Katrina Rosales
Fragrances are supposed to be pleasant, but for many people, they can cause a range of adverse health effects, from migraines and nausea to respiratory issues and even seizures. With the rise of mass-produced synthetic fragrances, there has been an increase in fragrance-related health problems, with about a third of people reporting issues. These problems are caused by the chemicals in fragrances, including pollutants and known carcinogens, which become airborne and can be especially concerning when inhaled indoors. This has led to workplaces, doctors' offices, and even some local governments banning employees from wearing perfume in the office.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Health issues | Respiratory troubles, coughing, shortness of breath, migraines, eye irritation, sneezing, dizziness, head pain, nausea, diarrhea, mental cloudiness, asthma attacks, hay fever, congestion, rashes, seizures, rapid heart rate, visual disturbances, mental confusion, neurological dysfunction, weakness, blackouts, allergies |
| Products | Air fresheners, deodorizers, cleaning fluids, perfumes, colognes, candles, laundry products, personal care items, cleaning products, pesticides |
| Chemicals | Carcinogens, hormone disruptors, formaldehyde |
| Other | Naturally fragrant plants and flowers, e.g. jasmine or gardenia |
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What You'll Learn
Fragrances can cause respiratory issues
Fragrances can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can become airborne and cause irritation and inflammation when inhaled. These chemicals can be disruptive to our airways and can even enter our bloodstream. Common substances that induce fragrance sensitivity include α-pinene (APN), limonene (LIM), linalool (LIL), and eugenol (EUG).
People with asthma, allergies, or other pre-existing conditions may be particularly susceptible to respiratory issues caused by fragrances. Fragrances in the form of perfumes, air fresheners, cleaning products, deodorants, and personal care items can all trigger asthma or allergy symptoms, and it is important to take medication to control these symptoms.
To prevent respiratory issues caused by fragrances, it is recommended to avoid highly fragranced environments, wear a mask when exposed to irritating fragrances, and reduce the time spent in environments with fragrances. It can be helpful to keep a diary of when symptoms occur and what fragrances were present to identify specific triggers. In the workplace, it may be beneficial to implement a "no-fragrance policy" to protect employees' health.
If you are experiencing respiratory issues caused by fragrances, it is important to seek medical advice and consider pulmonary function tests or allergy tests to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your symptoms.
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They can trigger migraines and headaches
Fragrances can trigger migraines and headaches in some people. Perfume is a common trigger, with floral scents being frequent culprits. Chanel No.5, for example, contains traditional floral notes of iris, jasmine, and lily of the valley, which are often a no-go for migraine sufferers. Other scents that have been known to trigger migraines include Black Opium, with its strong vanilla and coffee notes, and Violet Orchid.
According to the American Headache Society, osmophobia, or a fear, aversion, or psychological hypersensitivity to smell, can trigger migraines and worsen migraine episodes. A 2016 study on 113 people found that odors were a common trigger for migraines, affecting 90.2% of participants, with perfume being the most common trigger. This was followed by cleaning products, cigarette smoke, and motor vehicle exhaust.
It is worth noting that not all fragrances will trigger migraines or headaches for everyone, as sensitivities vary from person to person. However, studies show that 25% to 50% of migraine sufferers have an increased sensitivity to odors during their headaches. Intense, concentrated smells can be linked to an individual's sensitivity, and even a single component of a smell can irritate the sinuses, causing them to swell and leading to a build-up of pressure that results in a headache.
Some people may also experience olfactory hallucinations while having a migraine episode. A doctor can help identify possible migraine triggers and recommend appropriate treatment.
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Fragrances can lead to nausea and dizziness
The specific ingredients in fragrances that may cause these adverse reactions are often unknown, as the term "fragrance" on ingredient lists can be a catchall category. However, fragrances are known to contain chemicals and pollutants that can become airborne and be inhaled, leading to potential health hazards, especially for individuals with sensitivities or allergies.
One of the most toxic ingredients commonly found in perfumes, colognes, and aftershaves is ethanol or isopropyl alcohol, which can be dangerous if ingested in larger amounts. Fragrances can also cause skin irritation and sensitivities, with symptoms such as redness, itching, or sinus irritation. In some cases, individuals may experience more severe allergic reactions or even seizures due to fragrance exposure.
To avoid potential health issues caused by fragrances, it is recommended to switch to fragrance-free products, reduce exposure to scented products, and support fragrance-free policies in shared spaces, such as offices.
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They may cause skin and eye irritation
Fragrances can cause skin and eye irritation, which is known as fragrance sensitivity. This is when your airways are irritated by ingredients or chemicals in natural or manufactured scents. Fragrance sensitivity can happen to anyone but is more likely if you have asthma or allergies. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, or itchy eyes, and they can develop within minutes of exposure to a scent.
In some cases, direct skin exposure to fragrances may lead to contact irritant dermatitis, which is characterised by skin redness, irritation, and a prickly rash. Contact allergy to fragrances often causes dermatitis of the hands, face, and neck, as well as in areas where perfumes are commonly applied, such as behind the ears, the upper chest, and the wrists. In rare cases, fragrances can cause phototoxic reactions, resulting in erythema and hyperpigmentation, known as Berloque dermatitis.
If you experience skin or eye irritation, it is recommended to seek medical advice. Your doctor may suggest a patch test to determine your specific allergic triggers. Once you identify the offending fragrance or ingredient, you can work to avoid it. Keeping a diary of when and where symptoms occur, as well as what scents were present, can help identify patterns and triggers.
It is worth noting that fragrance allergies can be challenging to pinpoint due to the various chemicals used in scented products and the lack of detailed ingredient labels. However, with persistence and proper medical guidance, you can manage fragrance sensitivities and minimise their impact on your health and well-being.
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Some fragrances are known carcinogens
Strong fragrances can cause a variety of health issues, including respiratory problems, migraines, eye irritation, dizziness, nausea, and mental cloudiness. Some fragrances are known to contain carcinogens, which can contribute to the adverse effects people experience when exposed to them.
An expert panel has confirmed that certain fragrance ingredients, such as styrene, are "reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens." Styrene is a chemical building block used in various everyday products, including personal care items like cologne and household products like detergents. The only way to avoid exposure to styrene in fragrances is to steer clear of products that list "fragrance" without specifying the individual components, as the term ""fragrance" can be used to conceal potentially harmful chemicals.
Other known or potential carcinogens found in fragrances include acetaldehyde, benzophenone, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), benzyl salicylate, chloromethane (methyl chloride), diethyl phthalate (DEP), essential oil mixtures, formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA (ethanolamines), methanol, oxybenzone, and propylparaben. These chemicals can have serious health impacts, affecting the nervous system, respiratory system, reproductive system, endocrine function, and more.
The lack of transparency in the cosmetics industry exacerbates the problem, as companies are not required to disclose all fragrance ingredients, and secret chemicals can go undisclosed. Independent laboratory tests have revealed a concerning number of hidden chemicals in popular fragrances, highlighting the need for better regulation and labeling practices to protect consumers from potential health risks.
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Frequently asked questions
Common symptoms of fragrance sensitivity include headaches, migraines, nausea, dizziness, and respiratory problems. Some people also experience more severe reactions such as seizures, blackouts, and asthma attacks.
If you have fragrance sensitivity, it is best to avoid products with added fragrances, such as air fresheners, perfumes, deodorants, cleaning supplies, and personal care items like soap, moisturiser, and laundry detergent.
Look for products labelled 'fragrance-free' and opt for natural alternatives for personal care and household products. Baking soda and vinegar, for example, are natural cleaning agents.
Some of the harmful chemicals found in fragrances include formaldehyde and other carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and pollutants. These chemicals can have adverse effects on health and have even been detected in breastfeeding mothers' milk.
