Seamus Hammond
Fragrances like perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves can cause adverse reactions in some people. The effects can be immediate and severe, ranging from mild allergic reactions to serious conditions like perfume poisoning. Some people experience fragrance sensitivity, which can manifest as headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, itchy and watery eyes, and skin reactions. The potential dangers of perfume are exacerbated by the fact that manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients, instead listing them simply as fragrance. This lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices and avoid potential health risks associated with certain chemicals in perfumes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allergic reaction | Contact dermatitis |
| Toxic effects | Styrene, musk ketone, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol |
| Symptoms | Queasiness, lightheadedness, headaches, nausea, watery eyes, itching, burning eyes, runny nose, congestion, asthma, skin reactions |
| Fragrance sensitivity | Affecting approximately 45 million Americans |
| Effects | Immediate, severe, and potentially disabling |
| Treatment | Carb- or sugar-heavy snack, washing skin with gentle soap, hypoallergenic products, hydrocortisone cream |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions and skin irritation
Fragrance sensitivities are becoming more common due to the widespread presence of chemicals in everyday life. These reactions can manifest as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that appears on the skin that has been directly exposed to the irritant. ACD usually occurs on the face, hands, or armpits, and can be very uncomfortable, though it is not contagious. In some cases, ACD can lead to an infection if the affected area is repeatedly scratched, providing a place for bacteria to grow.
In addition to rashes, symptoms of fragrance allergies can include large boils or hives that are painful or extremely itchy, and skin that is warm to the touch. Respiratory symptoms may also develop, and in rare cases, a person can experience anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening.
It can be challenging to identify the specific allergens causing these reactions, as fragrance manufacturers are not required to list all the chemicals used in their perfumes on the product packaging. Instead, they often use the term "fragrance" to represent a multitude of chemical compounds. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices and avoid potential allergens.
To manage fragrance allergies and sensitivities, individuals can take steps such as discussing a scent-free workplace with their employers, especially if coworkers also have fragrance allergies. Patch tests and contact allergen testing can help identify specific allergic triggers, allowing individuals to choose perfumes that do not contain those ingredients. Additionally, home remedies such as washing the affected skin with gentle, dye-free soap and water, using hypoallergenic products, and applying hydrocortisone cream can provide relief from mild allergic reactions.
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Toxic effects of perfume
The use of perfumes and colognes has become commonplace in various communities. However, these cosmetic products can have toxic effects and side effects on consumers.
Perfumes contain a complex mixture of chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as ethanol, alpha pinene, acetone, limonene, beta pinene, and acetaldehyde, which can act as indoor air pollutants. The number of compounds in aromatic products can reach the tens, many of which have toxic effects on humans. One study identified 42 toxic or hazardous compounds out of 150 different VOCs distributed from 37 aromatic consumer products in the United States.
The most toxic ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves is often ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which is used to preserve and stabilize the product's scent. These alcohols can be dangerous if ingested, especially for children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, it is recommended to contact a poison control center or a pediatrician immediately.
In addition to the immediate dangers of ingestion, some chemicals in perfumes may have long-term toxic effects if they build up in the body over time. For example, styrene, an ingredient in many cosmetic products, was deemed a likely carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program in 2014. Musk ketone, another widely used ingredient, has low biodegradability and is often found in human breast milk and fatty tissue, although the health implications of this are unclear.
Other potential side effects of exposure to perfumes include temporary allergic reactions, such as contact dermatitis, as well as skin allergies, neurological disorders, reproductive issues, and migraine headaches. Some studies have even suggested a link between exposure to perfumes during pregnancy and the development of autism in the fetus.
It is important to note that fragrance products are often exempt from FDA testing, and manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients, making it challenging for consumers to be fully informed about the potential toxic effects of perfumes.
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Effects on children
While immediate and irreversible damage to one's health caused by one-time perfume use is rare, perfume can indeed make you sick, especially if you are a child.
Children are attracted to fragrance products because of their smell and ornate bottles. The most important risk these products present is alcohol poisoning. Ethanol, the most toxic ingredient in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves, causes drowsiness and inebriation in children, and can also drop their blood sugar to dangerously low levels. The brain needs sustained levels of sugar to function normally. Children can develop slurred speech, show depressed breathing, lose coordination, pass out, or even have seizures.
In addition to the risks of ethanol poisoning, exposure to fragrances can lead to skin irritation and allergic reactions. Children's skin is more susceptible to the penetration of irritants and allergens because it has a thinner stratum corneum. Children also have a higher body surface-to-weight ratio, which leads to greater absorption of substances applied to the skin.
Fragrance products can also have systemic effects on children. Prenatal exposure to phthalates, for example, has been associated with behavior disorders, like aggression and depression in children aged 4–9. Exposure to synthetic polycyclic musks may also display estrogenic activities in vitro and in vivo effects depending on specific receptors.
Due to the potential health risks posed by fragranced products, initiatives to monitor and regulate fragrances in children's products are growing in the United States and Europe. Similar initiatives should be adopted worldwide.
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Fragrance sensitivity
The symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Some people may also experience mucosal symptoms such as congestion and watery eyes. In more severe cases, fragrance sensitivity can lead to debilitating headaches, anxiety, and even difficulty breathing. The symptoms generally develop within minutes of exposure to a scent and can be immediate, severe, and disabling.
Managing fragrance sensitivity can be challenging, especially in public places or at work. The best way to manage it is to avoid offending fragrances by using unscented or fragrance-free products and opting for natural alternatives to scented products, such as decorating with fake flowers instead of real ones. It is also important to speak up and politely inform others about your sensitivities, as they may not be aware that their fragrances are affecting you. In cases where exposure is unavoidable or symptoms are persistent, over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or nasal decongestants can be used to treat the symptoms.
The impact of fragrance sensitivity should not be underestimated, as it can have significant effects on people's lives. Some individuals report missing work or avoiding certain places due to fragrance sensitivity. It is recognised as a disability in some countries, and many workplaces and institutions have implemented scent-free or scent-reduction policies to accommodate people with sensitivities.
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Perfume poisoning
While immediate and irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time perfume use is rare, it is still possible to experience perfume poisoning or toxic reactions that cause long-term damage to your body from consuming perfume. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which can be dangerous if ingested, especially for children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, contact a poison control centre or a paediatrician immediately. Give the child a small, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to dangerous levels. While it can be scary, children frequently ingest perfume and most recover without any issues.
Symptoms of perfume poisoning may include muscle cramping, nausea, abdominal pain, severe breathing problems, seizures, and comas. If you are experiencing a serious reaction to a fragrance product, such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or severe abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately.
To avoid potential harm, look for perfumes that list all their ingredients on the label rather than using the term "fragrance" or "parfum". Seek out products whose scent is produced by essential oils, or opt for unscented products. You can also use resources such as Madesafe.org and the EWG's Skin Deep to help you decide if a product is safe to use.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, perfume can make you sick. Some people have fragrance sensitivity, which can trigger an allergic reaction or irritation from a chemical or combination of chemicals in a perfume product. Symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include headaches, nausea, respiratory problems, itchy and burning eyes, a runny nose, congestion, asthma, and skin reactions.
If you experience fragrance sensitivity, the study recommends switching to something unscented. If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to address this concern. You can ask the employee to provide medical documentation from their healthcare provider to substantiate their condition.
If your child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, contact a poison control center or their pediatrician immediately. In the meantime, give your child a small, carb- or sugar-heavy snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping to a dangerous level.
