One-third of Australians experience health problems when exposed to fragrance products, research finds

THEY may smell good but a third of Australians are experiencing health problems when exposed to common products with a scent, new research has revealed.

THEY may smell good but a third of Australians are experiencing health problems when exposed to common products with a scent, new research has revealed.

The study, by Professor Anne Steinemann from the University of Melbourne, found the health effects from fragranced goods can be severe and potentially disabling.

Migraines, dizziness, asthma attacks and seizures were just a few of the conditions people reported after using products like air fresheners, cleaning products, laundry supplies and personal care products.

Professor Steinemann said others had suffered congestion, watery eyes, nausea and rashes.

“This is an epidemic. Fragranced products are creating health problems across Australia,” she said.

“The types of products we’re talking about are so common in everyday society with 98.5 per cent of Australians exposed to a fragranced product at least once a week.

“Like with smoking there’s now a strong support for fragrance-free environments.”

A third of Australians are experiencing health problems when exposed to common products with a scent, new research has revealed.

Over 1000 people from all demographics were surveyed for the study, with 7.7 per cent having time off work or losing their job in the past year due to illness from exposure to a fragrance product in the workplace.

In some cases employees said they could not use the bathroom in their building because of an unpleasant reaction.

A further 16.7 per cent spoke of wanting to leave a shop or business in a hurry if they smelt air fresheners or other scents.

Almost 8 per cent of people surveyed needed time off work or lost their job due to illness from exposure to a fragrance product in the workplace.

“Fragrances are meant to be pleasing but they’re repelling customers instead of attracting them — having serious implications for businesses, workplaces, care facilities, schools, homes and other places” Prof Steinemann said.

The reason why one in three Aussies are experiencing adverse health issues is because scented products emit a range of chemicals, including hazardous air pollutants.

But fewer than 10 per cent of ingredients are usually exposed on the label or safety data sheet, the research found.

“All types of fragrances products tested — even those with claims of ‘green,’ ‘organic,’ and ‘all-natural’ — emitted hazardous air pollutants,” she said.

Rather than turning to products with an odour, Prof Steinemann recommended going back to basics and opening a window to increase ventilation, or cleaning with bicarb soda and water.