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.

The above document is a reproduction of the “No Scents Makes Sense” document put out by The Lung Association.
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