Office work exposures and adult-onset asthma

Office work exposures and adult-onset asthma

Jaakkola MS, Jaakkola JJ.

Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, University of
Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Environ Health Perspect. 2007 Jul;115(7):1007-11.

BACKGROUND: Office exposures have been linked to symptoms of sick building syndrome, but their relation to the development of asthma has not been studied previously. These exposures have increasing importance because an increasing proportion of the workforce is working in office environments.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the relations of exposure to carbonless copy paper (CCP), paper dust, and fumes from photocopiers and printers to adult-onset asthma.

METHODS: We conducted a population-based incident case-control study of adults 21-63 years of age living in the Pirkanmaa District in South Finland. All new clinically diagnosed cases (n = 521) of asthma were recruited during a 3-year study period. A random sample of the source population formed the controls (n = 1,016). This part focused on 133 cases and 316 controls who were office workers according to their current occupation classified by the 1988 International
Standard Classification of Occupations. All participants answered a questionnaire on health, smoking, occupation, and exposures at work and home. Subjects with previous asthma were excluded.

RESULTS: Exposures to paper dust [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.97; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.25-3.10] and CCP (OR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.03-2.66) were related to significantly increased risk of adult-onset asthma. An exposure-response relation was observed between exposure to paper dust and risk of asthma.

CONCLUSIONS: This study provides new evidence that exposures to paper dust and CCP in office work are related to increased risk of adult-onset asthma. Reduction of these exposures could prevent asthma in office workers. Clinicians seeing asthma patients should be aware of this link to office exposures.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?db=pubmed&cmd=Retrieve&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=17637914&itool=pubmed_DocSum

PMID: 17637914 [PubMed - in process]

May 2007 MCS America News: Member Spotlight: Alan Moses

What, in your opinion, is the greatest health threat to humans right now?

The research that I do keeps coming up with chemical toxins that cause genetic mutations.

Are you or someone you know affected by MCS or a Toxicant Induced illnesses?

My two sons suffer from ASD and I am sure it is chemically and heavy metal induced. My daughter has allergies and asthma.

If so, how has this affected your life?

To say the least, it has made my life very difficult. At times I wonder how I will get by and make sure that my children will be okay. Other times I find answers and feel that better days are ahead.

What do you feel is most contributing to the Autism Epidemic we are seeing today?

This is a very controversial question. I believe that mercury from vaccines, the mother's amalgams and diet contributed along with the destruction of natural immunity by vaccines and antibiotics used when they were very young.

What do you want others to know about Autism, MCS and other related illnesses?

My main point is to share with all that we can stop this madness with alternative therapies for most and by eliminating the chemical toxins that plays a large role in this epidemic. It is here and only becoming worse,

What is the biggest issue you think the world faces regarding toxicant induced illnesses?

Denial by the very ones who we expect to protect or help in these matters.

What do you do to make others aware of MCS, Autism and related disorders?

I have been an advocate for Autism for the last 8 years and have just started with MCS when I realized the relationship. I write and have done a T.V. news spot locally. I also have a book "How to repair children damaged by Mercury, Medicine and Politics" co-authored with Dr. Michael Sichel from Australia due in May 2007.

What words of wisdom would you like to share with others about Autism and/or MCS?

We must not give up as our children and loved ones deserve our help. You will never be heard by keeping silent, use any avenue available to you to get the word out. There is hope. We just need to lead the way, as nobody cares until it happens to them. Today we add many more in numbers that will begin to care and need our leadership due to the denials. If it doesn't stop, we will outnumber them soon enough.

Editors Note: Alan was interviewed by Kathy Houghton

Copyrighted © 2007 MCS America

May 2007 MCS America News: Scientific Study Finds Cologne Causes Acute Neurotoxicity and Air Flow Reduction

A study at Anderson Laboratories in Vermont concluded that fragrance chemicals caused a variety of acute toxicities in mice after an hour long exposure to breathing five commercial colognes. The researchers discovered "the emissions of these fragrance products caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, as well as alterations of the functional observational battery indicative of neurotoxicity." A computerized test was used to detect decreases in expiratory flow velocity, indicating airflow limitation. Mice exposed to toilet water, rather than cologne, did not show any change in air flow velocity, pulmonary function, or neurological function. "Neurotoxicity was more severe after mice were repeatedly exposed to the fragrance products. Evaluation of one of the test atmospheres with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed the presence of chemicals for which irritant and neurotoxic properties had been documented previously" which confirmed the presence of these chemicals in the colognes (Anderson & Anderson, 1998).

Many people do not realize that fragrances have changed over the years and are not regulated by law. Once a pleasant and natural oil from a plant, fragrances are now made with many chemical ingredients that have become harmful to human health and are not disclosed on the label. When people walk around wearing these fragrances, they share them with everyone around them. Breathing second-hand fragrance is like breathing second-hand smoke. It has all the same effects amounting to acute toxicity. Wearing cologne affects all those who share the same air space, including pets and children who are at increased risk due to their smaller size. Asthmatics, respiratory patients, and the chemically sensitive can also be seriously injured by fragrances. The effects are not limited to these groups though. Even the wearer is sacrificing good health.

"Fragrances are unnecessary and often unpleasant for others to smell," said Lourdes Salvador, Founder and President of MCS America. "The media has misled us to believe that scents make us sexy and attractive," added Salvador who is also the chief editor of MCS America News. "Quite to the contrary, many cannot tolerate being near these toxicants and avoid them. More employers are enacting fragrance free policies in the workplace leading to a reduction of migraines and missed work. So, maybe that elusive girl that retreats each time you approach is really interested, but avoiding your cologne."

Before fragrances emerged on the market the human species still mated and reproduced. This shows that fragrances are not necessary to attract the opposite sex. Quite to the contrary, much like animals, we use body scent to attract mates. Some fragrance manufacturers have realized this and are now marketing fragrances that smell like sweat. Unfortunately these fragrances are synthetic, made with chemicals known for their neurotoxic effects. Fortunately, we are each equipped with our own sweat. So, go for a hard core workout guys and enjoy your mate au natural! Sweat is in and cologne is out!

Cited Reference:

Anderson RC & Anderson JH. Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Arch Environ Health. 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):138-46.

Copyrighted © 2007 MCS America

May 2007 MCS America News: Scientific Studies: Non-Immune Contact Reactions

One of the frequent misunderstandings about multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is confusing it with an allergic response due to IgE (immunoglobulin E). MCS is not an allergic reaction. Rather, it appears to be a reaction to the toxic properties of the incitants due to a damaged detoxification system. Thus far, science is still searching for the existence of biomarkers to diagnose the condition.

Researchers conducted a study involving non-immune immediate contact reactions (NIICR), which are defined as "non-immunoglobulin E (IgE)- mediated skin responses that occur without previous sensitization" (Harth et all, 2007). NIICR has been observed from contact with benzoic acid, trans-cinnamic acid and methyl nicotinate as well as cinnamic aldehyde of fragrance mix. Antihistamine treatment in these cases has been ineffective because the reaction is non-immune or NIICR.

The researchers examined a case report of a subject with workplace related reactions to perfumes. The subject presented delayed reactions to a mixture of odorous substances in patch testing. A bronchial challenge with perfume was performed and yielded an immediate asthmatic reaction with a diagnosis of occupational allergy to perfumes.

The researches tested a 47 year old female gardener who complained of shortness of breath and headaches when exposed to any and all odors since 2000. The patient experienced the symptoms at home and work, though they were more pronounced at work. The diagnosis of idiopathic environmental intolerance (IEI) was the most likely diagnosis, though the researchers decided to perform further tests.

For the first time, the researchers applied an NIICR inducing component of fragrance mix in a bronchial challenge test which showed an asthmatic reaction. The symptoms were determined to not be due to hyperosmia (oversensitivity to smell). It was determined that the negative results for asthma favored the diagnoses of the accidental coincidence of IEI and NIICR. Though the researchers did not find a cause for IEI, the did determine that cinnamic aldehyde has effects of the lower airways of the patient and that bronchial effects and clinical relevance of NIICR need to be further examined.

This study reinforces the fact that environmental illness is not allergy mediated or asthma related., yet there may be co-occurring allergy or asthma in some patients.

Reference:

Harth V, Merget R, Altmann L, & Bruning T. Bronchial challenge testing to fragrance component as further diagnostic approach to non-immune immediate contact reactions.. Contact Dermatitis. 2007 Mar;56(3):175-7.

Copyrighted © 2007 MCS America

The Low Down on Air Fresheners: Is Your Air Freshener Safe?

Most people with multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) know that air fresheners are bad for our health. However, few give us the time of day when it comes to alternatives to air fresheners to make public places accessible and few realize that air fresheners are bad for everyone, not just those with MCS, asthma, and other respiratory disorders.

A 2006 study at the University of Colorado and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston concluded that air-freshening chemicals may lead to the formation of cancerous cells by suppression of the enzymes that are essential for regulating normal cell death (Air-freshening chemicals may lead to cancerous cells, 2006). This is just one example of the negative effects of air fresheners. There are many acute toxic effects of fragranced products including, but not limited to, neurotoxicity, sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreasing expiratory airflow velocity, and alterations of functional observational battery (Anderson & Anderson, 2006).

The presence of these toxicants in the community is putting the public at risk of developing chemical sensitivities (CS) or other environmental illness (EI). The truth is that no one is immune to EI/CS. Something as simple as carbon monoxide exposure, organophosphate poisoning, ciguatoxin poisoning, ionizing radiation exposures, pesticides, solvents, indoor air pollutants, and other acute and/or chronic low level exposures including petroleum products such as air fresheners are potential initiating stressors that may begin the peroxynitrite and nitric oxide (NO/ONOO) cycle of biochemistry leading to chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue (Pall, 2006).

Air fresheners and plug-ins don't actually freshen the air or eliminate odors. Rather, they permeate the air with a powerful synthetically derived chemical fragrance to cover up odors (Fleming, 2005). They also contain chemicals designed to numb our sense of smell by deadening our nerves (Fleming, 2005). In other words, they add more odors in an attempt to mask lack of cleanliness at the expense of human health.

Many toxicant chemicals are emitted during air-freshener use including "d-limonene, dihydromyrcenol, linalool, linalyl acetate, and beta-citronellol which were emitted at 35-180 mg/day over 3 days while air concentrations averaged 30-160 microg/m3" in a recent study (Singer et al, 2006). Maternal depression is also significantly associated with air fresheners (Farrow et al, 2003). Glade, which contains short chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, can cause ventricular fibrillation and be fatal if inhaled (LoVecchio & Fullton, 2001). In a 1997 study emissions of "air freshener at several concentrations (including concentrations to which many individuals are actually exposed) caused increases in sensory and pulmonary irritation, decreases in airflow velocity, and abnormalities of behavior measured by the functional observational battery score" (Anderson & Anderson, 1997).

Cleaning removes the source of odor. If something is clean there is no odor nor is there a fragrance. Often visible dirt can be seen despite fragrances in the air indicating the area is fragranced and dirty rather than clean and fresh.

The use of air fresheners is an unfortunate and uneducated practice gleaned on people by the manufacturer and media focus on the "germ scare." One such example is a commercial which announced scientific studies found more germs on a computer keyboard in an office than on a public toilet seat. The implication was that everyone watching needed to run out to buy a disinfectant spray. On closer examination, the public is grossly misled by this commercial. How often do office workers eat at their desks while typing? Probably at least once a day. How often do they clean the key board? Probably almost never. Yet a public toilet is cleaned at least once a day with strong disinfectants. The mere frequency of cleaning clearly establishes why there are more germs on a keyboard. If the keyboard was cleaned daily like the public toilet chances are fewer germs would be found. However, the manufacturer did not want us to know that. They only wanted us to buy their product and, like many advertising schemes, resorted to trickery and deceit to increase sales at the unfortunate expense of human health.

There are many inexpensive alternatives to freshen the air. Fresh air begins with clean air that is not full of the chemical toxicants sold in most stores. If odors are present removing the odor is the goal rather than masking it with other strong chemical laden toxicants and nerve deadening agents.

For healthy ways to clean see:
www.mcs-america.org/general.pdf

Once the area is clean some ways to absorb and remove odors and further freshen the air include:

White Distilled Vinegar
Place in spray bottle and spray in the air as needed to eliminate odors.

Baking Soda
Place ¼ cup of baking soda in a spray bottle of warm water.
Shake and spray in the air as needed.

Carpet Freshener
Sprinkle baking soda, work it in with a broom or brush, and vacuum like any carpet powder

If you like scents around the home or office it is easy to grow your own flowers and put a bouquet in each room. They will add a nice fragrance to any room. Be careful to avoid commercially grown flowers as they may be sprayed with harmful pesticides, dyes, and fragrances without your knowledge.

To fresher and safer air!

References:

Air-freshening chemicals may lead to cancerous cells (2006) Denver Post. Nation: World News. Retrieved May 15, 2006 from: http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_3823832

Anderson, RC, & Anderson, JH (1998) Toxic effects of air freshener emissions. Archives of Environmental Health. 52(6):433-41.

Anderson, RC, & Anderson, JH (1998) Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Archives of Environmental Health. 53(2):138-46.

Farrow, A, Taylor, H, Northstone, K, Golding, J (2003). Symptoms of mothers and infants related to total volatile organic compounds in household products. Archives of Environmental Health. 58(10):633-41.

Fleming, J (2005). Let's Clear the Air About Air Fresheners and Plug-Ins. MCS Global. Retrieved from:
http://mcs-america.org/airfresh.pdf

Gibson, P (2005). Understanding & accommodating people with multiple chemical sensitivity in everyday living. Houston, TX: Independent Living Research Utilization.

Lovechio, F, & Fullton, SE (2001). Ventricular fibrillation following inhalation of Glade Air Freshener. European Journal of Emergency Medicine. 8(2):153-4.

Meggs, WJ, Dunn, KA, Bloch, RM, Goodman, PE, & Davidoff, AL (1996). Prevalence and nature of allergy and chemical sensitivity in a general population. Environmental Health Perspectives. 51(4), 275-82.

Pall, M (2006). Novel disease paradigm produces explanations for a whole group of illnesses. Washington State University, Department of Biochemistry and Basic Medical Sciences, Retrieved December 3, 2006, from:
http://molecular.biosciences.wsu.edu/Faculty/pall/pall_main.htm

Singer, BC, Destaillats, H, Hodgson, AT, Nazaroff, WW (2006). Cleaning products and air fresheners: emissions and resulting concentrations of glycol ethers and terpenoids. Indoor Air. 16(3):179-91.

Copyrighted © 2007 Lourdes Salvador

Healing Modalities for Multiple Chemical Sensitivity: Did You Say Exercise?

Yup, I said exercise! Before we go any further, don't begin an exercise program without checking with your doctor first! Let's play it safe. Exercise is not for everyone. Certainly, if you have chronic fatigue or certain other health conditions, it should be taken slowly and may even be contraindicated. That's for you and your doctor to decide. So please check with a doctor first.

Now, once you've been given the go ahead, you'll probably be wondering why exercise is showing up in a healing modalities column. No, exercise will not cure MCS. But it will improve your ability to RUN FAST in the face of an exposure without losing your breath and forcefully shove smelly people out of the way. Seriously, like any healing modality, there are true benefits of exercise including increased strength, improved circulation, improved stamina, cardiovascular health, flexibility, pain reduction, and even relaxation. All of these lead to better overall health and it can't hurt to be healthier in the face of MCS and the damage many toxicants can and do cause.

For me, exercise is a form of meditation that far surpasses any other form of meditation or relaxation. Nothing relieves pain more than a hard core workout. Call it a "runners high" if you like, but when one exercises there is a true change in the body as endorphins are released. Endorphins are the bodies endogenous, natural pain killers. My muscles melt like butter after a workout. I feel relaxed and good.

So what kind of workout is best? Now seriously, that is like asking what food is the best food on earth. Answers will vary greatly. You may already know what form of exercise you enjoy and suits you best. If not, I suggest trying out a few different types of exercise on differing days.

Allow yourself time to recuperate in between, take it slow in the beginning, and see what you enjoy. Some ideas are aerobics, yoga, running, biking, weight training, and Pilates. The main thing is to find something you enjoy. If you enjoy it, you will stick with it. Actually, you might become addicted to it!

Personally, I'm a weight lifting addict. It keeps the body in shape, is easy to do, and can be done daily if body parts are rotated. I prefer a real gym, though with MCS for many of us that is not possible. Some concerns at the gym include cleaners left out for members to mop up sweat with, fragrances on other members, and air filtration. I find if the gym has a good air filtration system or is open air I am able to move about to avoid too many things that bother me. A gym with several smaller rooms, rather than one big room, works well too because changing rooms when someone enters with fragrance is not a big deal.

A home gym is easy to set up for a couple of hundred dollars. A simple adjustable bench, an EZ curl bar, a set of adjustable dumbbells, a few extra weights for the EZ curl bar and dumbbells, and a couple of heavy duty exercise bands is about all you need to get started. If you wanted to spend $600 you could add a squat rack and bicycle, as well as go for a bench that has a straight bar, leg curl/extension attachment, and rack for the bar for bench pressing.

If you want to keep it simple, the neighbor hood track is a good place to do some walking and running. Many calisthenics can be done in the living room. The sofa makes a perfect ledge to do crunches too! With the benefits of exercise being so great, it's worth a try to see if it improves health and function. Oh, I must go now. It's gym time!

Copyrighted © 2007 Lourdes Salvador

Real Estate: Why Scents May Not Make Cents

For many home sellers and real estate agents who believe the TV commercials that claim chemical sprays “sanitize” the air, plug-ins “freshen” the air and Fragrance emitting devices actually clean the air, well…this may not be music to your ears.

The savvy, health conscious home buyer has added chemical fragrances to their list of what they don’t want to smell when they are looking to buy a home. These chemical fragrances are now listed right next to mold, cigarette smoke odor and animal urine by many home buyers.

Home buyers today are more educated than ever. Even inexperienced first time home buyers understand that chemical fragrances do not clean the air, they contaminate it with toxic chemicals and more often than not these chemical fragrances make people very sick.Home buyers have kids with asthma and allergies. They, themselves, might suffer from migraines, respiratory illness, cancer or fragrance sensitivity.

Home buyers know that clean should not have a smell, not of disinfectant or chemical emitted fragrances.

So, while the location, square footage and price of your home might be perfect for your would be buyer, the smell of your home just might be the deciding factor on why an offer was not written up.

What does your house smell like?

Once plug in style fragrance emitting devices are used in a home, the oil / fragrance permeates the wallboard as well as flooring. Similar goes for the fragranced dryer sheets in the laundry room. These chemical odors then circulate in the air vent heating and cooling system and will never come out, no matter what you do.

With the growing population of people suffering with fragrance sensitivity, Asthma, respiratory conditions, various cancers and allergies, house hunting can often prove to be quite a challenge.

If you are seriously in the market to sell your home, increase your odds of getting top dollar and more offers by discontinuing the use of fragranced products. Open your windows and let the fresh air in. Clean with non-fragranced products. Your house will then be marketable to all potential buyers... even those with health issues.

After all, you do want your home to take a buyers breath away... but not literally!

For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org

MCS America Seeks Recognition for Environmental Illness

Scientific studies determine that 16% of the population suffers with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), which is also known as a toxic injury of chemical origin. MCS affects both genders, all races, all income levels, all education levels and anyone could be permanently and totally disabled by it. MCS America is seeking to clarify the many contradistinctions in the medical, scientific, legal, and social communities so that MCS may be granted the same recognition that the Centers for Disease Control recently granted to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Patients and doctors from across the world have come forth in support of the MCS America petition which calls for "full recognition of MCS as a physiological medical condition" and requests additional funding for more research into the cause and treatment of the condition. MCS is thought to be caused by chronic low level chemical exposures or an acute toxic exposure to a contaminant such as pesticide, carbon monoxide, an number of industrial chemicals, and "sick" buildings. Once affected, victims suffer permanent irreversible damage that causes a myriad of symptoms in multiple body organs and ranges from seizures and respiratory difficulty to headache, sore throat, asthma like symptoms, and more.

This is particularly significant when one considers that this conditions impact an estimated 16% of the population as opposed to 6% who are affected by diabetes, which most Americans are familiar with; costing billions in treatments, lost income due to missing work and absenteeism from school. No one is immune to developing MCS and there is no cure. All it takes is one accident.

Dr. Martin Pall of Washington State University Department of Molecular Biosciences, regards MCS as being related to other multi-system diseases including chronic fatigue syndrome, of which chemical sensitivities is now a recognized symptom. MCS substantially limits the ability of it's victims to live normal lives, work, attend school, shop, and socialize as a myriad of common items generally recognized as safe cause dangerous reactions. These items include fragrances found in perfumes, lotions, soaps, and laundry products as well as cleaners, pesticides, diesel, news print, new carpets, and many other items encountered in day to day living.

MCS America suggests that patients need more qualified medical care, increased access to public facilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act, and support from family and friends once afflicted while doctors need additional training and scientists need more funding for add research into the cause of MCS. This is truly a crisis situation. MCS affects a persons ability to earn a living, travel, socialize, and function in our modern world in which chemicals and fragrances are impossible to avoid.

For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.

About MCS America:
The mission of MCS America is to gain respect and understanding for the many men, women, and children suffering with multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), Toxic Injury (TI), and other related disabilities through brochures, printed materials, newsletters, support groups, public awareness campaigns, and lobbying for the full recognition of MCS in the medical and legal communities while promoting mutual respect between fellow human beings and encouraging all members of the MCS community to participate and create a world in which there is no threat of toxic injury.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org

Studies Show Genetic Variations in Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Three recent studies show that a genetic variant makes sufferers of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) more likely to develop the condition. In 2004, McKeown-Eyssen studied 203 MCS sufferers and 162 controls and found that genetic differences relating to detoxification processes were present more often in those with MCS than those without. The study concluded that "a genetic predisposition for MCS may involve altered biotransformation of environmental chemicals. Haley found similar, confirmatory results in a 1999 study with the PON1 gene in Gulf War syndrome veterans.

A new study by Schnakenberg et al (2006) confirmed the genetic variation previously found by McKeown-Eyssen and Haley. A total of 521 unrelated individuals participated in the study. Genetic variants of four genes were analyzed: NAT2, GSTM1, GSTT1, and GSTP1. The researchers concluded that individuals who are NAT2 slow acetylators and those with homozygously deleted GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are significantly more likely to develop chemical sensitivity.

According to the study the glutathione S-transferases act to inactivate chemicals so people without these GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes are less able to metabolize environmental chemicals. If a person cannot metabolize chemicals they build up in the body and cause disturbances in normal body function. Schnakenberg and fellow researchers explain that "glutathione S-transferases play an important role in the detoxification of chemicals... the deletion of this gene may be an important step in the early onset of diseases" which is a critical discovery that provides a biological basis behind the etiology of multiple chemical sensitivity.

The researchers also noted that diseases such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, hepatocellular and prostate carcinoma, and Alzheimer's disease have been associated with the common chemicals metabolized by GSTP1. The deletion of the GSTP1 gene leaves individuals more susceptible to developing these diseases, as lack of these genes means a loss of protection from oxidative stress. This discovery is crucial to being able to diagnose and treat those who suffer from multiple chemical sensitivity and other toxic injuries. It is the first step toward understanding and explaining the cause of chemical injury and resulting sensitivities so that treatments can be developed.

For additional information e-mail MCS America, admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org.

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org

Cited References:

Haley, RW, Billecke, S, & La Du, BN (1999). Association of low PON1 type Q (type A) arylesterase activity with neurologic symptom complexes in Gulf War veterans. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology 157(3):227-33.

McKeown-Eyssen, G, Baines, C, Cole, D, Riley, N, Tyndale, R, Marshall, L, & Jazmaji, V (2004). Case-control studies of genotypes in multiple chemical sensitivity: CYP2D, NAT1, NAT2, PON1, PON2 and MTHFR. International Journal of Epidemiology 33, 1-8.

Schnakenberg, E, Karl-Rainer, F, Stanulla, M, Strobl, N, Lustig, M, Fabig, N, & Schloot, W (2007). A cross-sectional study of self-reported chemical-related sensitivity is associated with gene variants of drug-metabolizing enzymes. Environ Health. 2007 Feb 10;6:6.

Study Finds Cologne Causes Acute Neurotoxicity and Air Flow Reduction

A study at Anderson Laboratories in Vermont concluded that fragrance chemicals caused a variety of acute toxicities in mice after an hour long exposure to breathing five commercial colognes. The researchers discovered "the emissions of these fragrance products caused various combinations of sensory irritation, pulmonary irritation, decreases in expiratory airflow velocity, as well as alterations of the functional observational battery indicative of neurotoxicity."

A computerized test was used to detect decreases in expiratory flow velocity, indicating airflow limitation. Mice exposed to toilet water, rather than cologne, did not show any change in air flow velocity, pulmonary function, or neurological function. "Neurotoxicity was more severe after mice were repeatedly exposed to the fragrance products. Evaluation of one of the test atmospheres with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry revealed the presence of chemicals for which irritant and neurotoxic properties had been documented previously" which confirmed the presence of these chemicals in the colognes (Anderson & Anderson, 1998).

Many people do not realize that fragrances have changed over the years and are not regulated by law. Once a pleasant and natural oil from a plant, fragrances are now made with many chemical ingredients that have become harmful to human health and are not disclosed on the label. When people walk around wearing these fragrances, they share them with everyone around them. Breathing second-hand fragrance is like breathing second-hand smoke. It has all the same effects amounting to acute toxicity. Wearing cologne affects all those who share the same air space, including pets and children who are at increased risk due to their smaller size. Asthmatics, respiratory patients, and the chemically sensitive can also be seriously injured by fragrances. The effects are not limited to these groups though. Even the wearer is sacrificing good health.

Fragrances are unnecessary and often unpleasant for others to smell. The media has misled us to believe that scents make us sexy and attractive. Quite to the contrary, many cannot tolerate being near these toxicants and avoid them. More and more employers are enacting fragrance free policies in the workplace leading to a reduction of migraines and missed work. So, maybe that elusive girl that retreats each time you approach is really interested, but avoiding your cologne.

Before fragrances emerged on the market the human species still mated and reproduced. This shows that fragrances are not necessary to attract the opposite sex. Quite to the contrary, much like animals, we use body scent to attract mates. Some fragrance manufacturers have realized this and are now marketing fragrances that smell like sweat. Unfortunately these fragrances are synthetic, made with chemicals known for their neurotoxic effects. Fortunately, we are each equipped with our own sweat. So, go for a hard core workout guys and enjoy your mate au natural! Sweat is in and cologne is out!

Cited Reference:
Anderson RC & Anderson JH. Acute toxic effects of fragrance products. Arch Environ Health. 1998 Mar-Apr;53(2):138-46.

For additional information, e-mail MCS America at admin@mcs-america.org or visit www.mcs-america.org

To request a free subscription to the MCS America News, send an e-mail to subscriptions@mcs-america.org