Health Concerns
Health Conditions Impacted by
Fragrances
Allergic diseases effect more than 20%
of the population and are the 6th leading cause of chronic disease
(1) Asthma, rhinitis, and sinusitis are all
allergic diseases and impact the functioning of millions of Americans on a daily
basis. The impact can be from minor irritation to life threatening. But for
many, allergies are a major factor in their daily lives and effect the most
basic aspects of their life. In general an allergic response occurs when the
body perceives a relatively harmless substance as a threat. Inflammation and
mucus production occurs to help fight the substance. This inflammation and mucus
production causes the typical allergy symptoms of watery eyes, runny nose, and
swelling of the mucus membranes. More serious allergic reactions can cause
hives, swelling of the throat, inflammation, and bronchoconstriction in the
lungs. Very severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylaxis and death.
Irritant
reactions often cause the same symptoms as allergic ones. It is often difficult
to tell if the basis of a problem is allergy or irritant. The problem may be a
combination of both. Irritants will cause problems for anyone, though they
effect some at lower levels than others. Why some people have a lower tolerance
for irritants than others is not known. Irritants found in ambient air can cause
problems for some, while others are seemingly unaffected. Rhinitis, sinusitis,
and asthma can result from irritant reactions as well as allergic ones.
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Rhinitis:
Inflammation of the
nasal passages causing stuffiness and runny nose. Often accompanied by watery
and red eyes. Rhinitis is usually caused by an allergic, irritant, or infectious
process.
The nose and nasal
cavity is the entry point for air into the body. Air is moisturized, warmed, and
filtered as it moves through the passages.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergies that effect the nasal passages are common. It is difficult for
those that do not suffer to understand that these allergies cause much more than
a runny nose and sneezing. While these allergies are generally not life
threatening, they do effect quality of life and can lead to more serious
problems. In a study done by the pharmaceutical company Glaxo Wellcome Inc it
was found that allergies greatly effected activities at home, work, and in
social situations. (2) While over two thirds of those having allergic episodes
continue to function in their jobs and daily lives, they do not feel well and
often curtail activities because of their allergies.
Allergic rhinitis is treated by environmental controls to reduce exposure to allergens and medication. Antihistamines and decongestants are usually prescribed. "Allergy shots" may be helpful is some cases.
Non-Allergic Rhinitis
There are several types of non-allergic rhinitis. One type is triggered by
environmental exposures. The exact cause of vasomotor rhinitis is not known, but
it is often aggravated by fumes, odors, smoke, other environmental irritants and
changes. This type of rhinitis usually occurs in adults and is not seasonal. The
symptoms are congestion and headaches. Decongestants and topical steroids can
help with some of the symptoms, but generally do not give complete relief. (3)
Whether the cause of rhinitis is allergic or vasomotor fragranced products
encountered in the workplace can contribute to and exacerbate the symptoms. No
matter what the cause of the rhinitis fragrances can further irritate swollen
airway passages. In the case of vasomotor rhinitis they can be the primary
trigger. Rhinitis in itself is troubling and greatly impacts health and well
being. It can lead to more serious health problems.
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Sinusitis:
Inflammation of the
sinuses causing stuffiness, headaches and facial pain, general malaise, and may
involve fever. Sinusitis is usually precipitated by an allergic, irritant, or
infectious process.
The sinuses are cavities
or air spaces in the skull and facial bones. These cavities are lined with mucus
membranes. The sinuses warm and moisturize the air as well as help filter and
remove foreign matter. The sinuses produce mucus which helps keep them moist and
wash out particles and bacteria. This fluid drains through small openings in the
nasal cavity. When the sinuses become inflamed either from allergies,
infections, or irritation the passages can become blocked. Once blocked, fluid
builds up in the closed cavities causing pain. The pockets of fluid provide a
ideal growing environment for bacterial growth. Sinusitis can be acute or
chronic. (4)
Acute Sinusitis
Acute sinusitis usually occurs after an allergic, irritant, or infectionous
episode. There is usually localized pain and/or tenderness over the affected
sinuses. Stuffy or runny nose is common. Post nasal drip may also occur which
triggers a cough, usually worse at night. The infection may be accompanied by
fever. Acute sinusitis is treated with antibiotics and decongestants. Antihistamines
are not usually used as they tend to dry up the secretions and make them sticky.
It is then hard for the sticky mucus to be cleared from the sinuses.
Chronic Sinusitis
Chronic sinusitis occurs when the sinuses remain infected for long periods of
time or reoccurs numerous times during the year. The symptoms are not as intense
as acute sinusitis, but the long term effects can be serious. Any chronic
infection can cause general malaise and loss of energy. A chronic infection in
the sinuses can cause bone erosion and numerous problems which can be very
serious. Pressure can effect the optic nerve and cause permanent vision loss.
The infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract and cause infections in
the lungs. Chronic sinusitis can occur when an acute infection does not completely clear
up. It can also be the results of continued exposure to an allergen or irritant.
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Asthma:
Characterized by
hyperresponsive airways, bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and
inflammation. (5)
Airways are said to be
irritable and respond to irritants, toxins, and allergens by constricting and
thus restricting airways. The classic symptom of asthma is wheezing when
exhaling. However, there are a few asthmatics that do not wheeze. Wheezing is
not a reliable symptoms of how severe the asthmatic episode is.
Bronchoconstriction from hyperresponsive airways is reversible with treatment.
Mucus is produced as
part of the body's response to allergens and irritants. The mucus helps dilute
and wash away the substance. However, mucus provides the ideal environment for
microbe growth. If the mucus is not kept cleared from the lungs the chance of
infection is increased.
Inflammation causes
swelling of the airways. This swelling causes the airway passages to become
narrowed. While both bronchoconstriction and inflammation causes the airways to
narrow, the mechanisms by which they occur are different. Inflammation does not
respond as quickly, is more difficult to treat, and is generally seen as a more
serious condition. Inflammation is usually not as immediate and may take hours
to become apparent. Often hours after the initial exposure and attack; symptoms
will reoccur because of the swelling from inflammation.
Asthma can be triggered
by allergic and irritant factors. Though treatment is generally the same there
are diagnostic differences in the types of asthma...
RADS
Reactive Airways Dysfunction Syndrome is
asthma that meets certain criteria. There is no pre-existing asthma and onset is
within 24 hours of a high level irritant exposure.
Occupational Asthma
Occupational asthma is caused by an allergen
or sensitization to a chemical encountered in the workplace. Pre-existing asthma
exacerbated by occupational exposures is generally not considered occupational
asthma. If occupational asthma is diagnosed early it is possible to prevent
chronic asthma from occurring. Removal from exposure to the offending substance
is critical. Continued exposure may lead to chronic asthma, lung damage, and
even death. (6)
Allergic Induced Asthma
Triggered by allergens such as pollen, mites,
and dander.
Irritant Induced Asthma
No apparent allergic component, triggered by
irritants. There may be immune system involvement through alternate pathways.
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Those with chemical sensitivities have
symptoms when exposed to chemicals at very low levels which are tolerated by the
general population. These symptoms may range from mild to debilitating.
Exposures may cause symptoms in one or several body symptoms. Those with
chemical sensitivities may have asthma, upper respiratory problems, migraines,
and other problems triggered by chemical exposures. It is estimated that 15% or
more of the general population may suffer from chemical sensitivities in varying
degrees. (7)
The mechanisms by which chemical
sensitivities occur is not known. Onset may be related to a definite high level
chemical exposure or to long term low level exposures. Some people never know
what triggered their chemical sensitivity. (8)
Avoidance is the primary way of preventing
illness in people that are chemically sensitive. It is often very difficult to
work in environments where there is exposure to fragrances and other irritating
chemicals.
Dermatitis can occur from exposure to
fragranced products. It is estimated that 1-2% of the population has skin
allergy to fragrances.(9) (10) Fragrance found in soaps, cleaners, and other
products in the workplace may cause problems. Fragrances used by others can also
cause problems for the person with dermatitis. Fragrance on the hands and
clothing of others can be transferred to surfaces which the fragrance sensitive
person may have contact with. Also airborne contact dermatitis is possible from
the fragrance present in the air from other's use.
Migraines effect as many as 25 million people
in the US. Migraines headaches can cause debilitating pain, vision disturbances,
nausea, and other neurological symptoms. Though many migraine suffers continue
to work, productivity is effected. Migraines not only effect function at work,
they also effect function in all other aspects of life. Fragrances are known
triggers for migraines. (11)
Migraines are thought to be caused by
vascular changes in the brain. Fragrance chemicals have been shown to cause
changes in blood circulation in the brain.(12) They have been shown to effect
neurophysiology.(13) (Top)
Recent studies have questioned the safety of
synthetic musk compounds. One study suggests synthetic musk compounds can cause
gene damage that increases the susceptibility to liver cancer. The general
safety of fragrances was addressed in a study published in March-April 1988
issue of Archives of Environmental Health. (14)
Some synthetic musks that were used for over
20 years by the fragrance industry are now known to have neurotoxic effects and
were removed from use. (15) (16)
There is mounting evidence that fragrances
are a health concern for everyone and not just for those that are fragrance
sensitive. (Top)
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