AN investigation into the high number of ME sufferers in the Outer Hebrides has found most have been exposed to the Gulf war illness chemical organo-phosphate.
Nearly 60% of victims of the chronic fatigue syndrome who responded to the survey revealed they had been in contact with sheep dip, which commonly uses OP.
The chemical, which attacks the central nervous system, is also suspected as the cause of Gulf war syndrome, and more recently BSE.
Nearly a fifth of the 65 ME sufferers said they had been exposed to sheep dip frequently - and 40% occasionally. Although none of the victims was listed as an agricultural worker - 30% of sufferers were teachers or students - it is believed many had contact with sheep dip through part-time crofting.
The questionnaire was sent out to more than 80 members of the Western Isles support group of the ME Association, and was compiled and analysed by medical researcher Dr Vance Spence from Fife and Dr Neil Abbot of the department of complementary medicine at Exeter University.
The findings were to be presented to the annual meeting of the local ME support group last night and are likely to act as a launch pad for a national Scottish survey. The results will also be given to the Western Isles Health Board to help target resources to sufferers better.
Last year Dr Charles Shepherd, medical director of the Essex-based national ME Association - its patron is the Duke of Kent, whose wife is a sufferer - said the number of cases on the isles of Lewis and Harris, which have a population of 22,000, were at least four times above the national average.
The former GP is certain that there is a link between the condition and the use of organo-phosphates.
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