Heidi Norton
Fragrances are everywhere, from cleaning products to personal care items, and they can make our lives smell delightful. However, fragrances can also contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals that can cause a range of short- and long-term health issues, especially for those with allergies or pre-existing conditions like asthma. With manufacturers not required to list fragrance ingredients, it can be challenging to identify the substances causing problems. So, what can we do to reduce our exposure to fragrance and protect our health? From choosing fragrance-free products to wearing masks in highly fragranced environments, there are several strategies we can employ to minimize the potential risks associated with fragrance exposure.
Ways to reduce exposure to fragrance:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wear a mask | If you are sensitive to fragrances or have an underlying condition like asthma or COPD, wear a mask to avoid inhaling fragrances. |
| Reduce time spent in highly fragranced environments | Limit your exposure to environments with irritating fragrances, such as department stores or cleaning aisles. |
| Get fresh air | Step outside or open a window to reduce fragrance exposure and improve ventilation. |
| Choose fragrance-free products | Opt for products labelled as "fragrance-free", "clean fragrances", or "EWG VERIFIED". Be cautious of terms like "natural fragrance" or "unscented", as they may still contain masking fragrances or allergens. |
| Consult resources | Utilize resources like Skin Deep, which rates over 90,000 products and ingredients, or the Healthy Living app to find safer alternatives. |
| Be aware of hidden chemicals | "Fragrance" or "parfum" on ingredient lists often indicate the presence of hidden chemicals. Be cautious, especially with cleaning products, deodorants, shampoos, and laundry detergents. |
| Avoid certain plants and flowers | Even naturally fragrant plants and flowers can trigger asthma symptoms in some individuals. |
| Contact authorities | If fragrances in the workplace are affecting your health and your employer is unresponsive, contact the relevant work health and safety authority. |
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What You'll Learn
- Avoid highly fragranced environments, especially if you have allergies or asthma
- Wear a mask to reduce fragrance exposure
- Choose fragrance-free products, especially for cleaning and personal care
- Be aware of hidden chemicals in products labelled with natural fragrance
- Consult resources like Skin Deep to find products less likely to contain fragrance
Avoid highly fragranced environments, especially if you have allergies or asthma
If you have allergies or asthma, it is important to avoid highly fragranced environments. Fragrances in everyday products can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can cause short- and long-term health effects. These compounds can trigger allergies, skin sensitivities, and cause harm over time.
For those with allergies or asthma, exposure to fragrances can cause symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, trouble breathing, and even asthma attacks. The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the length of exposure and the strength of the scent, with symptoms lasting from a few minutes to several hours.
To avoid highly fragranced environments, it is recommended to reduce the time spent in places where you are exposed to irritating fragrances. This may include avoiding certain sections of grocery stores, such as the laundry detergent aisle, or staying away from neighbours' dryer vents if you are sensitive to laundry fragrances. When going out in public, it can be helpful to carry a respirator to protect yourself from fragrances that may trigger an asthma attack.
In addition to avoiding fragranced environments, it is also important to be mindful of the products you use. Many personal care and household products contain synthetic fragrances that can negatively impact indoor air quality and increase exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Opting for fragrance-free or unscented products can help reduce exposure to irritating fragrances. However, it is important to note that even "unscented" or "fragrance-free" products may still contain masking fragrances to cover up offensive odors. Therefore, checking product ingredients and doing patch tests to identify specific fragrance allergens can be helpful.
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Wear a mask to reduce fragrance exposure
Wearing a mask can be an effective way to reduce fragrance exposure, especially for individuals with allergies, sensitivities, or pre-existing conditions like asthma or COPD. Masks can act as a physical barrier, preventing the inhalation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) commonly found in fragrances.
When selecting a mask to reduce fragrance exposure, it is important to consider the type of mask and the fabric used. Cloth masks with at least two layers made from soft, natural, and breathable fabrics like cotton are recommended. These fabrics are less likely to irritate the skin and allow for comfortable breathing while blocking fragrances. It is also crucial to ensure a snug but comfortable fit, as this helps to prevent the ingress of scented particles and protects against respiratory viruses.
Disposable surgical masks are another option, but they should be discarded after a single use to prevent the buildup of makeup, oil, and other particles that can irritate the skin. Cloth masks should be washed regularly, following the care instructions provided, and it is essential to use a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent to avoid adding additional fragrances that may cause irritation.
Taking mask breaks is also important for skin health. Removing the mask for about 15 minutes every 4 hours can help reduce skin problems and give the skin a chance to breathe. Additionally, maintaining proper skin care routines and treating any underlying skin conditions are crucial to minimizing fragrance exposure-related skin issues.
In summary, wearing a well-fitted, comfortable, and clean mask made from breathable fabric can effectively reduce fragrance exposure, especially for individuals with sensitivities or respiratory conditions. Combining this strategy with other fragrance exposure reduction techniques, such as choosing fragrance-free products and reducing time spent in heavily fragranced environments, can further minimize potential health risks associated with fragrance exposure.
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Choose fragrance-free products, especially for cleaning and personal care
Choosing fragrance-free products is an important step towards reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Fragrances are often a cocktail of synthetic ingredients, with a single product containing dozens to hundreds of chemicals. These chemicals can have adverse effects on biological systems and human health, causing short- and long-term health issues.
Personal care products and cleaning supplies are two of the main categories of items that frequently contain fragrances. When it comes to personal care, it is best to opt for fragrance-free alternatives, especially for products that come into direct contact with your skin, such as soaps, shampoos, and lotions. Branch Basics, for example, offers a range of fragrance-free personal care products, including hand soap, hand foamer, and tallow balm.
For cleaning products, fragrances are often used to mask unpleasant odours or give the impression of cleanliness. However, these fragrances can be replaced with natural, fragrance-free alternatives that are just as effective. For example, a simple mixture of distilled white vinegar and water can be used as a powerful all-purpose cleaner for surfaces, stains, ovens, bathrooms, and even skin and hair care. If you prefer to purchase a ready-made product, there are fragrance-free options available, such as the Branch Basics All-Purpose Spray, which can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, and beyond.
It is important to note that even products marketed as fragrance-free may still contain harmful chemicals used to neutralise scents. Therefore, it is always a good idea to research the ingredients of any product you are considering and opt for natural, gentle alternatives when possible. By choosing fragrance-free products, you can significantly reduce your exposure to potentially harmful compounds and improve your overall health and well-being.
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Be aware of hidden chemicals in products labelled with natural fragrance
The term ""fragrance"" on a product label often indicates the presence of unnamed chemicals in the product. The Environmental Working Group advises that consumers read the word "fragrance" or "parfum" as "hidden chemicals". This is because fragrance suppliers have long enjoyed federal trade secret protections that allow them to hide the ingredients that make their products smell good.
The fragrance industry is self-regulated, meaning that safety testing does not need to be confirmed by regulators before products are sold to consumers. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions about their health. Manufacturers are not required to list fragrance ingredients on product labels, and often, only the word "fragrance" is used on the label. This can hide a cocktail of more than 100 toxic ingredients.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) has recently published an alphabetical list of ingredients that its members use to make consumer products. However, this does not provide full transparency, as the specific ingredients used in each product are not listed.
Products labelled with "natural fragrance" should also be approached with caution, as there is no standard criteria for what these words mean. These products can be just as unsafe as those with synthetic fragrances. Fragrance chemicals can pass from the skin into the blood and have been linked to a range of adverse health effects, including allergies, skin sensitivities, respiratory problems, and endocrine disruption.
To reduce exposure to fragrance chemicals, consumers can choose fragrance-free products, wear a mask when sensitive to fragrances, and reduce the time spent in environments with irritating fragrances.
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Consult resources like Skin Deep to find products less likely to contain fragrance
Fragrances are a common part of our daily lives, from perfumes to cleaning products. However, they can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that may have adverse effects on our health. To make informed choices and reduce potential risks, it is important to consult resources that provide insights into the safety of fragranced products. One such resource is Skin Deep by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Skin Deep is an online database and product rating system developed by EWG that helps consumers make informed choices about personal care, cosmetic, and household products. It provides in-depth information about the ingredients used in various fragranced products and their potential impact on human health. The database includes a wide range of items, from perfumes and colognes to cleaning supplies and cosmetics.
The Skin Deep scoring system is designed to be straightforward and informative. Each product and ingredient is given a two-part score: one rating for hazard and another for data availability. The hazard score reflects the known and suspected dangers associated with the ingredients, ranging from 1 to 10, with 1 being the lowest risk. This score is crucial in understanding the potential health concerns linked to the product's ingredients. The data availability rating indicates the extent of scientific research available for the product or ingredient, with "fair" or "good" availability being desirable.
By using Skin Deep, individuals can make more informed decisions when purchasing fragranced products. For example, if you are concerned about the potential health effects of a particular perfume, you can look it up on Skin Deep. The database will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and their associated risks. This empowers you to choose products with lower hazard ratings and better data availability, reducing your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Additionally, Skin Deep offers an alternative way to find products by allowing users to enter specific ingredients into their "Build Your Own Report" tool, which then generates an approximate score for a product with those ingredients.
In conclusion, consulting resources like Skin Deep is a valuable step towards reducing fragrance exposure and choosing safer alternatives. By understanding the ingredients and their potential impacts, you can make informed decisions to protect your health and well-being. Remember, fragrances can have short-term and long-term effects, and it is always advisable to minimise potential risks by opting for products with lower hazard ratings and better data availability.
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Frequently asked questions
Fragrance is a combination of chemicals that give off a scent. These chemicals are often listed on product labels as simply "fragrance" or "parfum".
Fragrance exposure has been linked to various health risks, including allergies, skin sensitivities, asthma attacks, headaches, migraines, dizziness, breathing problems, rashes, congestion, nausea, and seizures. Fragrances can also be especially dangerous for children, with exposure to certain chemicals posing risks to their respiratory health.
To reduce fragrance exposure, look for products labeled "fragrance-free" or "unscented". However, be aware that these terms don't guarantee the absence of fragrance chemicals. Read the full list of ingredients to spot potentially allergenic chemicals. Consult resources like Skin Deep, which provides ratings for thousands of products and ingredients.
Candles and essential oils, when slowly diffused, can be better options for home fragrance, although they still carry some risks.
If you experience negative health effects from fragrance exposure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also contact a relevant support service, such as the 1800 ASTHMA Helpline, or a work, health, and safety authority if your workplace is not taking action to address your concerns.
