Fragrance is the number one cause of skin allergy from cosmetics and over all is second only to nickel in causing allergic skin reactions. It is estimated that 1-2% of the population has skin allergies to fragrance. 20% of the population suffers from some type of allergic disease. Allergic disease includes asthma, sinusitis, and rhinitis. Allergic disease is the 6th leading cause of chronic illness and impacts the lives of millions on a daily basis. In addition to those that have allergies, there are people that have asthma, sinusitis, and rhinitis that are triggered by non-allergic type reactions. Fragrance is both a skin and respiratory irritant. It negatively impacts those with allergic and non-allergic diseases that involve the upper and lower airways.
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. 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.
Those with respiratory problems and migraines are not the only ones that have problems from fragrances. There are increasing numbers of people that have chemical sensitivities and have adverse effects from chemicals in the air. Those with chemical sensitivities often have trouble thinking clearly, muscle/joint pain, neurological symptoms and other problems from exposure to fragrances. This often makes it difficult for them to function at work and in social situations.
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YOU ARE NOT ALONE!