Antonio Mcgowan
The use of perfume is a common way to smell nice, but it can also have some negative effects on your health. Perfumes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemicals that can irritate the sinuses and cause them to swell, leading to headaches. People with allergies, asthma, or COPD should avoid highly fragranced environments as fragrances can trigger allergic reactions, causing itchy/watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing, or wheezing. In addition, fragrances can contain toxic ingredients such as ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which can be harmful if ingested in large amounts. While serious health risks from one-time use of perfume are rare, long-term exposure to topical fragrances can cause skin sensitivities and other issues. Furthermore, wearing perfume every day can lead to nose fatigue, where your nose becomes accustomed to the scent and stops being able to smell it. To avoid these issues, it is recommended to rotate fragrances and wear them in moderation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Headaches, rashes, itchy/watery eyes, congestion, runny nose, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, wheezing |
| Health risks | Exposure to fragrances can cause skin sensitivities and harm over time. Fragrances may also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). |
| Precautions | Avoid highly fragranced environments, wear a mask, reduce time spent in environments with irritating fragrances, get fresh air |
| Fragrance "noseblindness" | Olfactory fatigue, or olfactive adaptation, can occur from wearing the same fragrance every day. |
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What You'll Learn
Allergic reactions and skin sensitivities
Perfume allergies occur when an individual's skin comes into contact with a fragrance allergen, resulting in an inflammatory response by the immune system. This can lead to allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that appears on the skin exposed to the allergen. The face, hands, and armpits are commonly affected areas. While a safe exposure level for all fragrance allergens has not been established, it is believed that most consumers can tolerate up to 0.01% of a fragrance allergen in cosmetic products. However, sensitive individuals may still develop a skin allergy at this concentration.
Identifying specific fragrance allergens can be challenging due to labelling practices. Manufacturers are not required to list all the chemicals used in their perfumes, often listing "fragrance" as a general term representing numerous chemical compounds. Additionally, products labelled as "unscented" or "fragrance-free" may still contain masking fragrances to cover up offensive odours.
To manage perfume allergies and sensitivities, it is crucial to identify and avoid triggering substances. Patch tests and allergen testing can help determine specific allergens. Once identified, it is essential to check product labels and avoid purchasing cosmetics or personal care items containing those ingredients. Communicating allergies to close contacts, employers, and colleagues can also help create a supportive fragrance-free environment.
For mild sensitivities, over-the-counter allergy medications may provide symptom relief. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, prescription medication or allergy shots may be necessary.
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Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases that are emitted into the air from products or processes. When creating fragrances, it is crucial to consider the VOC content to ensure compliance with federal regulations. VOCs are prevalent in various fragrance products, including air fresheners, reed diffusers, room sprays, body sprays, perfumes, and colognes. The maximum VOC allowance for colognes, body sprays, and perfumes depends on the fragrance percentage in the formulation, typically ranging from 65% to 75%.
The health risks associated with VOCs in fragrances have gained attention in recent years. Studies have found that fragrances emit significant amounts of VOCs, and indoor fragrance diffusers have been identified as a particular concern. In closed environments, such as restrooms and bathrooms, the use of fragrances can result in higher concentrations of VOCs. This is due to lower indoor air change rates, which contribute to the accumulation of these compounds.
The specific VOCs emitted by fragrances can vary, but some common ones include ethanol, propylene glycol, and 3-ethylbenzaldehyde. The latter is of particular concern as it is a strong respiratory irritant. Additionally, certain VOCs can react with ozone in the ambient air, leading to the formation of dangerous secondary pollutants. For example, limonene, a compound found in citrus fruits, can react with ozone to produce formaldehyde.
To address the potential health risks associated with VOC exposure, researchers have proposed on-site sampling and experimental analysis to identify the specific hazards posed by VOCs in fragrances. This includes using microneedle trap samplers (NTSs) packed with adsorbents to extract VOCs from fragrance sources. By understanding the VOC content of fragrances and the associated health risks, manufacturers can ensure their products comply with regulations and minimize potential negative impacts on consumers.
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Perfume poisoning
While it is uncommon for perfumes to cause toxic reactions that lead to long-term damage, temporary allergic reactions are not uncommon. Fragrances can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time. Most perfumes contain high amounts of ethanol, which can be dangerous if ingested, especially for children. If a child ingests a teaspoon or more of perfume, it is important to contact a poison control centre or a doctor immediately. Symptoms of perfume ingestion include muscle cramping, nausea, abdominal pain, low blood sugar, severe breathing problems, seizures, and comas.
In addition to ingestion, inhaling perfumes can also cause adverse reactions. Fragrances contain a variety of chemicals that can irritate the sinuses, leading to sinus swelling and headaches. Women, especially those in their reproductive years, may be more sensitive to perfumes than men.
To prevent adverse reactions, it is recommended to use perfumes that list all their ingredients on the label, rather than simply listing "parfum" or "fragrance". Seek out products scented with essential oils, or opt for unscented products. Resources like Madesafe.org and the EWG's Skin Deep can help you assess the safety of a product.
If you experience mild sensitivities to fragrances, over-the-counter allergy medications may help control symptoms. For more severe or persistent symptoms, prescription medication or allergy shots may be necessary.
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Olfactory fatigue
When you first enter a restaurant, for example, the smell of food is usually very strong. However, after some time, your awareness of the odour fades to the point where the smell is no longer perceptible or is much weaker. This is because your brain is smart at conserving energy and decides that the constant smell is not something important, so it stops sending signals about that particular smell. This is why you may notice that a strong scent, like fresh coffee, seems to disappear after a few minutes, even though it's still there.
To avoid olfactory fatigue, it is recommended to vary the scents you are exposed to and give your olfactory receptors time to recover between exposures. This can be done by regularly rotating fragrances or taking breaks from scented products. Coffee beans are also believed to reset olfactory receptors, which is why they are often used as a nasal palate cleanser between fragrance tests.
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Undisclosed chemicals
Undisclosed or "secret" chemicals in perfumes have been a cause for concern. Fragrance suppliers have long enjoyed federal trade secret protections, allowing them to hide the ingredients that make their products smell good. This means that consumers receive incomplete information about the fragrance ingredients in their beauty and personal care products.
A study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (CSC) in 2010 analysed lab tests on 17 popular fragrances. The study revealed the presence of toxic perfume chemicals, including endocrine disruptors and phthalates. Phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate (DEP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), and diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), can be found in deodorants, shampoos, soaps, cosmetics, nail polishes, and perfumes. These chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including allergies, nervous system damage, reproductive disorders, and migraine headaches.
Additionally, styrene, a chemical found in some fragrances, has been identified as "a reasonably anticipated human carcinogen" by the National Toxicology Program and the National Academy of Science. Other common fragrance ingredients, such as benzyl salicylate, benzyl benzoate, and butoxyethanol, are known irritants to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, causing symptoms like a burning sensation, nausea, and vomiting.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) published a list of 2,339 possible fragrance materials used by its affiliated members, including fragrance suppliers. However, without full ingredient disclosure, it is challenging to ensure the safety of all the ingredients used in formulating cosmetics and personal care products.
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Frequently asked questions
Perfumes contain a variety of chemicals to achieve a specific scent. When inhaled, these chemicals can irritate your sinuses and cause them to swell, leading to a stuffy or runny nose. Some people are more sensitive to perfumes than others, and exposure to fragrances can trigger allergies and skin sensitivities.
Yes, it is possible to experience "nose fatigue" or "olfactory fatigue" when using perfume. This occurs when you become too accustomed to a particular scent, causing your nose to tune it out. To prevent nose fatigue, it is recommended to rotate between different fragrances instead of wearing the same perfume every day.
While immediate and irreversible damage to your health from one-time perfume use is rare, exposure to fragrances over time can have adverse effects. Some chemicals in perfumes can increase the skin's absorption of potential carcinogens, alcohols, and petroleum. Additionally, perfumes may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates, which can be harmful, especially to children's respiratory health.
If you experience negative reactions such as headaches, coughing, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, congestion, or skin irritation, it is best to avoid exposure to fragrances and consult a doctor or allergist. Identifying and treating perfume allergies can help regulate your perfume use and prevent discomfort.
