Heidi Norton
Asthma is a chronic multifactorial disease with acute episodes that may be triggered by a complex interplay of psychological, immunological, and physiological factors. Fragrances and strong odors have been characterized as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Many asthmatics avoid fragrances and scented products, including perfumes, colognes, deodorants, air fresheners, and cleaning supplies. While the mechanism by which exposure to pure, non-irritating odorants elicits an adverse reaction in asthmatic patients is not fully understood, it is believed that fragrances contain chemical ingredients that can trigger asthma attacks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Perfumes triggering asthma | Many asthmatics avoid fragrances and strong odors due to their adverse impact on the respiratory system |
| Perfumes can trigger asthma symptoms due to their chemical ingredients | |
| Ethanol-based perfumes can cause inflammatory effects in the respiratory system | |
| Fragrances can cause asthma episodes due to physiological, physical, chemical, or emotional factors | |
| Fragrances can cause psychological reactions in asthmatics | |
| Fragrance-free policies | Implemented in workplaces and schools to prevent asthma symptoms |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrances can trigger asthma
Asthma is a chronic multifactorial disease with acute episodes that may be triggered by a complex interplay of psychological, immunological, and physiological factors. Fragrances and strong odors have been identified as putative triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms.
Perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, scented lotions, and hairsprays are all common triggers of asthma symptoms. Many people with asthma avoid fragrances and scented products, but the mechanism by which exposure to pure, non-irritating odorants elicits an adverse reaction in asthmatic patients is still unclear. It may be due to physiological, physical, chemical, or emotional factors. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of odor-induced asthma are not yet fully understood, but several theories have been proposed, including immunological reactions, direct irritant effects on the trigeminal somatosensory system, and psychologically mediated reactions.
The American Lung Association recommends implementing fragrance-free policies at work and in indoor public spaces to reduce asthma triggers. This includes avoiding the use of perfumes, colognes, scented lotions, and hairsprays, as well as choosing cleaning and personal care products that are odor and fragrance-free. Scented cleaning products, air fresheners, and scented candles can also worsen asthma symptoms.
Additionally, chemicals produced by certain furnishings, such as carpeting and rugs, can also trigger asthma and create or worsen respiratory problems. Multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) is a condition where individuals experience a range of reactions to the chemicals in scented products, including headaches, nausea, shortness of breath, and respiratory problems. Adopting fragrance-free policies and practices can help prevent asthma symptoms and improve indoor air quality.
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Fragrance-free policies
Fragrances and strong odors have been identified as triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Many asthmatics avoid fragrances and scented products, as they can trigger symptoms such as mild irritation, or even incapacitation in some cases. Common triggers include perfumes, household or industrial cleaners, air fresheners, and nail polish and removers.
Due to the prevalence of asthma and fragrance sensitivity, many employers have implemented fragrance policies to accommodate their employees. These policies aim to reduce overall exposure to fragrances in the workplace, without necessarily aiming for a completely fragrance-free environment, which may be impractical and unreasonable to enforce.
A fragrance policy may include banning the use of plug-ins, scented candles, and aerosol sprays in the workplace, while also requesting that employees refrain from wearing scents into the workplace. Personal fragrant products like fragrances, colognes, lotions, and powders should not be worn if they can be perceived by others.
Employers can refer to templates provided by organizations such as the American Lung Association (ALA) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) when developing their own fragrance policies. These templates emphasize recognizing employees' and visitors' sensitivity and/or allergic reactions to fragrant products.
It is important to note that even products labeled as "unscented" may contain ingredients that mask or hide other scents, and there is currently no exact definition for terms like "scent-free" or "fragrance-free." Therefore, careful research is necessary when implementing a fragrance policy to ensure the well-being of employees with asthma or fragrance sensitivity.
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Ethanol-based perfumes
Strong fragrances and odors are known triggers for asthma symptoms. Many commercial perfumes are ethanol-based, and the ethanol in them could trigger trigeminal activation, leading to inflammatory effects in the respiratory system.
Ethanol, also known as perfumer's alcohol, is a common base for perfumes. It is a colorless and volatile liquid at room temperature, and its antimicrobial properties help preserve perfumes by suppressing bacterial growth. The amount of fragrant molecules in a perfume typically ranges from 20-30%, with the majority of the remainder being alcohol, along with some water. Eau de parfum contains around 15-20% fragrance, while eau de toilette and eau de cologne contain 5-15% and 2-5% fragrance, respectively, with ethanol again making up most of the remainder.
The ethanol used in perfumes is usually denatured alcohol, which has been treated with additives to make it unfit for human consumption. Denaturing alcohol does not chemically alter the ethanol molecule but rather mixes it with other chemicals to make it undrinkable. Ethanol is also used in other cosmetic products, such as deodorants and body perfumes.
When creating perfumes, it is important to use cosmetics-grade ethanol that is not diluted. The ethanol content should be 95% or higher, as in the case of Everclear, a brand of high-proof grain alcohol. Vodka, on the other hand, is usually around 40% alcohol and is not suitable for perfumery. It is crucial to avoid using other types of alcohol, such as methanol or isopropyl alcohol, in perfumes due to their potential negative effects.
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Fragrance ingredients and adverse impact
Fragrances and strong odors have been identified as triggers that may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Many asthmatics avoid fragranced products due to adverse reactions. Fragranced consumer products, such as perfumes, emit a range of air pollutants that can trigger adverse health effects. Asthmatics reported one or more types of adverse health effects from fragranced products, including respiratory problems, migraine headaches, and asthma attacks.
Perfumes are triggering because they are commonly made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, which help them stick to the object they are sprayed on. These fragrances are heavily processed and have many additives. In addition to aerosol body sprays, perfumes are also often delivered in pressurized cans, which can trigger asthma symptoms.
The pathophysiologic mechanisms of odor-induced asthma are not yet fully understood but may include immunological reactions with a secondary chemical mediator release or neural reflex, direct irritant effects on the trigeminal somatosensory system in the upper or lower airways, or psychologically mediated reactions stemming from prior beliefs, expectations, or conditioned responses. Trigeminal stimulation from volatile chemicals can lead to the release of neuropeptide mediators such as substance P and calcitonin-gene-related peptides, which can affect respiration, vasodilation, and glandular secretions in the airways, potentially triggering asthma symptoms.
To avoid adverse reactions, asthmatics should limit their exposure to fragranced consumer products and opt for simpler, organically occurring scents with fewer ingredients, such as rose water.
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Asthma prevention and control
Asthma is a chronic multifactorial disease with acute episodes that may be triggered by a complex interplay of psychological, immunological, and physiological factors. While the mechanism by which fragrances trigger asthma symptoms is not yet fully understood, it is generally accepted that strong odors and fragrances can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. Fragrances and scented products such as perfumes, colognes, deodorants, air fresheners, and cleaning supplies contain chemical ingredients that can irritate the respiratory system and trigger asthma attacks.
To prevent and control asthma, it is important to reduce exposure to these triggers. This can be achieved by adopting fragrance-free policies and practices, particularly in indoor environments such as homes, schools, and workplaces. Employers and employees can work together to establish fragrance-free policies that include refraining from using perfumes, colognes, aftershaves, scented lotions, and hairsprays while at work. Additionally, choosing cleaning and personal care products that are odor and fragrance-free can help prevent asthma symptoms.
It is also important to address other indoor air quality issues that can trigger asthma. This includes controlling pests such as dust mites, cockroaches, and rodents, as well as mold. Weekly vacuuming, dusting, and mopping with hot water can help reduce dust mites and pet dander. Storing garbage outside, using mild soap and hot water to clean mold, and implementing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can also help create a healthier indoor environment.
Additionally, being aware of seasonal triggers and keeping indoor humidity below 50% can help control asthma. The American Lung Association and other organizations provide resources and guidance on improving indoor air quality, reducing asthma triggers, and managing asthma at home and work. By following these steps and working together, individuals, employers, and employees can create healthier environments and prevent asthma symptoms.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, perfumes can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Fragrances have chemical ingredients that can be a trigger for asthma. Many perfumes are ethanol-based, which can cause inflammatory effects in the respiratory system.
Other fragranced products that can trigger asthma include colognes, aftershaves, scented lotions, scented hairsprays, air fresheners, candles, soaps, shampoos, and cleaning products.
To prevent asthma symptoms triggered by fragrances, adopt fragrance-free policies and practices. Choose cleaning and personal care products that are odor and fragrance-free. Work with your employers to establish fragrance-free policies and communicate these policies to staff, parents, visitors, and students.
