What Are Scents? Can Scents Affect My Health?

Editor's Choice
Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 11 Dec 2004 - 15:00 PDT


Scents are made up of many different chemicals and are found in several products that are used daily. Scents can be both naturally occurring and man-made. Plant extracts are among the most common of the naturally occurring scents.

How common are scented products?

Scent is used in a huge number of products that are commonly used, including:

-- perfumes and colognes

-- shampoos and conditioners

-- detergents and fabric softeners

-- deodorants

-- lotions and creams

-- soaps and household cleansers

-- diapers

-- feminine products

-- oils and scented candles

-- air fresheners and potpourri

-- industrial cleaners

-- hair styling products and cosmetics

-- some types of garbage bags.

What about "unscented" and "fragrance-free" products?

In Canada, Health Canada regulates the labelling of all cosmetic and personal care products including the use of certain terms. The terms "unscented" and "fragrance-free" do not necessarily guarantee that no scent chemicals have been added to the product. According to Health Canada's Cosmetic Program these terms mean that: "there have been no fragrances added to the cosmetic product, or that a masking agent has been added in order to hide the scents from the other ingredients in the cosmetic." This is why it may be necessary to try a small amount of a product before purchasing it to make sure there is no adverse reaction.

Information contained on a product's label may be difficult to understand and it may be necessary to contact the manufacturer directly if there are any further concerns about specific chemicals used.

How can scented products affect my health?

There are many different chemicals that are used to make certain products smell nice, and these chemicals can cause many different reactions. Ethanol, acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, linalool and camphor are just some of the chemicals used in scents that have been studied for possible health effects. Breathing in these chemicals can cause reactions such as dry mouth, headache, dizziness, irritation to the nose and throat, nausea and drowsiness.

Scented products such as perfumes and colognes can trigger asthma attacks or skin and eye irritation in sensitive individuals.

Products containing naturally occurring plant extracts can also cause allergic reactions in some people.

What can I do if scented products bother me?

Many unscented or scent-free personal care products are available for purchase, however it is important to test these products for possible irritation before using liberally. Personal care products should not be used on broken or infected skin areas.

Most scented household products are also available in unscented varieties and natural cleaning products such as baking soda may be appropriate replacements.

There are many public places where scented products may present a problem to sensitive individuals including the workplace, school, public transportation, shopping malls and hospitals. While it may be difficult to avoid some locations altogether, it might be possible to initiate a "scent-free" policy in the workplace or in schools. This could be accomplished by discussing the issue with co-workers or conducting a more formal survey on the topic of scents.
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