Toxic Fragrances: What You Can Do

The severe attacks my wife experienced caused me to learn more about fragrance sensitivities. Here’s what you need to know—and how you can help.

“It’s as though something sucked the oxygen out of the room. My eyes began tearing and my sinuses started draining as my throat closed off. Panic set in as I choked and gasped for air at the same time and my head started pounding. I tried to find relief by using my hands to fan air into my face as I moved to another area searching for fresh air, hoping my throat would reopen.

“Sometimes I become nauseated and vomiting takes place. At the end of the attack my voice is gone—sometimes for days—and I’m left with a headache that won’t stop.”

This is how my wife describes what she experiences during a sensitivity attack.

Mystery culprits

But sensitive to what? What causes my wife’s respiratory system to react violently? The answer may surprise you. The cause is perfumes, colognes, body sprays, shampoos, air fresheners and any other products that contain fragrance.

According to an article titled “Fragrance: Emerging Health and Environmental Concerns” by Betty Bridges, “Fragrance formulas are considered trade secrets and components that make up the fragrance portion of the product are not revealed on labels. Fragrance is increasingly cited as a trigger in health conditions such as asthma, allergies and migraine headaches” (Flavour and Fragrance Journal, Vol. 17, Issue 5, pp. 361-371, published online April 16, 2002).

Known irritants

In addition, MSNBC contributor Francesca Lyman in her article “What the Nose Knows” points out that because “95 percent of perfume ingredients are synthesized from petrochemicals, they give off volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs, which are also found in vapors emitted from toxic products like solvents, wood preservatives, paint strippers and dry-cleaning chemicals” (Feb. 12, 2003).

VOCs are known to produce eye, nose and throat irritation, as well as headaches, loss of coordination, nausea, liver damage and harm to the kidney and central nervous system, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Some VOCs can cause cancer in animals and are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans.

My wife experiences some of these same irritations during her sensitivity attacks.

Consider also these statistics:

• The fragrance portion of a product may contain over 100 different materials.
• 72 percent of asthmatics react adversely to perfumes, and at least 35 million Americans are afflicted with allergies.
• Masking fragrances are often used in fragrance-free or unscented products; and these, too, can be problematic for people with allergies.

Limited outings

As a result of these attacks, it’s difficult for my wife and me to go to church, shopping malls, movie theaters or museums. Because of the strength of perfumes, even outdoor trips to the zoo or an amusement park are hazardous. My wife is not alone in her suffering.

The workplace

So what about the office or workplace and coworkers who wear perfume or the people your employer serves who come in covered in perfume or cologne? My wife works in a doctor’s office at the front desk, and sometimes an attack is caused by a thoughtless coworker and other times by patients drenched in perfume or cologne.

My wife has lost several days from work after one of these attacks, bedridden with a migraine and her voice gone. But what can office managers do to prevent perfumes from being worn into the office?

The allergist

Although office managers realistically can’t stop a coworker, patients or anyone else from wearing perfume or cologne, there are some steps those with sensitivities can take to help themselves.

Because the ingredients of fragrances are considered trade secrets, researchers have a hard time pinpointing specific components in perfumes or colognes that are causing sensitivity attacks.

However, my wife wanted to eliminate the possibility that her sensitivity was caused by some other type of allergy, so she made an appointment with an allergist and explained how she chokes and gasps for air when someone with perfume or cologne comes near. After a battery of needles under the skin and scratch tests, the results showed her only allergy was to dust mites.

The allergist suggested that she try using the nose spray Astelin. Some people sensitive to perfumes and colognes find it does help. “It helps clear the front part of my sinuses,” my wife said. “But it doesn’t stop the drainage.”

The mask

Another effective, if unattractive and uncomfortable, option would be to purchase a respirator mask with replaceable filters. The mask covers the nose and mouth and offers protection from the offending fragrances.

Unfortunately, it can also irritate the face, especially in hot weather. As well, one can’t speak through the mask. If talking is necessary, the mask has to be raised, which takes away the protection.

Empathy

Most of us have choked or gagged on something at some point in our life. Imagine facing that prospect everywhere you go because someone is wearing perfume, cologne or some other fragranced product.

The Bible teaches that we should have love and care for one another—that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated (Matthew 22:39; Luke 6:31). Philippians 2:4 tells us, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”

There are two ways you can help people who suffer from fragrance sensitivity. One, tell people about this growing health problem. Share this post and discuss it with your family and friends.

Second, the next time you start to use any kind of personal care product that is fragranced, think about those who may be sensitive to fragrances and consider limiting or eliminating your use of that product wherever possible.

Brian Shell and his wife, Bridget, attend the Cincinnati/Dayton, Ohio, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.