Facts about Scents
In Canada, 15-20% of the population have some kind of breathing
problem, such as asthma. Asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, and allergies
can all be adversely affected by the chemicals found in scented
products. Scents, perfumes, and fragrances are being found in an
ever-widening variety of products, including personal care products,
cosmetics, household cleaners, drugs, and even foods.
More than 80% of the chemical ingredients in these products have
never been tested to see if they are poisonous to humans. Some have
been tested only minimally. Out of these many chemicals, a few are
considered hazardous waste by the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA).
Of the 4000 chemicals used to make fragrances, several hundred
can be used to make ONE scented product. Many of these chemicals
can cause health problems such as:
* shortness of breath/wheezing
* headaches & migranes
* nausea and muscle pain
* cold-like symptoms
just to name a few.
Perfume or Poison
The research branch of the National Academy of Sciences estimates
that "15% of the population experiences hypersensitivity to
chemicals." Hypersensitivity is an over-reaction by the body
to something in its surroundings.
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of people who
get sick when exposed to fragrances. Babies and children are more
at risk, as are people trying to recover form illness.
There are two main ways in which perfumes and their chemicals can
enter the body. One route is through direct contact with skin and
the other is by breathing it in.
Imagine being someone with a body primed for problems, such as
a person who suffers from asthma, allergies or from MCS (Multiple
Chemical Sensitivities). For these people, their bodies react to
one or more of the chemicals causing health problems.
The reaction may be as minor as irritated eyes to as severe as
anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxix is a severe allergic reaction that can
lead to sudden death.
In one study, 72% of people with asthma had negative reactions
to perfumes - their breathing tests dropped to half the normal rate.
Getting Free of Perfumes, Scents and Fragrances
When choosing scent-free or fragrance-free products, it is important
to be an informed consumer. A product that is "fragrance-free"
is likely to be totally odorless. A product labelled "scent-free"
could mean that no scent has been added to the chemicals already
used to make it.
Presently the cosmetic industry uses the terms "fragrance-free"
and "unscented" virtually without restriction. Look at
the label. If the word "fragrance" or "flavour"
is in the list of ingredients, it is not fragrance free.
Don't be afraid to use your nose! Or ask the store clerk to check
it for you.
Perfume in the Workplace
Perfume can affect a person's ability to work. If a co-worker or
friend tells you that your perfume is making them ill, believe them
and do not take offence. The reaction is not to you, personally,
but to one or more of the hundreds of chemicals that are present
in the perfume.
Whether your perfume is expensive or inexpensive, the chemicals
it contains may cause health problems for other people.
Steps to creating a scent-free workplace
1. Discuss the benefits of having a scent-free workplace with
other workers.
2. Have a presentation done about the effects of scented products
(Contact the Lung Association).
3. Develop a workplace policy on the use of scent-free products.
4. Emphasize that a scent-free policy is a health and safety issue
for the workplace.
5. Display signs that welcome people to your scent-free workplace.
What You Can Do
A simple step to take is don't wear perfume, cologne, or aftershave
when going out to public places. Your consideration of those sensitive
people around you will be greatly appreciated!
Support workplace policies that control the use of scented products.
For Further Information:
The following pamphlets are available from The Lung Association:
Scent Free Products on PEI
A Guide to Creating a Scent-free Policy
Second-Hand Smoke - The Facts
Asthma - Facts About Your Lungs
A Guide to Smoke-Free Places on PEI
(Council for a Smoke-Free PEI)
The above document is a reproduction of the "No Scents Makes
Sense" document put out by The Lung Association.
1 Rochford Street, Suite 2
Phone: (902)892-5957
Fax: (902) 368-7281
Website: http://www.lung.ca
See also: Indoor
Air Quality: No Scents is Good Sense
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