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Fragrances and Asthma / Allergies
Asthma & Allergy | Last Active: Nov 26 11:48am | Replies (72)Comment receiving replies
@mjo4094 I also struggle with manufactured fragrances. I can do okay with products made from essential oils only, but I have a lot of wheezing/chest tightness issues with faux fragrances.
I also have trouble going by perfume counters in department stores, and about 3-4 years ago I finally gave up wearing any fragrance personally. I was sad at the time, but I feel so much better and know I'm not adding to my own problems.
Walking by homes where laundry is going with fragrances from laundry soap escaping the vents is also really hard on my allergies and asthma.
mjo4094 - Any suggestions on how to de- fragrance your world and kindly encourage others to help by not contributing more challenging fragrances?
Replies to "@mjo4094 I also struggle with manufactured fragrances. I can do okay with products made from essential..."
@lisalucier I'm just like you. Unfortunately, many people don't understand how big a health problem fragrances are, and can be offended easily because this is their identity and style to choose to use fragrances. It's hard for me to go to a show not knowing if my lungs will be assaulted by chemical fragrances. I have started taking an actual respirator for chemical and particulate and a silk scarf. I have been wearing the N95 masks in public which is now more normal because of the pandemic. If I need to change a mask for a respirator at a show, I'd wait until the lights go out, and conceal it with the scarf so I don't draw much attention. Some people are offended because they assume you're making a public display about them, when actually, you're just trying to breathe with all the barriers in your way. In public, I wouldn't ask a person about fragrances, but I would get up and move away if possible. You can't do anything about the detergent they washed their clothes in. Some of the issue is the chemicals that disperse the fragrance, such as pthalates. It would be nice if regulations could remove the toxic chemicals from public exposure in various products.
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I use non fragrance bath (kirk) soap, ALL free and clear detergent and rinse with white vinegar. I only use vinegar when washing towels and underwear. It kills germs and makes every thing so soft. I stopped using perfume years ago. (courant was my fav) We have stopped going out to eat or shop because there's invairably someone drenched in fragrance or after shave seated next to us. (besides I've seen too many employees use the toilet and then leave without washing their hands). That has taken some getting use to, but I now do find pleasure shopping online and watching movies and PBS Masterpiece Theater without hearing cell phones and people talking through the movie. I have an air cleaner (honeywell) in each room and change the filters in them and my HAVC system every month. We had the duct work cleaned and we vacumn every week. If I have to go to the bank, I always wear a good mask. I do have home health care and I love it. I did have to go to urgent care for a UTI but it had only two people in the waiting room. My pharmacy also makes deliveries.