Scents & Sensitivity Brandy E. Fisher Abstract
Throughout history, humans have used natural fragrances for a variety of purposes, from religious rituals to aphrodisiacs. Today, fragrances use synthetic chemical ingredients extensively to mimic scents from nature--and there is a growing outcry from those who claim that exposure to some fragrances adversely affects their health. They report symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Several studies indicate that 15-30% of the general population report some sensitivity to chemicals, including fragrances, and 4-6% report that chemical intolerance has a major impact on quality of life. Still, a study published in the March-April 1998 issue of Archives of Environmental Health found that certain fragrance fumes produced various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, and possible neurotoxic effects. There are more than 5,000 chemicals used today in the manufacture of fragrances, most of which are derived from petroleum. A recent study that examined the ingredients of 31 selected fragrance products identified known mutagens, such as  pinene, and other substances, such as camphor, that have known toxic effects at high concentrations. Currently, the fragrance industry is essentially self-regulated in the United States. Internationally, many companies voluntarily adhere to safety guidelines established by the International Fragrance Association, but they are not required to follow any recommendations or to limit the use of any fragrance ingredients. Research into the effects of scents is complicated by the fact that fragrance manufacturers are protected by "trade secret" rules from disclosing the ingredients of their products. In addition, little is known about the human olfactory system and how fragrance molecules pass into the body via this system.
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