Can Perfumes Cause Health Problems?

Yes it can absolutely cause health problems. When perfumes are blame for adversely affecting a person's health, some or all of the following symptoms are reported: headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea, fatigue weakness, insomnia and etc. The severity of these symptoms can vary. Some people report mild irritation while others are incapacitated and/or must give up many 'normal' activities in order to avoid exposure (such as going to public places). These reactions can be known as a condition called environmental sensitivities.

80%-95% of perfume ingredients are synthesized from petrochemicals (oil), so they give off volatile organic compounds. Synthetic fragrances can include a selection of more than 3,000 different chemicals, the majority of which have not been tested for safety. VOCs are known to produce eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, loss of concentration, nausea, liver damage, harm to the kidneys and central nervous system according to the Environmental Protection Agency. VOCs are known or suspected to cause cancer in humans.

The chemicals from the fragrance evaporate into the air once you put on a spray or lotion or are absorbed into your skin to your blood stream. Like the smell of popcorn that travels through the air, so do the chemicals in a lotion or spray. Air currents pick up the chemicals and scatter them into the atmosphere and the air we all breathe. Whilst some people might get a mild headache from getting a whiff of perfume from someone walking down the street, others may be very ill for several days.