There’s some debate over scent marketers use of fragrance in public places. Do fragrances released into the ambient air cause allergies?

A press release by the German Institute for Risk Assessment (”Breathing in scent causes Allergies?” – August 5th 2008) stated that “the experts that discussed the matter were not aware of any environmental scents that may have caused allergic reactions when inhaled via the respiratory tract.”
However, The Institute assumes that people with preexisting allergies may have a reaction to artificial scents in the ambient air.

Considering almost anything can trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive people, it may be a fair assumption. Then again, given the press releases title it seems even the experts aren’t sure.

Despite this, the release left the impression that scent marketers are not concerned with public health, concluding that the public needs to be informed when artificial fragrances are released in public places.

In the interest of public health, should we live in a scentless world so as not to impact the health of sensitive people? Surely common sense should prevail.

Any reputable scent marketer would only use fragrances compliant with the latest IFRA standards and regulations – ensuring the health and safety of the fragrance materials in question.
After all, it wouldn’t do the scent marketing industry much good not to use products that are safe.

Source: Scent Trends 02/2008 – Scent Marketing Institute