Why is this important?
Perfumes and scented products are recognized as triggers for asthma in asthmatic children and adults. In sensitive people, fragranced products may cause wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, congestion, headaches, migraines, dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty with concentration, nausea, loss of appetite, irritation of eyes, nose, throat and skin, and fatigue or weakness. Hundreds of different chemical substances are used in fragranced products, many of them derived from petroleum. Some fragrance ingredients, such as phthalates, musk xylene, toluene and others have been linked to cancer, hormone disruption and other harmful effects.
What actions can we take?
- Have a fragrance-free policy.
- Don’t use air “fresheners”.
- Use only fragrance-free cleaning and laundry products
- Ask staff and visitors not to wear fragranced personal care products.