Our team at the Toxicant-Induced Loss of Tolerance (TILT) Program at UT Health San Antonio wanted to share the single-most comprehensive compendium of articles on fragrances and so-called “essential oils” available.
These peer-reviewed publications, compiled by researcher Dr. Anne Steinemann, who currently resides in Australia, answer almost any question concerning fragrances, their use, and their adverse effects, especially for “TILTed” individuals—now almost 1/3 of US adults, said Dr. Claudia Miller, allergist/immunologist, professor emeritus, and leader of the Hoffman TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio.
“The vast majority of essential oils are synthetically produced and are anything but ‘essential’ for use,” Miller said. “They are manufactured to recreate/mimic the ‘essence’ or odor of particular flowers, fruits, spices, etc.”
What is essential, Miller said, is to avoid synthetic fragrances and other volatile petrochemicals (solvents, cleaners, phenolic disinfectants whose names end with “-ol”) in any shared indoor spaces—homes, schools, workplaces, places of worship, and more. Common fragrance sources include products used for personal care, cleaning, and laundering.
“It concerns me to see babies’ clothing or bedding or their parents’ clothing laundered with fragranced detergents or fabric softeners,” Miller said. “These items lie within the ‘breathing zone’ of a developing child. Be sure to see Dr. Steinemann’s article on adults with autism and the symptoms they report when exposed to fragrances.”
Synthetic fragrances are new since World War II, within the past few generations.
“Mast cells that protect all our tissues against toxic exposures evolved half a billion years ago. When repeatedly exposed, they sensitize and release cascades of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Early symptoms often involve the airways but may involve the skin (think about baby lotions, sunscreens), the GI and genitourinary tracts (scented bubble bath, diapers, etc.),” Miller said. “Fragrances also enter via the olfactory-limbic (nose to brain) pathway resulting in difficulties with attention, memory, mood and commonly ‘brain fog’ in susceptible individuals.”
Chemical Intolerance, also known as TILT, was largely unknown before World War II.
The TILT Program at UT Health San Antonio conducted population-based surveys show that 20-30% of US adults today experience adverse reactions to fragrances. Every primary care patient with chemical intolerance (documented using the QEESI) whose home was tested during the TILT Program’s Environmental House Calls (EHC) study had measurable levels of fragrances (ppb) in the air.
“Eliminating these [fragrant] products was ‘essential’ for patients’ symptoms to improve. Fragrances are the most prevalent, unavoidable symptom triggers for individuals who have developed TILT,” Miller said. “TILT initiation and mast cell alteration/sensitization can occur following a single major exposure or repeated lower level exposures to pesticides, VOCs during remodeling/new construction, breast and other implants, chemically complex combustion products such as smoke from oil well fires,, fracking, 9/11, burn pits, house fires, fume events on airplanes, etc.), oil spills and dispersants, and particles and VOCs from toxic molds such as Stachybotrys, some Aspergillus species, etc.”
How chemically sensitive are you? Are you TILTed?
Answer these three questions from Hoffman TILT’s Brief Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (BREESI):
- Do you feel sick when you are exposed to tobacco smoke, certain fragrances, nail polish/remover, engine exhaust, gasoline, air fresheners, pesticides, paint/thinner, fresh tar/asphalt, cleaning supplies, new carpet or furnishings? By sick, we mean: headache, difficulty thinking, difficulty breathing, weakness, dizziness, upset stomach, etc.
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse or allergic reactions to any drugs or medications (such as antibiotics, anesthetics, pain relievers, X-ray contrast dye, vaccines or birth control pills), or to an implant, prosthesis, contraceptive chemical or device, or other medical/surgical/dental material or procedure?
- Are you unable to tolerate or do you have adverse reactions to any foods such as dairy products, wheat, corn, eggs, caffeine, alcoholic beverages, or food additives (e.g., MSG, food dye)?
If you answer YES to any of these three questions, take the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI) and share the results with your doctor!