Anisha Riggs
Perfume is a common accessory for many, with a quick spritz being a part of many people's daily routine. However, for some, it can be a source of discomfort, and even a choking, cloying experience. Fragrance sensitivity is a real phenomenon, with many people reporting adverse reactions to manufactured scents, including perfumes. These reactions can range from migraines and watery eyes to more severe symptoms like respiratory issues and long-term sick leave. With over 1,200 fragrance chemicals flagged as potential or known chemicals of concern, it's no wonder that some people are bothered by perfumes and advocate for their restriction in public spaces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| People affected by perfume | 35% report problems |
| Symptoms | Migraines, watery eyes, respiratory issues, skin sensitivity, sinus irritation, coughing, muscle pain, exhaustion, disorientation |
| Severity | From mild irritation to serious health problems and medical emergencies |
| Causes | Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), allergies, synthetic fragrances |
| Solutions | Scent-reduced zones, avoiding fragrances, fragrance-free products |
| Toxicity | Perfumes contain toxic alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol |
| Fragrance chemicals | Over 1,200 flagged as potential or known "chemicals of concern" |
| Disclosure | Manufacturers not required to list ingredients due to trade secret laws |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrance sensitivity and health problems
Fragrances in perfumes are infused into alcohols, which act as preservatives and stabilizers for the desired scent. These alcohols, such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol, are toxic and can cause symptoms if ingested in large quantities. While immediate and irreversible damage to health from one-time perfume use is rare, exposure to topical fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time.
People with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) experience heightened sensitivity to chemicals commonly found in perfumes, detergents, sanitizers, and other products. Symptoms of MCS include sinus irritation, coughing, migraines, muscle pain, exhaustion, and disorientation. While MCS is medically recognized, not all patients are met with compassion and understanding by medical professionals.
Research has found that one in three adults has experienced health problems caused by fragranced products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and laundry detergents. Fragrance sensitivity can lead to migraines, watery eyes, and respiratory issues. Furthermore, health advocates raise concerns about the potential long-term effects of fragrance chemicals. According to a 2018 report, more than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use are flagged as potential or known "chemicals of concern," including carcinogens and chemicals prohibited in cosmetics in the EU.
The lack of transparency in the perfume industry exacerbates concerns about fragrance sensitivity. Due to laws protecting trade secrets, perfume manufacturers are not required to disclose individual ingredients, instead listing them under the broad term "fragrance." This makes it challenging for consumers to identify potentially harmful substances and assess their risks.
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Undisclosed toxic ingredients in perfumes
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has reported that popular perfumes, colognes, and body sprays typically contain a dozen or more potentially hazardous synthetic chemicals, some derived from petroleum. These undisclosed ingredients are not limited to just one or two chemicals but can number in the dozens or even hundreds, all hidden under the vague label of "fragrance".
One example of an undisclosed toxic ingredient is diethyl phthalate, found in 97% of Americans and linked to sperm damage in epidemiological studies. Another is musk ketone, which concentrates in human fat tissue and breast milk. These chemicals are not assessed for safety, and their long-term effects on human health are unknown.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) published a list of 2,339 possible fragrance materials used by its members, including chemicals listed as carcinogens, such as pyridine, benzophenone, methyleugenol, and styrene. Despite this knowledge, the cosmetics industry has been reluctant to disclose fragrance ingredients, and regulators struggle to ensure the safety of ingredients on the market.
Some companies, such as Amacyn Natural Perfume, are taking steps towards transparency and safety by creating perfumes with pure essential oils and plant-derived ingredients, free from toxic chemicals like sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and carcinogens. However, the onus should not be on consumers to seek out safe alternatives but on the industry to ensure that all products are safe and properly labelled.
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MCS and other allergies
Many people suffer from fragrance sensitivity, also known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). Those with MCS can have severe reactions to very small traces of fragrances in products that other people use. Synthetic and natural fragrances can cause a range of symptoms, including migraines, rashes, difficulty concentrating, breathing problems, seizures, and even collapse. Reactions can be immediate or delayed, and they can occur from inhalation or skin contact. Children tend to be more sensitive to fragrances, and their skin is more susceptible to absorbing the chemicals.
Perfume and aftershave are the most common triggers for men, possibly due to the skin damage caused by shaving. Additionally, up to 72% of asthmatics are affected by fragrance, as well as many people with M.E. or those undergoing chemotherapy.
MCS is a serious condition that can significantly impact the lives of those affected. They may experience difficulty in public places where fragrances are prevalent, such as shopping malls, offices, or social gatherings. The condition can also lead to social isolation as they may need to avoid certain places or situations to prevent exposure to fragrances.
There are steps that people with MCS can take to manage their condition. They can avoid using fragranced products themselves and opt for unscented or fragrance-free alternatives. They may also need to request that their workplace, friends, and family accommodate their condition by refraining from using fragranced products around them.
It is important to note that MCS is a recognised condition, and MCS-Aware is a charity that provides information and support to thousands of people in the UK and worldwide who suffer from MCS and other chemical, food, and electro-sensitivities.
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Serious diseases and carcinogens
The use of perfume and other fragranced products is a matter of concern for many, with potential links to serious diseases and carcinogens. Fragrances are made up of numerous chemicals, with around 4,000 ingredients used in the fragrance industry to create scents for personal care, cleaning, and home care products. These chemicals have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer, birth defects, hormone disruption, and other chronic issues.
The term "fragrance" on a product label can conceal dozens or even hundreds of chemicals, and this lack of transparency makes it challenging for consumers to make informed choices. In 2011, the National Toxicology Program and California's Prop 65 Program identified chemicals like benzophenone, methyleugenol, and styrene as potential carcinogens. These chemicals are often present in fragranced products, and styrene, for example, has been "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen."
Essential oils, which are commonly used in fragrances, can also contain naturally occurring constituents that act as allergens, carcinogens, or endocrine disruptors. While some of these oils have positive health effects, such as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, many have not undergone thorough safety testing.
Health advocates are concerned about the potential impact of fragrance chemicals on serious disease trends. According to Alexandra Scranton, director of Science and Research for Women's Voices for the Earth (WVE), animal studies have confirmed the presence of carcinogens and chemicals with reproductive effects in fragrances. More than 1,200 fragrance chemicals currently in use are flagged as potential or known "chemicals of concern."
To address these concerns, organizations like the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) encourage consumers to opt for unscented products from companies committed to chemical disclosure. They also recommend wearing protective gear when using fragranced cleaning products and avoiding undiluted essential oils directly on the skin.
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The impact on public spaces
While the impact of fragrances on public spaces is a complex issue, it is clear that they can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of certain individuals. Fragrance sensitivity, or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), is a condition that affects an individual's ability to tolerate synthetic fragrances, often leading to adverse reactions such as migraines, respiratory issues, and skin sensitivities. The impact of MCS can be severe, as individuals may need to avoid public spaces or take extended sick leave due to their sensitivity to fragrances.
The prevalence of fragrance sensitivity is notable, with research indicating that one in three adults have experienced health problems caused by fragranced products. This includes not only perfumes but also cosmetics, laundry detergents, and soaps. The impact of fragrance sensitivity is not limited to physical health issues but can also have social and economic consequences. Individuals with MCS may struggle to find understanding and accommodation in public spaces, as evidenced by the limited implementation of scent-reduced zones in workplaces.
The impact of fragrances on public spaces is further complicated by the lack of transparency in the fragrance industry. Due to laws protecting trade secrets, perfume manufacturers are not required to disclose all the ingredients used in their products. This makes it challenging for individuals with fragrance sensitivity to identify and avoid specific triggers. Additionally, the potential long-term health effects of exposure to fragrance chemicals are not yet fully understood, with concerns raised about possible links to serious diseases, including cancer and reproductive issues.
The impact of fragrances on public spaces is a multifaceted issue that requires consideration of the rights and needs of all individuals. While most people may not experience any adverse effects from fragrances, the significant minority with fragrance sensitivity can face substantial challenges in their daily lives, including in public spaces. Balancing the use of fragrances in public spaces with the need to accommodate those with fragrance sensitivity is crucial to ensuring equitable access and well-being for all individuals.
Overall, the impact of fragrances on public spaces highlights the importance of awareness, understanding, and accommodation of fragrance sensitivity. While fragrances may be enjoyable for some, they can also pose significant health risks to others. Creating scent-reduced zones or implementing fragrance-free policies in public spaces can help accommodate individuals with MCS and ensure their access to public spaces without compromising their health and well-being.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is common for people to be bothered by perfume. About 35% of people report migraines or respiratory problems due to fragrances. Research published this year found that one in three adults has experienced health problems caused by perfumed products.
Symptoms of being bothered by perfume include migraines, watery eyes, respiratory issues, sinus irritation, coughing, muscle pain, exhaustion, disorientation, and skin sensitivities. In rare cases, immediate and irreversible damage to one's health, also known as "perfume poisoning", can occur. Perfume poisoning can be dangerous for children and may require a trip to the emergency room.
People with fragrance sensitivity may benefit from implementing scent-reduced zones, as Heidinger's employer did around her desk. Individuals with fragrance sensitivity may also need to take extra precautions, such as moving to a new living space to avoid shared laundry rooms.
