Fragrances are a common public health problem
A survey finds many
Americans report health effects from fragrances, including those used by other
people.
Keywords: fragrance, perfume, air freshener,
health, headache, migraine, respiratory, disability, public space, Anne
Steinemann
In a survey conducted by
professor Anne Steinemann, 1136 adult Americans were asked whether fragranced
personal care products, laundry products or so-called air fresheners caused any
problems for them. A total of
34.7% reported these products caused headaches, migraines, respiratory irritation,
or other health effects. 17.7 %
were effected so much that they may be covered by the Americans with
Disabilities Act (ADA).
The following health
effects were reported from exposure to fragrances:
|
Respiratory problems |
18.6% |
|
Mucosal symptoms |
16.2% |
|
Migraine headaches |
15.7% |
|
Skin problems |
10.6% |
|
Asthma attacks |
8.0% |
|
Neurological problems |
7.2% |
|
Cognitive problems |
5.8% |
|
Gastrointestinal
problems |
5.5% |
|
Cardiovascular problems |
4.4% |
|
Immune system problems |
4.0% |
|
Musculoskeletal
problems |
3.8% |
|
Other |
1.7% |
Some people reported more
than one health effect.
People reported several
problems in public and private spaces:
|
Problem being near a
fragranced person |
23.6% |
|
Problem visiting a
fragranced store |
22.7% |
|
Avoids fragranced
stores |
20.2% |
|
Problem being in a
fragranced room |
20.4% |
|
Problem being in a room
recently cleaned |
19.7% |
|
Avoids public restrooms
due to fragrances |
17.5% |
|
Have been sick or
changed job due to fragrances at work |
15.1% |
|
Avoids fragranced soaps
in public restrooms |
14.1% |
|
Problems with scented
dryer exhaust |
12.5% |
The scented dryer exhaust
is a particular problem in the United States where dryer sheets are very
common. Dryer sheets are uncommon
in Europe and Australia.
Fragrance policies
The survey asked what people thought about policies limiting the use of fragrances in the work place and public spaces, such as pumping it through the air vents.
The following lists how many of the surveyed people (regardless of health effects) would support:
|
Fragrance-free health care facilities |
54.8% |
|
Fragrance-free workplace policies |
53.2% |
|
Hotels without scented air supply |
55.5% |
|
Airplanes without scented air supply |
59.2% |
Source
Anne Steinemann is a professor at the University of Melbourne, Australia, the James Cook University, Townsville, Australia and University of California, San Diego.
The full study is Fragranced consumer products: exposures and effects from emissions, and was published in the October 2016 issue of Air Quality and Atmospheric Health. It is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11869-016-0442-z