Health Conditions Effected by Fragrances
ALLERGIC & IRRITANT DISORDERS:
Allergic diseases effect more than 20% of the population and are the 6th leading cause of chronic dis.ease (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. TOP
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. TOP
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. TOP
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. TOP
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)
References:
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