nWe note that our decision is based on the current state of medical science and claimant\u2019s failure to meet her burden of demonstrating that Dr. Vetter\u2019s opinions should have been admitted. The possibility exists that, as the medical community\u2019s understanding of the etiology of MCS grows, so will MCS\u2019s acceptance in the medical community and the case for admitting expert testimony about MCS. Because the prevailing view is that the medical community has yet to accept MCS as a clinically valid diagnosis, the Commission properly excluded Dr. Vetter\u2019s testimony about MCS.\nB. Causation\nClaimant argues that, even if the Commission correctly refused to consider the evidence about MCS, the Commission\u2019s causation finding is against the manifest weight of the evidence. Claimant stresses that several of her treating physicians opined that her work environment exacerbated her pulmonary condition.\nTo recover compensation under the Act, a claimant must prove both that he or she suffers from an occupational disease and that a causal connection exists between the disease and his or her employment. Anderson v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 321 Ill. App. 3d 463, 467 (2001). An occupational activity need not be the sole or principal causative factor, as long as it was a causative factor in the resulting condition of ill-being. Sisbro, Inc. v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 207 Ill. 2d 193, 205 (2003); Freeman United Coal Mining Co. v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 308 Ill. App. 3d 578, 586 (1999).\nEmployers take their employees as they find them. Fitts v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 172 Ill. 2d 303, 309 (1996). Thus, even though an employee has a preexisting condition that may make him or her more vulnerable to injury, recovery will not be denied where the employee can show that a work-related condition aggravated or accelerated the preexisting disease such that the employee\u2019s current condition of ill-being can be said to be causally related to conditions in the workplace and not merely the result of a normal degenerative process of the preexisting condition. Sisbro, 207 Ill. 2d at 204-05; General Cooperage Co. v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 284 Ill. App. 3d 936, 940 (1996).\nWhether a causal connection exists is a question of fact for the Commission, and a reviewing court will overturn the Commission\u2019s decision only if it is against the manifest weight of the evidence. Peabody Coal Co. v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 349 Ill. App. 3d 493, 497 (2004). It is the Commission\u2019s duty to resolve conflicts in the evidence, particularly medical opinion evidence. Peabody Coal Co. v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 355 Ill. App. 3d 879, 882 (2005). The test is whether the evidence is sufficient to support the Commission\u2019s finding, not whether this court or any other tribunal might reach an opposite conclusion. Freeman, 308 Ill. App. 3d at 585. For the Commission\u2019s decision to be against the manifest weight of the evidence, the record must disclose that an opposite conclusion clearly was the proper result. Vogel v. Industrial Comm\u2019n, 354 Ill. App. 3d 780, 786 (2005).\nThe general consensus among the physicians in this case was that claimant suffered from a pulmonary condition such as reactive airways disease or COPD. Several of claimant\u2019s treating physicians opined that claimant\u2019s work environment exacerbated her condition. Employer offered the opinions of Drs. Becker and Bond. Dr. Becker, who performed an independent medical evaluation, opined that it was significantly more likely that claimant\u2019s condition was the result of smoking rather than any chemical exposure. Dr. Bond, who reviewed claimant\u2019s medical records and toured employer\u2019s plant, likewise opined that claimant\u2019s condition was attributable solely to smoking.\nAlthough the evidence here was closely balanced, the Commission was free to adopt the opinions of employer\u2019s experts that claimant\u2019s condition was purely smoking related. Claimant argues that the opinions of Drs. Becker and Bond are flawed because they are based on the incorrect assumption that the only chemical exposures involved were exposures to the cleaning chemicals claimant used during the short time she worked in maintenance. Although it is true that the initial reports of Drs. Becker and Bond considered only claimant\u2019s exposure to cleaning chemicals, both physicians clarified their opinions during their depositions.\nThe overall theme of Dr. Becker\u2019s analysis was that it was very unlikely that any work-related chemical exposure caused claimant\u2019s pulmonary condition. During his deposition, Dr. Becker was presented with more information about the nature of claimant\u2019s chemical exposures at work. He testified that the fact that claimant suffered attacks away from work suggested that her work environment was not a cause of her condition.\nDr. Bond testified that he reviewed the MSDS of four chemicals used in employer\u2019s manufacturing process. He had reviewed claimant\u2019s medical records and was aware of the opinions expressed therein. He toured employer\u2019s plant and testified that he did not notice any chemical odors and did not observe any operations that would have allowed styrene or pentane vapors to be present in the plant\u2019s atmosphere. After being presented with more information about the nature of claimant\u2019s duties and her chemical exposure, Dr. Bond opined that it was unlikely that any chemical exposure caused claimant\u2019s pulmonary condition and did not see anything in the materials indicating that anything other than smoking caused claimant\u2019s condition.\nThe Commission adopted the theory that claimant\u2019s February 1994 exposure to the cleaning chemicals temporarily exacerbated her underlying pulmonary condition and that she reached maximum medical improvement by June 1994. There is evidence to support this position. Dr. Calderon opined that claimant suffered from a mild underlying pulmonary obstructive disease that was probably secondary to her smoking and appeared to suffer an exacerbation of her underlying disease when exposed to the cleaning solutions. In March 1994, Dr. Inciong diagnosed asthmatic bronchitis and in June 1994 determined that this condition had resolved. The Commission found the asthmatic bronchitis to be the result of the exposure to the cleaning chemicals and that her subsequent persisting problems represented her preexisting, baseline smoking/viral condition. Although the evidence potentially supports other explanations of claimant\u2019s symptoms, the Commission\u2019s finding on this issue is not against the manifest weight of the evidence.\nIV CONCLUSION\nThe Commission was correct to exclude expert opinion evidence on MCS, and its decision is not against the manifest weight of the evidence. Accordingly, the judgment of the circuit court of La Salle County, confirming the Commission\u2019s decision, is affirmed.\nAffirmed.\nMcCULLOUGH, P.J., and HOFFMAN, HOLDRIDGE, and DONOVAN, JJ., concur.\nRenamed the Illinois Workers\u2019 Compensation Commission. See Pub. Act 93 \u2014 721, eff. January 1, 2005.\nClaimant originally filed her claim under the Workers\u2019 Compensation Act (820 ILCS 305/1 et seq. (West 1994)). The Commission recognized that the claim should have been filed under the Workers\u2019 Occupational Diseases Act and therefore treated it as such.", "type": "majority", "author": "JUSTICE CALLUM" } ], "attorneys": [ "Peter F. Ferracuti and Jason M. Whiteside, both of Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, P.C., of Ottawa, for appellant.", "Kevin J. Luther and Brad A. Antonacci, both of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, of Rockford, and Brad A. Elward and Karen L. Kendall, both of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, of Peoria, for appellee." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "ARLENE BERNARDONI, Appellant, v. THE INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION et al. (Huntsman Chemical Company, Appellee).\nThird District (Illinois Workers\u2019 Compensation Commission Division)\nNo. 3\u201405\u20140226WC\nOpinion filed December 6, 2005.\nRehearing denied January 9, 2006.\nPeter F. Ferracuti and Jason M. Whiteside, both of Law Offices of Peter F. Ferracuti, P.C., of Ottawa, for appellant.\nKevin J. Luther and Brad A. Antonacci, both of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, of Rockford, and Brad A. Elward and Karen L. Kendall, both of Heyl, Royster, Voelker & Allen, of Peoria, for appellee." }, "file_name": "0582-01", "first_page_order": 600, "last_page_order": 616 }