Heidi Norton
Breathing in perfume can have adverse health effects. Perfumes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and odorous compounds, which can be irritating and disruptive to our airways. These compounds can enter the bloodstream and be distributed throughout the body, causing a variety of health issues, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, allergies, and even cancer. While some sources claim that adverse effects from fragrance inhalation are uncommon, others suggest that one in three people exposed to perfume will feel ill. It is recommended that individuals with allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD avoid highly fragranced environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Potential health issues | Allergic contact dermatitis, respiratory issues, headaches, asthma attacks, migraines, cardiovascular issues, cancer, nerve damage, birth defects, allergies, skin irritation, reproductive toxicity, hormone disruption |
| Potential causes | Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), toxic chemicals, odorous compounds |
| Precautions | Avoid highly fragranced environments, wear a mask, reduce exposure time, spray perfume on clothes instead of skin |
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What You'll Learn
Perfume contains Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Perfumes are a set of chemicals that give off a certain smell. These chemicals can be naturally occurring or derived from synthetic compounds. While perfumes are designed to smell pleasant, they can pose serious health risks. Perfumes contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which are emitted as a bouquet of odours. These odours can cause adverse health effects, such as sensory irritation and allergies.
VOCs are considered toxic or hazardous by federal laws and can react with ozone in the air to form dangerous secondary pollutants. For example, limonene, a compound found in citrus fruits, reacts with ozone to form formaldehyde. Fragrances contain many other compounds that react with ozone to form harmful byproducts.
Some of the major fragrance compounds and their effects include:
- Α-pinene (APN): Found in pine trees, this compound is one of the most abundant fragrances. While it has a high odour threshold, it does not cause sensory irritation indoors.
- Limonene (LIM): A compound found in citrus fruits that reacts with ozone to form formaldehyde.
- Linalool (LIL): Another abundant fragrance with a high odour threshold.
- Eugenol (EUG): No information could be found on its threshold for sensory irritation.
In addition to these major compounds, fragrances contain hundreds of other chemicals that are not always listed on ingredient lists. These hidden chemicals can cause a range of adverse reactions, including skin, respiratory, neurological, and nasal symptoms. Respiratory issues are among the most commonly reported reactions, with studies indicating that between 17% and 55.3% of participants experienced breathing difficulties.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified several fragrance ingredients as possibly carcinogenic to humans. These ingredients are found in perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, and laundry detergents. Exposure to these chemicals has been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers, such as leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
It is important to note that adverse health effects from fragrance inhalation are generally uncommon and more rigorous studies are needed to confirm their impact. However, due to the potential risks, it is recommended to opt for clean brands that use low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients when using fragrances.
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Potential health issues: allergies, skin irritation, headaches, asthma
Breathing in perfume can potentially trigger allergies and skin irritation. Fragrances are known to cause allergic contact dermatitis, a skin inflammation reaction. Some people are allergic to strong fragrances and can experience symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and a stuffy, runny, or itchy nose. Headaches and rashes are also possible side effects of inhaling strong perfumes.
Perfumes and other strong odors are known to trigger headaches and migraines in some individuals. According to a 2017 study, perfumes with floral scents commonly triggered migraine episodes. A 2016 study on 113 people also found that odors were a common trigger for migraines, with perfume being the most common trigger. Experts believe that smells may directly interact with the trigeminal nerve, a sensory pathway along the nose and mouth that leads to the brain. Alternatively, fragrances may trigger the release of inflammatory substances in the brain, causing pain.
Inhaling perfume can also cause asthma attacks in some individuals. Fragrance-induced asthma is a condition where certain fragrances, such as body sprays, air fresheners, and artificial scents, act as triggers for asthma symptoms. Many people with asthma find that artificial fragrances, in particular, irritate their lungs and trigger their asthma.
To avoid these potential health issues, it is important to be mindful of the ingredients in fragrances and choose simpler, organically derived scents, such as rose water. For individuals with fragrance sensitivities, it may be necessary to avoid strong fragrances altogether and opt for unscented products or natural alternatives.
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Carcinogens in perfume
Perfumes and colognes are often associated with pleasant scents, but the chemicals used to create these fragrances can pose serious health risks. Fragrances can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested, and can then enter the bloodstream and be distributed throughout the body, causing a variety of health problems.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), has classified several fragrance ingredients as possibly carcinogenic to humans. These ingredients are found in various products, including perfumes, colognes, air fresheners, and laundry detergents. Studies have shown that exposure to these chemicals can increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as leukaemia and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Some of the specific fragrance ingredients that have been identified as carcinogens include musk xylene, diethyl phthalate, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, and benzophenone.
In addition to these specific ingredients, the mere fact that a product contains a fragrance may be indicative of the presence of styrene, a chemical building block used to produce a wide variety of everyday products, which has been classified as a human carcinogen. This is due to a "fragrance loophole" in federal labelling law, which means that ingredients added to products to improve their scent need only be listed under the generic term "fragrance".
The potential presence of styrene in fragrances is particularly concerning given that fragrances can be inhaled, and human exposure studies have indicated that reported lung function effects are likely due to the perception of fragrances rather than toxic effects. This means that even if fragrances are not directly toxic to the lungs, their presence may still be harmful to human health by virtue of their containing styrene.
It is important to note that not all fragrance ingredients are harmful, and many essential oils, for example, have been shown to have positive health effects, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. However, the potential presence of harmful chemicals in fragrances, coupled with the lack of transparency in product labelling, underscores the need for reform of federal law to ensure that consumers are protected from exposure to dangerous substances.
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Fragrances in indoor air
While fragrances are often associated with pleasant scents, the chemicals used to create them can pose serious health risks. Fragrances can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested, and they can then enter the bloodstream and be distributed throughout the body. Reactions to fragrances are quite common, and adverse reactions have been reported, including skin, respiratory, neurological, and nasal symptoms.
Some of the organic compounds emitted by home fragrance products, such as benzene, phthalates, and formaldehyde, may cause cancer. Burning scented candles and incense sticks indoors is a major source of formaldehyde, and nitrogen oxides are the most common gaseous pollutants produced by scented candles. These can have a negative effect on the lungs and airways. In addition, scented candles are likely to produce more fine particulate matter than unscented candles, and manufacturers are not required to disclose all the substances used in scented candles.
The use of scented candles or smoking, when combined with blocked wall vents and closed windows, worsens exposure to indoor air pollutants. While using scented candles, for example, peak fine particle concentrations could increase to 15 times the limits prescribed by the World Health Organization. These levels took a while to return to normal levels in underventilated rooms.
Some consumers buy home fragrances made with natural ingredients to avoid exposure to harmful chemical ingredients. However, when burned, natural home fragrance additives can also release harmful levels of pollution. Some of the chemicals emitted can react with ozone in room air, producing toxic byproducts.
In conclusion, while the toxicology of fragrance materials is largely well understood, and most are benign, a minority has the potential to cause adverse health effects. Industry guidelines have banned certain materials and strictly limited the use of others.
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Reducing exposure to perfume
While typical everyday exposure to fragrances is not a health issue for most people, some people may be at higher risk of adverse reactions. Some of the chemicals in popular perfumes may be dangerous if they build up in the body, and certain compounds have been linked to various health issues.
- Wear a mask if you are sensitive to fragrances or have an underlying condition.
- Reduce the time spent in environments with irritating fragrances.
- Get fresh air when possible, without aggravating allergies.
- Increase ventilation and use an exhaust fan.
- Use unscented products as much as possible. Note that "natural", "organic", and biodegradable products might still contain fragrances.
- Avoid aerosol dispensers, which deliver large concentrations in short bursts. If you use them, turn your head away from the can when dispensing.
- Look for perfumes that list all their ingredients on the label, rather than using the terms "parfum" or "fragrance".
- Seek out products whose scent is produced by essential oils, or opt for fragrance-free products.
- Use online resources such as Madesafe.org and the EWG's Skin Deep to help decide if a product is worth using.
- Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter, which has been shown to be effective at reducing aerosolized chemicals and allergens.
- Create an allergy action plan if you experience allergy or asthma exacerbations upon exposure to fragrances. This is a detailed document that outlines the steps to take in case of an allergic reaction.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which can be irritating and disruptive to our airways. Some common adverse reactions include skin, respiratory, neurological, and nasal symptoms.
Potential health risks include allergic contact dermatitis, asthma attacks, headaches, migraines, and increased heart rate. Some fragrance ingredients have also been classified as possibly carcinogenic.
Individuals with pre-existing conditions, such as asthma, COPD, or allergies, are more vulnerable to the effects of fragrance inhalation and should avoid highly fragranced environments.
To minimise potential risks, individuals can reduce their exposure to fragrances by limiting the amount of perfume applied directly to the skin, wearing a mask in fragranced environments, or avoiding fragranced products altogether.
