Repetitive strain injury (RSI), the painful and even disabling affliction linked to continuous bending, twisting, and flexing of the hands or arms, has long been found among meat cutters, assemblers, and other blue collar workers. It is now turning up in growing numbers among users of video display terminals, including clerical workers, editors, and reporters.

In this reprint of a November 28, 1986 article, Reporters Diana Hembree and Sarah Henry report that some medical experts believe that repeated exposure to toxic chemicals in the semiconductor industry of Silicon Valley has made workers hypersensitive to ordinary chemicals such as those in laundry detergent and photocopier fumes.

In this reprint of a November 28, 1986 article, Reporters Diana Hembree and Sarah Henry report that some medical experts believe that repeated exposure to toxic chemicals in the semiconductor industry of Silicon Valley has made workers hypersensitive to ordinary chemicals such as those in laundry detergent and photocopier fumes.

Hundreds of electronics workers are afflicted with mysterious ailments that have made them hypersensitive to ordinary chemicals such as those in perfume and laundry detergent.