The High Of Scents: Cologne's Unexpected Buzz

While cologne is typically a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils, it can be misused. Inhaling cologne fumes by spraying them onto a rag or directly from the bottle can cause a sense of euphoria that lasts 15 to 45 minutes. However, this practice is dangerous as the chemicals in cologne can be harmful, causing side effects such as headaches, eye irritation, nausea, and respiratory issues. In addition, cologne poisoning can occur when someone accidentally or intentionally swallows cologne, leading to severe symptoms like decreased consciousness, seizures, and even coma.

Inhaling cologne fumes can cause a sense of euphoria lasting 15-45 minutes

Inhaling Cologne Fumes: A Temporary High?

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. While cologne is intended to be applied topically, it is possible to inhale the fumes by spraying it onto a rag or bag and breathing it in, or even by sniffing it directly from the bottle.

Inhaling cologne fumes can induce a sense of euphoria, which typically lasts for 15-45 minutes. This short-lived high is caused by breathing in the toxic fumes, which contain harmful chemicals also found in cigarette smoke. These chemicals can have damaging effects on the brain and body, including headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues.

Health Risks

The chemicals in cologne fumes can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and cause nausea, forgetfulness, and other respiratory and neurological symptoms. Some people may experience asthma attacks or other breathing difficulties due to fragrance ingredients. The high concentration of ethanol in most colognes poses a particular danger to children, who may experience a drop in blood sugar if they ingest even a small amount.

Long-Term Effects

Prolonged exposure to cologne fumes can also have more severe, long-term consequences. The chemicals in cologne, such as phthalates, have been linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, birth defects, and respiratory problems.

Prevention and Treatment

To prevent adverse effects, it is recommended to limit the amount of cologne applied and avoid direct inhalation of the fumes. If someone has inhaled an excessive amount of cologne and is experiencing negative symptoms, it is important to seek fresh air and medical attention if necessary.

Cologne poisoning can occur when cologne is swallowed, causing symptoms like nausea and vomiting

Cologne Poisoning

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. Cologne poisoning occurs when cologne is swallowed, whether by accident or on purpose. Poisonous ingredients in cologne include ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol). There may be other poisonous ingredients in cologne, as well.

Symptoms of Cologne Poisoning

Symptoms of cologne poisoning may include:

• Decreased level of consciousness, including coma (lack of responsiveness)
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (may be bloody)
• Trouble walking normally
• Low body temperature, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure
• Too little or too much urine output
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Swaying from side to side
• Uncoordinated movement

Children and Cologne Poisoning

Children are especially prone to developing low blood sugar after swallowing cologne. Symptoms of low blood sugar can include:

• Drowsiness or a dip in energy
• Lack of responsiveness
• Seizures

If your child has swallowed cologne, give them a small, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to keep their blood sugar from dropping to a dangerous level. Then, contact a poison control center at 800-222-1222, or call your child's pediatrician right away.

Treatment for Cologne Poisoning

If you or someone you are with has been exposed to cologne poisoning, call the local emergency number (such as 911), or the local poison control center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

At the hospital, the provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated, and the person may receive:

• Blood and urine tests
• Breathing support, including a tube through the mouth into the lungs and a breathing machine (ventilator)
• ECG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
• Endoscopy -- camera placed down the throat to see burns in the esophagus and the stomach, if vomiting blood
• Fluids through a vein (by IV)
• Medicine to treat symptoms
• Tube through the nose into the stomach if vomiting blood

Prevention of Cologne Poisoning

To prevent cologne poisoning, it is important to keep cologne out of the reach of children and to seek medical help right away if you or someone you are with has swallowed cologne.

Some cologne ingredients, like ethyl alcohol, are poisonous and can cause severe health issues

While cologne is intended to be applied topically and not ingested, it is possible for people, especially children, to accidentally or intentionally swallow cologne. Cologne is made from alcohol and essential oils, and some of the ingredients, such as ethyl alcohol (ethanol), are poisonous and can lead to severe health issues.

Ethyl alcohol is a common ingredient in cologne, and it can be toxic if ingested in large quantities. In children, even small amounts of ethyl alcohol can cause poisoning and severe health issues. According to a study, children who ingested less than 30 mL of ethyl alcohol-containing cologne did not exhibit any symptoms. However, as the amount ingested increased, some children displayed symptoms such as sleepiness and behaviour resembling intoxication.

Isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol) is another poisonous ingredient found in cologne. Ingesting cologne with high levels of isopropyl alcohol can result in more serious illnesses. Poisoning from these alcohols can cause a decreased level of consciousness, including coma, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and low blood sugar, especially in children.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also raised concerns about the potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals found in perfumes and colognes. They report that these products often contain a dozen or more chemicals, some of which are derived from petroleum. The specific chemicals used are often not disclosed to consumers due to trade secret protection, making it challenging to know the potential hazards.

If you or someone you know has ingested cologne, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency number or poison control center for guidance and further instructions.

Fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and other harmful reactions over time

While cologne will not get you high, fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and other harmful reactions. Fragrance sensitivity is a common issue, with up to 30% of people surveyed in a study from the University of West Georgia reporting irritation from scented products. Fragrances are often made up of complex chemical formulas, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of irritation or allergy symptoms.

Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity can include respiratory problems such as sneezing, coughing, and a stuffy or runny nose. It can also cause skin issues, like contact dermatitis, an itchy, red rash that appears on the skin. Fragrance sensitivity can also cause headaches, nausea, and eye irritation, such as watery, itchy, burning, and red eyes.

For some people, these symptoms are caused by an allergic reaction, where the immune system overreacts to the fragrance. For others, the symptoms are caused by direct airway irritation from the scent. It's important to note that fragrances are not considered allergens but rather irritants, which can still trigger allergy-like symptoms.

The best way to prevent fragrance sensitivity is to avoid exposure to the offending substance. However, this can be challenging as fragrances are added to many everyday products, and manufacturers are not required to list all ingredients on their labels. It may be helpful to opt for fragrance-free or unscented products, but even these may contain herbal ingredients or oils that can trigger a reaction.

If you experience fragrance sensitivity, it's recommended to limit your contact with the offending scent and seek medical advice if needed.

The chemicals in cologne can be harmful to your health, causing respiratory issues and headaches

Cologne is a scented liquid made from alcohol and essential oils. While cologne has a range of pleasant effects, such as making the wearer more attractive and confident, it can also have some harmful effects on the body if used incorrectly.

The chemicals used in colognes and other fragrances can be harmful to your health. Cologne contains ethyl alcohol (ethanol) and isopropyl alcohol (isopropanol), which are toxic and can cause symptoms of poisoning if ingested in amounts greater than 30 milliliters. Cologne poisoning can occur when someone swallows cologne, either by accident or on purpose, and can cause a range of serious symptoms, including:

• Decreased level of consciousness, including coma
• Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting (which may be bloody)
• Trouble walking normally
• Low body temperature, low blood sugar, and low blood pressure
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Swaying from side to side
• Uncoordinated movement

In addition to the risks of ingestion, the chemicals in cologne can also be harmful if inhaled. Inhaling the fumes of cologne by spraying them into a rag or bag and breathing them in can cause a sense of euphoria that lasts about 15 to 45 minutes. However, this practice can also lead to health issues. Inhaling the toxic fumes can cause damage to the brain, as well as headaches, dizziness, and respiratory issues. Fragrances can also trigger allergies and skin sensitivities, with one in three people experiencing health problems when exposed to fragrances.

Asthma attacks, hay fever, headaches, dizziness, breathing problems, rashes, congestion, nausea, and convulsions are all possible side effects of exposure to cologne and other fragrances. Furthermore, the chemicals used in fragrances, such as phthalates, have been linked to more serious long-term health risks, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, birth defects, and respiratory problems.

To minimize the potential harmful effects of cologne, it is important to use it safely and in moderation.

Frequently asked questions