I’m sitting in a meeting—a meeting I wanted to attend. I couldn’t think because my head is pounding. When I arrived at the meeting, I felt great. Then I smelled it. Someone was wearing perfume. It didn’t take long before I had to leave. I would feel sick the rest of the day.
 
What would cause such an intense reaction? Fragrance.
 
It sounds innocent and innocuous—how can wearing perfume be harmful? But, for people with multiple chemical sensitivities like me, it is. And, unfortunately, the numbers aren’t in my favor.

The fragrance industry is booming. There are more than 5,000 different fragrances used in products today. One fragrance mixture can contain 200 or more chemicals. So, even though most people don’t react as strongly as I do, they’re still exposing themselves to nameless toxins that could cause harm. I say nameless because fragrance is considered a Trade Secret or Proprietary Information. Therefore, companies don’t have to disclose what fragrances are used in the ingredients section.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, fragrance is considered the leading cause of contact dermatitis. This sensitivity affects more than two million people, and studies suggest this number is on the rise because they’re adding fragrance to more products every day.

Fragrance is in cosmetics, shampoos, detergents, fabric softener, air fresheners, plug-ins, cleaners-it’s even used as a flavoring in food. Because of the amount and array of products that contain fragrance, it enters the body through the air we breathe, the cosmetics we us, even the food we eat. That means our bodies are being bombarded by thousands of chemicals each day through many different senses.

How to avoid fragrance

Be careful what you purchase. Even products labeled “unscented,” “natural,” or “organic” are not necessarily free of fragrance. Many of these products even contain fragrance or chemicals to mask product odors.

Do your research. Only buy products that disclose ingredients. If it says fragrance or perfume, don’t buy it.

If you still want to use perfume or air fresheners, use therapeutic grade essential oils. I personally use therapeutic grade essential oils with no reaction. The library is a great resource for books about essential oils and their many uses.

Maggie Mohs is co-founder of simplyneutral.