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While nearly everyone recoils from over-applied perfume or gets a bit of a headache after a day of painting the hall, some people can’t tolerate even a whiff of aftershave without nausea and cramps. In Allergic to the 21st Century, science writer Peter Radetsky explores the world of the chemically sensitive. He interviews dozens of patients and doctors, some of whom consider multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) a disease of the body, while others believe it’s a disease of the mind. Radetsky’s writing is lively and emotive. And more of a conduit of ideas than a critical reporter, even the most cynical will not lightly dismiss MCS after reading this. Published by Little, Brown, $24.95, ISBN 0316732214.