Perfumes, Scents, Fragrances…Achoo! Reducing Air Irritation in Your Home

Are you one of those people who sneezes when you walk down the detergent aisle? Gets nauseated when sitting next to a heavily perfumed lady on the plane? Shuns car air fresheners?

If so, you’re not alone. According to the a study published in the Journal of Environmental Health (“Prevalence of Fragrance Sensitivity in the American Population,” March 2009), 30.5% of the general population report scented products irritating, 19% reported adverse health effects from air fresheners, and nearly 11% said they were irritated by scented laundry products. Those with asthma were more likely to report these sensitivities.

Yet we’re bombarded by fragrance wherever we go—particularly in our own homes, where according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the air is 2-5 times more polluted than the air outdoors. Detergents, bath soaps, shampoos, perfumes, deodorants, shave creams, cleansers, candles, air fresheners, even garbage bags and toilet tissues carry synthetic, chemical fragrances that can irritate the senses and pollute our homes. According to some sources, however, these scents aren’t only irritating, but potentially damaging to our health.

What’s in a Fragrance?

            For those who’ve experienced it, you know—fragrances can cause sneezing, itchy watery eyes, wheezing, and headaches. Most of them are made with synthetic chemicals; many a combination of hundreds of such chemicals mixed together in a proprietary formula. According to the a 1986 report by the Committee on Science & Technology, 95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum, including benzene derivatives, aldehydes and other known toxic ingredients capable of causing cancer, birth defects, nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

Fragrances can also contain phthalates, known to extend the longevity of an aroma—and linked with reproductive disorders. According to an investigation by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), 98 percent of the fragrance products they studied contained ingredients not assessed for safety or with insufficient data, 76 percent contained allergens, and 16 percent contained ingredients that may cause cancer.

What about those scented candles, so nice for a romantic evening? According to a study presented at the 238^th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society, standard paraffin candles contribute to indoor air pollution with potential carcinogens—particularly if burned frequently in unventilated rooms, like the bathroom.

Meanwhile, cases of headaches, sinusitis, and asthma continue to soar. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 16.2 million American adults have asthma, and 6.7 million children. The American Academy of Allery, Asthma & Immunology lists perfume as a common trigger of asthma attacks.

De-Fragrancing Your Home

            You may not be able to do much about fragrances in public places, but you can increase the fresh air in your own home. First of all, choose fragrance-free personal-care and other household products. Look at the ingredient deck on your products—if you see the word “fragrance,” you know it contains synthetic chemicals. Choose more natural scents made from essential oils. Organic products are known to use these, and they tend to be less irritating.

Open a window whenever you can to let in some fresh air. Houseplants help remove unpleasant odors, so invest in a few if you haven’t already. Use pumps instead of aerosols, seek out environmentally friendly cleansers, and regularly clean and wipe down surfaces. Amid Hamidi, one of the researchers from the candle study mentioned above, suggests that if you want to enjoy the flame of a candle, use those made from bee’s wax or soy.