Antonio Mcgowan
Perfume is a mixture of scented ingredients infused into alcohols, which can be toxic if swallowed in amounts greater than 30ml. While immediate, irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume is rare, it is important to exercise caution. If you suspect that a small amount of perfume has entered your mouth, it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water and, if symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Possibility of death | Unlikely |
| Immediate health damage | Rare |
| Toxic ingredients | Alcohols, styrene, musk ketone, phthalates, petroleum |
| Possible symptoms | Redness, itching, sinus irritation, allergic reaction, contact dermatitis, upset stomach, drowsiness, slurred speech, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood sugar, coma, seizures |
| First aid steps | Rinse mouth with water, avoid mouthwash, call poison control center |
| Prevention | Spray away from face and food, wash hands after applying |
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What You'll Learn
Poisoning is rare, but possible
Poisoning from perfume or cologne is rare but possible. While the immediate, irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume or cologne—so-called "perfume poisoning"—is rare, some of the chemicals in popular perfumes may be dangerous if they build up in your body over time. The scented ingredients in perfume are infused into alcohols, which are toxic and may cause symptoms if swallowed in amounts greater than 30 milliliters. The amount of alcohol in perfumes and colognes can vary, but it is usually ethyl alcohol. While the alcohol content in perfumes is usually much lower than in alcoholic beverages, the taste sensation can be alarming.
Perfumes and colognes can also contain other poisonous ingredients, and the potential dangers are compounded by the fact that fragrance manufacturers are not required to disclose all ingredients due to trade secret laws. One study conducted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimated that only 34 percent of stock ingredients often found in fragrances have been tested for toxicity. Fragrance products are exempt from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing.
If you suspect that a small amount of perfume has entered your mouth, a good first step is to thoroughly rinse with water. Swish plain water around your mouth and spit it out several times. This can help to dilute and remove any residual taste of perfume. Avoid using mouthwash, as some contain alcohol, which can worsen the burning sensation if the perfume also contains alcohol.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as redness, itching, sinus irritation, or mild allergic reactions, you probably have a sensitivity to an ingredient in the perfume. Contact dermatitis, a common allergic reaction to skin contact with an ingredient, usually resolves itself without treatment. However, if symptoms persist, try home remedies such as washing your skin with gentle, dye-free soap and lukewarm water, or using hypoallergenic, natural products like calamine lotion, aloe vera, or coconut oil.
If you are experiencing more severe symptoms of intoxication, such as drowsiness, slurred speech, upset stomach, coma, or seizures, seek medical help immediately. Call your local poison control center or a national hotline for advice. Bring the container with you to the hospital if possible, as the provider will measure and monitor your vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The faster medical help is given, the better the chance for recovery.
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Swallowing more than 30ml of perfume may cause symptoms
Swallowing perfume is not advisable due to the toxic ingredients it contains. While immediate, irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume—so-called "perfume poisoning"—is rare, it can cause adverse health effects. The scented ingredients in perfumes are infused into alcohols, which are toxic and may cause symptoms if swallowed in amounts greater than 30 milliliters. Ethanol, found in high amounts in most perfumes, can be especially dangerous for children, even in small quantities like a teaspoon. If a child ingests perfume, it is important to contact a poison control center or a pediatrician immediately.
The specific ingredients causing these adverse effects are often undisclosed, as fragrance manufacturers are not required to list individual ingredients, instead using the catch-all term "fragrance" to cover various chemicals. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to identify specific allergens or toxic agents. However, studies have estimated that only about 34% of stock ingredients in fragrances have been tested for toxicity.
Ingesting perfume can lead to symptoms such as redness, itching, sinus irritation, and contact dermatitis, a type of allergic reaction that occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritating ingredient. These symptoms typically resolve on their own once exposure to the substance ceases. In more severe cases of ingestion, individuals may need to be hospitalized overnight for observation, receiving fluids and light snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Additionally, the use of perfumes and other fragranced products has been linked to various side effects, including allergic and inflammatory responses such as itchy/watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing, and wheezing. For individuals with lung diseases like asthma or COPD, exposure to fragrances can further trigger wheezing, shortness of breath, or other underlying symptoms.
While the immediate health risks of swallowing small amounts of perfume are typically low, it is important to remain vigilant and seek medical advice if any concerning symptoms arise.
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Some chemicals in perfume may be dangerous if they build up in the body
While it is unlikely that spraying perfume in your mouth will cause immediate, irreversible damage to your health, there are some well-founded concerns over the chemical reactions that perfume can trigger in your body.
Perfumes contain a complex mixture of chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, ethanol, acetone, acetaldehyde, and phthalates. Some of these chemicals may be dangerous if they build up in the body over time. For example, styrene, an ingredient found in many cosmetic products, was deemed a likely carcinogen by the National Toxicology Program in 2014. Musk ketone, a chemical widely used in European cosmetics, has low biodegradability and a high exposure rate, leading to its presence in human breast milk and fatty tissue. While the dangers of musk ketone are unclear, it is often found in perfumes and can increase the skin's absorption of other potentially harmful chemicals.
Additionally, fragrance products are exempt from Food and Drug Administration (FDA) testing, making it difficult for consumers to know exactly what chemicals they are being exposed to. A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimated that only 34% of stock ingredients often found in fragrances have been tested for toxicity. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to fully understand the potential risks associated with perfume exposure.
To minimize the potential risks associated with perfume exposure, it is recommended to spray perfumes away from your face and food and to wash your hands after applying them before eating or drinking. While it is unlikely that spraying perfume in your mouth will cause serious harm, it is always a good idea to rinse your mouth with water to dilute and remove any residual taste or chemicals.
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Rinse your mouth with water if you swallow perfume
It is important to note that perfume poisoning is rare and that immediate, irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume is also rare. However, if you swallow perfume, it is recommended that you rinse your mouth with water. The alcohol content in perfumes is usually much lower than in alcoholic beverages, but it is still present. If you suspect that a small amount of perfume has entered your mouth, you should rinse your mouth with water to dilute and remove any residual taste of perfume. You should swish plain water around your mouth and spit it out several times.
If a child has swallowed perfume, you should give them a light snack to prevent their blood sugar from dropping and immediately contact Poison Control to determine if the child has swallowed a dangerous amount. You can call 1-800-222-1222 or use the webPOISONCONTROL tool for online help.
To prevent future occurrences, try to spray perfumes away from your face and food, and wash your hands after applying them if you plan to eat or drink immediately afterward. Remember, the human body is resilient, and small mistakes like this are typically not cause for alarm.
If you are experiencing any serious symptoms, such as muscle cramping, nausea, or abdominal pain, you should seek medical advice. Your health is paramount, and there are always professionals ready to assist you.
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Seek medical advice if you're unsure about the risks
While it is rare for perfume to cause immediate, irreversible damage to your health, it is important to seek medical advice if you are unsure about the risks. The potential dangers of perfume ingestion depend on various factors, including the amount ingested, the concentration of alcohol and other toxic ingredients, and individual sensitivity.
If you have ingested more than a small amount of perfume or are experiencing negative symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice without delay. Contact your local poison control center or healthcare provider for specific guidance based on the amount and type of perfume ingested. They are well-equipped to assess the risks and provide appropriate treatment options.
In the case of children, the risks are heightened due to their smaller body size and unique vulnerabilities. Even a small amount of perfume ingested by a child can lead to alcohol poisoning, causing symptoms such as drowsiness, inebriation, slurred speech, depressed breathing, loss of coordination, and seizures. If a child has ingested perfume, it is imperative to act swiftly and contact a poison control center or a pediatrician for immediate assistance.
Additionally, some individuals may experience allergic reactions or skin irritation from perfume exposure. If you notice redness, itching, or sinus irritation when exposed to a particular fragrance, it is advisable to discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if you have a sensitivity to a specific ingredient and provide guidance on managing your symptoms.
Moreover, the lack of transparency in perfume ingredient labels can make it challenging to identify potential risks. Fragrance manufacturers are often not required to disclose all the chemicals used in their products, which can lead to uncertainty about the potential hazards. In such cases, seeking advice from healthcare professionals or independent organizations that specialize in product safety assessments can be beneficial.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes contain chemicals and alcohols that may be harmful if they build up in the body over time. However, immediate, irreversible damage to your health caused by one-time use of perfume—so-called "perfume poisoning"—is rare.
If you get perfume in your mouth, it's important to remain calm and rinse your mouth with water. The alcohol content in perfumes is usually much lower than in alcoholic beverages, and the taste sensation is often more alarming than the actual risk.
Symptoms of perfume poisoning can range from mild, such as drowsiness, slurred speech, and an upset stomach, to severe, such as coma and seizures. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately.
If you ingest a large amount of perfume, call your local poison control center or emergency services immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a healthcare professional.
To prevent getting perfume in your mouth, spray perfumes away from your face and food. Wash your hands after applying perfume, especially before eating or drinking.
