I think most of us are guilty of wanting our environment to smell comforting, pleasant, relaxing or clean. I happen to love a good “clean cotton” scent or a medicinal healthy eucalyptus, others enjoy their favorite perfume or cologne as part of their morning routine… but is it appropriate in a school or healthcare setting?
Fragrances are linked to emotions and memories. Smell often triggers our daily moods – good and bad! When I smell certain foods I didn’t like as a child it definitely affects my mood. When I smell more pleasant (to me) things like eucalyptus, tea tree or roses it makes me feel happy. But I definitely fall victim to headaches and irritated respiratory tract when exposed to strong or chemical fragrances and odors.
How is this an issue?
Artificial fragrances are a major trigger for asthmatics. Perfumes are triggering because they are commonly made with chemicals derived from coal tar and petrol, to help them stick to the object they are sprayed on. Body sprays are often made with a propellant like aerosol which can be irritating to the lungs. Bathroom sprays and air fresheners are often made with the same chemicals and propellants.
Fragranced items emit numerous volatile organic compounds, such as limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde and semi-volatile organic compounds, such as musks and phthalates. However, ingredients in fragranced products are exempt from full disclosure on product labels or safety data sheets, limiting awareness of potential emissions and exposures. (Taylor, S., 2019)
A study done in June of 2016 showed that among asthmatics, 64.3% reported one or more types of adverse health effects from exposure to one or more types of fragranced products (43.3% respiratory problems; 27.2% mucosal symptoms; 28.2% migraine headaches; 19.0% skin problems; 27.9% asthma attacks; 15.1% neurological problems; 14.1% cognitive problems; 12.1% gastrointestinal problems; 9.8% cardiovascular problems; 11.1% immune system problems; 9.5% musculoskeletal problems; and 1.3% other). Among non-asthmatics, 23.8% reported one or more types of adverse health effects from exposure to one or more types of fragranced products. Thus, among all types of health effects (excepting asthma attacks), asthmatics are more likely to be affected than non-asthmatics. (Steinman, A. 2018)
People exposed to chemical fragrances often will complain of asthma flares, coughing, itchy throat, headaches, migraines, and general unwell feeling.
But it stinks in here, what can I do?
- Avoid using essential oils and oil diffusers at school/work. Essential oils are highly concentrated and emit strong odors due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including terpenes, toluene, and benzene, when diffused in the air. They will often contribute to worsening asthma symptoms after exposure.
- Avoid using air fresheners or bathroom sprays. Most store bought air fresheners contain tons of chemicals and fragrances that can be detrimental in many ways (https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/air-fresheners/). Hospital grade odor eliminator sprays can be used in moderation like Medi-Choice unscented, or April Fresh Biological Odor Eliminator. Alternatively, one could use baking soda; a dish of vinegar (not together because volcanoes); or believe it or not, coffee is a great odor eliminator. Please comment if you know any awesome fragrance/chemical free odor eliminators!
- Avoid using perfumes, colognes, and body sprays to school. Save them for home or outside of school – that way they will last longer too!
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to clean the air.
- Himalayan salt lamps: scientific evidence does NOT back this one up but allegedly they can attract pollutive particles in the air and improve allergies and asthma. They shouldn’t be used to treat the asthma but can be used to help freshen the air. https://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/what-do-salt-lamps-do
Do you have any advice about using fragrances in school? What alternatives do you use?
Steinemann A. Fragranced consumer products: effects on asthmatics. Air Qual Atmos Health. 2018;11(1):3-9. doi: 10.1007/s11869-017-0536-2. Epub 2017 Dec 11. PMID: 29391919; PMCID: PMC5773620.
https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/safe-product-guides/air-fresheners/
https://www.realsimple.com/health/mind-mood/what-do-salt-lamps-do
https://asthma.net/living/fragrance-induced
School Nurse Headquarters 