Strong Fragrances: Asthma Attack Triggers?

Strong fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms in many people. Fragrances are divided into two categories: those that occur naturally and those that are artificially created. Perfumes, colognes, body sprays, air fresheners, and cleaning products are among the scented goods that can act as triggers for perfume-induced asthma. The severity of symptoms can vary from mild to severe, depending on the individual and the level of exposure.

Natural vs artificial fragrances

Strong fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms, and many people with asthma find that artificial fragrances are more likely to affect them. Natural fragrances are derived from natural sources such as plants, trees, and flowers, while artificial fragrances are man-made, created in a laboratory from chemicals.

Natural Fragrances

Natural fragrances are made from natural materials, such as essential oils, resins, and other plant extractions. They often contain essential oils, which can be soothing and relaxing for consumers. They tend to be more expensive than artificial fragrances due to the complex process of extracting the ingredients. Natural fragrances also have a shorter shelf life, typically lasting one to two years, as they are derived from natural ingredients that can spoil.

Artificial Fragrances

Artificial fragrances, on the other hand, are usually cheaper and have a longer shelf life of up to five years. They are created in a lab from a variety of materials, including chemicals produced in factories and natural plant-based extracts. The goal is often to replicate natural scents, but artificial fragrances may lack the depth of scent found in natural fragrances.

Health and Environmental Considerations

Artificial fragrances have been linked to adverse health effects, with some synthetic scents giving off volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Short-term exposure to VOCs can cause eye, nose, and throat irritation, dizziness, and headaches. Long-term exposure may increase the risk of liver, kidney, and nervous system problems, as well as some cancers. VOCs also negatively impact the environment, contributing to ground-level ozone which harms ecosystems.

Natural fragrances, on the other hand, typically do not release harmful VOCs and are generally considered safer. However, some individuals may be allergic to certain natural ingredients, and natural fragrances can still cause allergic reactions in some people.

While natural fragrances are generally believed to be safer, it is important to carefully research products and read labels, as some natural ingredients can also cause allergies. Artificial fragrances are more stable and cost-effective but may pose health and environmental risks due to the release of VOCs.

Common triggers

Perfumes, colognes, body sprays, and other scented products such as air fresheners and cleaning products are common triggers of perfume-induced asthma. These products often contain a complex mixture of chemicals that can irritate the airways of individuals with asthma, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

The type of fragrance can also make a difference, with artificial fragrances more likely to trigger asthma symptoms than naturally occurring fragrances. For example, the scent of freshly roasted coffee or ocean air may not affect asthma sufferers, while the strong scent of perfume can be an instant irritant. This is because artificial fragrances are heavily processed and often contain many additives, such as aerosol body sprays delivered from pressurised cans. These fragrances are also often made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help them stick to the object they are sprayed on.

On the other hand, naturally derived fragrances like rose water, which is made with just water, rose essential oils, and sometimes a mint aroma, are less likely to trigger asthma symptoms. These fragrances are also typically delivered as a spray from a pump bottle rather than an aerosol can.

In addition to the type of fragrance, the method of delivery can also make a difference. Fragrances delivered with aerosol are already a common trigger, and the use of scented products in poorly ventilated areas can increase the concentration of airborne fragrances, leading to irritation for individuals with asthma.

Other common triggers of asthma symptoms include secondhand smoke, nail polish and remover, wood-burning stoves, carpet and flooring materials, paint and paint thinner, and chlorine.

How to protect yourself

Strong fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms, and it's important to know how to protect yourself. Here are some tips to help you avoid asthma attacks caused by strong fragrances:

• Avoid fragrances with harmful chemicals: Opt for organically occurring scents with simple ingredients, like rose water. Choose products with natural ingredients that you can easily identify and avoid those with long lists of unrecognisable chemicals.
• Limit exposure: Stay away from places with strong scents, such as department stores with perfume counters, laundromats, and fabric stores.
• Take preventative measures: Follow your asthma action plan and take prescribed preventer medication to reduce inflammation in your airways and lower the risk of an asthma attack.
• Communicate your needs: Talk to friends, family, colleagues, and employers about your asthma triggers. Explain how fragrances affect your asthma and request that they limit their use of strong perfumes.
• Carry your rescue inhaler: Always keep your quick-relief asthma medicine with you in case of exposure to strong fragrances.
• Ensure proper ventilation: Make sure your home and workplace are well-ventilated to reduce the concentration of fragrances and other triggers in the air.
• Choose fragrance-free products: Opt for cleaning and personal care products that are odour and fragrance-free to minimise your exposure to potential triggers.

Creating fragrance-free environments

Strong fragrances can indeed aggravate asthma, and it is a common trigger. Perfumes, air fresheners, deodorants, cleaning products, and nail polish are just some of the products that can cause asthma symptoms.

Understand Fragrance-Free Zones

A Fragrance-Free Zone is a designated smoke-, fragrance-, and chemical-free area to protect those with mild to severe reactions to fragrances. There are three basic types:

• Building/Office/Store Policy: Implement a no-fragrance policy for employees, along with the use of non-toxic cleaning supplies.
• Separate Room in the Workplace: Create a separate room or floor that provides extra protection from fragrances, paints, glues, smoke, and chemical cleaners. It should be sealed with walls and have its own entrance and exit, along with a fragrance-free bathroom and break room.
• Section in the Office: Designate several rows of desks for those with chemical sensitivities, clearly marked with signs. This area should be away from high-traffic areas and have easy access to an outside entrance.

Discontinue the Use of Fragranced Products

Individuals can refrain from wearing perfume or cologne and using fragranced personal care and cleaning products. Opt for fragrance-free alternatives, and when choosing products, check the ingredient list for terms like "parfum" or "fragrance," which indicate the presence of harmful chemicals.

Implement Fragrance-Free Policies

For offices, classrooms, or other spaces, switch to fragrance-free cleaning products and office supplies. Use air purifiers instead of air fresheners, and post signage to notify users of the fragrance-free policy. Send emails to those using the space, explaining the policy and its importance.

Notify and Educate the Community

Before implementing fragrance-free policies, it is essential to reach out to all members of the community to explain the rationale and address any concerns. Provide information on why fragrance-free environments are important for accessibility and offer product suggestions. Emphasize that this is an accessibility issue, similar to providing wheelchair access.

Prioritize Fragrance-Free Practices

If completely eliminating fragranced products is not possible, prioritize certain changes. For example, avoid wearing perfume or cologne, and opt for fragrance-free alternatives for personal care products like lotion, deodorant, laundry detergent, and fabric softener.

By following these steps, we can create fragrance-free environments that are accessible and comfortable for individuals with asthma and other chemical sensitivities.

Tips for fragrance-sensitive individuals

Strong fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms in many people. For those with fragrance sensitivity, inhaling perfumes, air fresheners, colognes, deodorants, and other products with strong scents can cause asthma attacks.

• Limit exposure to strong scents: Avoid places with strong fragrances, such as department stores with perfume counters, laundromats, and fabric stores.
• Be prepared: Always carry your quick-relief asthma medicine with you in case of exposure to strong fragrances. Review your asthma action plan to know how to treat asthma symptoms caused by strong odors.
• Choose fragrance-free products: Opt for cleaning and personal care products that are odor and fragrance-free.
• Ventilate your spaces: Ensure your home and workplace are well-ventilated to reduce the concentration of fragrances and odors.
• Inform others: Let your friends, family, and colleagues know about your sensitivities. They may be unaware that their fragrances are affecting you, and may be willing to limit their use of perfumes or switch to fragrance-free alternatives.
• Identify triggers: Take note of the problematic odors and fragrances that trigger your asthma symptoms. This will help you avoid them and manage your condition more effectively.
• Consult a doctor: Discuss your triggers with your doctor, especially if you experience worsening asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing. They can advise on further steps to manage your asthma and may recommend allergy tests or pulmonary function tests to better understand your condition.

Frequently asked questions