Some of them are made of natural ingredients while others are synthetic—fragrances. Since most of us find them pleasant we often use them voluntarily, in perfumes for example. However, what pleases the nose may not necessarily be healthy. Some scented products contain substances known to trigger contact allergies or demonstrate other incompatibilities. Certain fragrances, e.g. musk compounds, do not readily decompose in the environment and accumulate there over time as well as in man and animal. The issue of health complications owing to fragrances has not been sufficiently taken into account up until now. In a 15-page background paper on the latest findings about fragrances, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) has summarized the latest facts about these substances, identified the associated risks, and illustrated how to handle fragrances safely, for they are becoming ever more fashionable.
A mere generation ago fragrances were still considered extraordinary, and perfumed products were (often) an expensive rarity. Nowadays many channels capable of spreading a smell have had a scent added to them. “Air improvers” can be found in washing and cleansing detergents as well as fragrant candles. Consumers are also exposed to fragrances, sometimes unknowingly, when air fresheners are spread through the ventilation systems in department stores or office buildings. Fragrant smells are everywhere, and this can be problematic for humans, especially for those who are especially sensitive to them.
As with any otherwise pleasant substance or experience, consumers must be able to protect themselves when fragrances become a menace. Unfortunately, very little is known about the substances that are used or their effects on the environment or health. What to do? It would certainly make no sense to ban fragrances in general since this would not be desirable for either consumer of manufacturer. For the sake of precaution UBA recommends that fragrances not be used in public buildings in which the individual has no power to make a choice (e.g. offices, department stores, cinemas), so as not to impact the health of sensitive people.
In the home consumers should handle fragrances with caution and not cover up bad air with pleasant-smelling products. It would be more important to track down the source of the purported bad smell and take care of it there. Good airing and regular cleaning—with fragrance-free products – are the best ways to ensure the air is clean. Should one nevertheless opt for one of the many scented products available, they should be used sparingly and with caution. Special care must be taken with evaporators such as tea lights or oil burners, since they can increase the concentration of the fragrances in the ambient air dramatically.
Fragrance manufacturers can also do their bit to make use of their products less harmful to health, perhaps by providing consumers with better and more detailed information about the ingredients in the fragrant products than they have up to now. Secondly, it is obvious that only substances that have been tested for their compatibility with human health and the environment be used und proven harmless. But this is where scientific knowledge is still sketchy. Research on the mechanisms of neural response to fragrances, inhalation toxicology, and the significance of the sense of smell when over-sensitivity to certain fragrances exists are areas that deserve more attention in future. Help is needed not only from public institutions: manufacturers and distributors of fragrances are hereby called upon to do more to promote research and knowledge about these substances.
In-depth information is in a 15-page background paper (in German) titled Duftstoffe: Wenn Angenehmes zur Last werden kann [Fragrances: when the pleasant becomes an annoyance]. It can be downloaded free from the Internet at http://www.umweltbundesamt.de/uba-info-presse/hintergrund/duftstoffe.pdf.
Dessau, 30 May 2006