One-way to distinguish yourself in real estate is to specialize. There are those who sell to the wealthy. There are those who just sell exclusive Island real estate. Some specialize in condominiums and some specialize in vacation rentals.

Now, a new speciality has emerged: hotels and apartments that cater to the chemically sensitive. These accommodations are designed to make life liveable for people who claim to have a hard time living in normal, every day environments. Generally, smoking is out as is also wall to wall carpeting. Many cleaning supplies, pesticides and scented products are also prohibited at these new facilities.

Take for example the Pride and Joy Environmental Resort located in South Melbourne Beach, Florida. The facility boasts prime ocean front rentals, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Its what is not found, however, that makes the Pride and Joy standout: no toxic cleaners, no scented products, no pesticides, and no, no, no smoking. Smoking is always a no-no at these facilities.

According to owner Val Gaccione, who in an advertisement claims to suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity himself, it was his dream to create a safe, non-toxic haven from the assaults found in everyday life.

The Natural Place Environmental Residence and Hotel is also located in Florida -- specifically Deerfield Beach. Owner Alan Charney told me that he has been offering environmentally friendly rentals since 1992. Charney goes to great lengths to keep out toxic chemicals and other allergens. A two-page Quality Assurance Agreement must be accepted by all guests -- and its this Agreement that helps ensure that the facility remains toxic-free.

Under the Agreement, all scented products, clothes washed in scented detergents or covered with perfume, and other toxins are expressly off-limits. Pesticides are also prohibited and smoking is prohibited anywhere on the premises. The management reserves the right to refuse accommodations or reject any guests who violates any terms of this Agreement.

Charney advises that he now offers full-time housing at a much lower rate, in addition to short term vacation stays. He told me that there is a need for both hotel and full-time living quarters for people with multiple chemicals sensitivity."

Multiple chemical sensitivity is a relatively recent phenomenon. It is predicated on the theory that some people are simply more sensitive to smells and chemicals that appear not to bother the majority of people. Though the list of offending chemicals may be endless, commonly identified suspects include perfume, carpeting glue, tobacco smoke, and detergents.

Individuals claiming to suffer from it allege ailments such as chronic headaches, dizziness, memory loss, rashes, chronic fatigue and breathing difficulty. This is all relatively new. Many experts appear to be convinced that this is all real and very serious. Certainly, those who claim to be afflicted are sure that this is all real and verifiable.

On the other hand, there are doubters as well. Its similar to the chronic fatigue syndrome debate: some say it is bogus, others are very sure that it is a real sickness. One thing that is certain -- this writer does not have an answer and leaves all of you to explore this issue further and make your own, informed opinions.

One thing that is clear, as a nation we are finally starting to take indoor air quality seriously. I have previously told you about Maine's ahead of its time Indoor Air Quality Council. That Council is exploring complaints such as multiple chemical sensitivity, as part of its mission to understand the full scope of indoor air quality and its various impacts on people.

Recently, the Council's President, John L. Jones, P.E., informed me that this broad issue can only be addressed in a multi-disciplined, coordinated manner. The following kinds of people must work together: building architects, engineers, maintenance personnel, medical professionals, space occupants, and other stakeholders. Stakeholders is a fancy word used by environmental professionals to broadly refer to all interested parties.

Mr. Jones cautioned that air quality issues cannot be examined in a vacuum. Here is a real interesting observation from Mr. Jones. During our several "energy crises," buildings were designed to be as air tight as possible, maximizing environmental efficiency. Buildings designed between 1974 and 1990 have a higher incidence of indoor environmental problems and health related symptoms than do buildings designed before and after this period. If this is correct, it is potentially very revealing.

From my personal standpoint, it appears that an increasing number of people are claiming to suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity. I suspect that many of these people are so inflicted and that a certain number of the claims are unfounded. Now, a new niche in the real estate market is beginning to emerge: residences and hotels that cater to those who suffer from this problem.

Published: September 2, 1999

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