Asthmatic or Not: Perfume Reduces Respiration
Lourdes Salvador
October 28, 2007
Scientists have shown that environmental perfume exposure, such as breathing secondhand perfumes, may cause respiratory symptoms. People with asthma and allergy report respiratory symptoms more frequently, though such symptoms from environmental perfume exposure may affect everyone.
An international brand of perfume, such as one that would be commonly found in ambient room air from perfume users, was used in the study.
The symptoms do not appear to be immune or allergy related as they are not associated with an immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergic reaction. The researchers measured basophils in relation to perfume concentrations in the air. A positive dose-response effect was found in patients with respiratory symptoms related to perfume. The study concluded that “perfume induces a dose-dependent non-IgE-mediated release of histamine from human peripheral blood basophils”, providing a measurable basis by which some reactions to perfumes may be confirmed.
Many perfumes are solvent based and some contain the same carcinogens as cigarette smoke. Though perfume is a personal choice, they do invade the airspace of others much like cigarette smoke does.
When royalty wore perfumes centuries ago, they were made from a safe and natural plant base. Now, cost-concerned manufactures have cut corners and replaced plant materials with synthetic chemicals, solvents, and compounds that have been shown to cause reproductive effects, respiratory problems, neurological problems, and other health disparities.
This study has provided reason to raise alarm and question the use of perfumes. If secondhand perfumes are damaging health, what effect does actually wearing perfume have?
The truth is that there is no benefit to wearing perfume, as a matter of fact, a large portion of people may avoid those who wear perfume. Hygiene can be maintained by showering regularly. Adding perfume to cover up sweat just adds to the stink!
Reference
Elberling J, Skov PS, Mosbech H, Holst H, Dirksen A, Johansen JD. Increased release of histamine in patients with respiratory symptoms related to perfume. Clin Exp Allergy. 2007 Sep 17.
About the Author
Lourdes Salvador is a writer and social advocate based in Hawaii. She is a passionate advocate for the homeless, having worked with her local governor to open new shelters and provide services to the homeless in a new approach to end homelessness. That passion soon turned to advocacy and activism for victims of multiple chemical sensitivity. Since 2006, she has been the president of MCS America and a featured monthly writer for MCS America News. She co-founded MCS Awareness in 2005. She also serves as Partner, Environmental Education Week and Partner, Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE). For more information about Lourdes and her advocacy work, please visit: www.mcs-america.org, www.thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com, and www.cafepress.com/mcsamerica.
Copyrighted © 2007 Lourdes Salvador
An international brand of perfume, such as one that would be commonly found in ambient room air from perfume users, was used in the study.
The symptoms do not appear to be immune or allergy related as they are not associated with an immunoglobulin E (IgE) allergic reaction. The researchers measured basophils in relation to perfume concentrations in the air. A positive dose-response effect was found in patients with respiratory symptoms related to perfume. The study concluded that “perfume induces a dose-dependent non-IgE-mediated release of histamine from human peripheral blood basophils”, providing a measurable basis by which some reactions to perfumes may be confirmed.
Many perfumes are solvent based and some contain the same carcinogens as cigarette smoke. Though perfume is a personal choice, they do invade the airspace of others much like cigarette smoke does.
When royalty wore perfumes centuries ago, they were made from a safe and natural plant base. Now, cost-concerned manufactures have cut corners and replaced plant materials with synthetic chemicals, solvents, and compounds that have been shown to cause reproductive effects, respiratory problems, neurological problems, and other health disparities.
This study has provided reason to raise alarm and question the use of perfumes. If secondhand perfumes are damaging health, what effect does actually wearing perfume have?
The truth is that there is no benefit to wearing perfume, as a matter of fact, a large portion of people may avoid those who wear perfume. Hygiene can be maintained by showering regularly. Adding perfume to cover up sweat just adds to the stink!
Reference
Elberling J, Skov PS, Mosbech H, Holst H, Dirksen A, Johansen JD. Increased release of histamine in patients with respiratory symptoms related to perfume. Clin Exp Allergy. 2007 Sep 17.
About the Author
Lourdes Salvador is a writer and social advocate based in Hawaii. She is a passionate advocate for the homeless, having worked with her local governor to open new shelters and provide services to the homeless in a new approach to end homelessness. That passion soon turned to advocacy and activism for victims of multiple chemical sensitivity. Since 2006, she has been the president of MCS America and a featured monthly writer for MCS America News. She co-founded MCS Awareness in 2005. She also serves as Partner, Environmental Education Week and Partner, Collaborative on Health and the Environment (CHE). For more information about Lourdes and her advocacy work, please visit: www.mcs-america.org, www.thetruthaboutmcs.blogspot.com, and www.cafepress.com/mcsamerica.
Copyrighted © 2007 Lourdes Salvador
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