Chemically sensitive that is. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve gotten more sensitive to certain fragrances and other airborne toxins. Whether it’s heavy/ floral perfume, scented lotions, toiletries, hair products etc. it’s still pretty bothersome. The worst product that gets me everty time is POTPOURRI. You know those plug in type oils? Some are nice, you know, tropical and fruity kind yet others like: country blossoms, lavendar and gardenia….have now become air assailants. LOL
When I’m visiting people, (if the visit is short) I have to literally stand outside and talk to them or they stand outside with me. For longer visits, luckily people have been compassionate enough to accomodate me for a few of hours. How does a person become CHEMICALLY SENSITIVE? Well in today’s age, we have toxins, pesticides, preservatives and all kinds of madness in our food, drinks, household cleaning items, hygience products, cars and AIR. Don’t believe me? Here’s an excerpt on an article about it ETHANOL and other gases used in perfumes:
Perfume- According to a 1986 report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, 95% of chemicals in perfumes and fragrance products are synthetic chemicals derived from petroleum. Some of the major perfume ingredients include benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, a-pinene, g-terpinene and a-terpineol. All of these chemicals are known to have negative health consequences, mainly due to effects on the central nervous system.”
No way? Yes way. So basically you may as well be sniffing gasoline at times. And of course, these can trigger allergic reactions and even asthma. Some people I meet, hang out with, work with or have to share public transportation with are ‘compassionate’ about this. However, some people really get offended.
I can see their viewpoint though. But it’s not like I’m trying to ‘control’ how they live their lives. The bottom line is we have to breathe the same air and share living or working spaces. So although I love to smell as good as the next person, unfortunately there are only so many scents I can inhale without feeling the negative reactions.
Imagine being in an elevator and some lady waltzes in wearing a BOTTLE (not a dab) of White Diamonds? Man, all I can do is jump off on any floor just to get out. Of course by then it’s too late because now the smell has attached to my hair, my skin, my clothes. I have to stand outside to ‘air out’. Or flush my face with cool water or place an ice pack around my eyes, nose and throat. Then there are times when I’m at work and have to don the face mask.
I know it’s funny to visualize but when it’s happening it’s no picnic. I don’t like carpooling because of this same reason. I mean who am I to ask a person to not ’smoke’ in their car or home or wear ’strong fragrances’? So if it’s avoidable I just move around. What most people fail to realize is that airborne toxins are like cigarette smoke. It doesn’t just affect you but the people surrounding you.
Some people are SO hyper sensitive to fragrances they can’t wear any at all. I hate walking into department stores because sales people do those ‘drive by’ squirts of perfumes. It’s like ATTACK of the killer fragrance pods or something. Still I love ’smells’ (that I can handle), so it takes me a long time to try different fragrances (sniffing coffee beans in between) to find one I can ‘tolerate’ or hopefully love. I rarely shop for perfume so when I do go I make it count.
Luckily I can tolerate some where I get mild symptoms like headaches, sinus inflammation, watery eyes, sore throat or itchy skin. BUT, there are people who are so hypersensitive they end up in the hospital. So if you’re prone to this, below are a few links to help you understand why you may have these effects and support groups etc, that can help you learn how to ‘live’ a life that’s fragrance tolerable.
I’ve learned that I’m more tolerable of fruity type fragrances so I check those out. No scented bath soaps, toiletries and if I get bath wash it’s ‘fruity’ like strawberry or something light. Have I become soooo sensitive that I’m insensitive to people that don’t understand? No, I do understand their position but it’s a matter of my health when it’s all said and done.
So to close, if you’re NOT prone to this type of sensitivity, please, be a little more compassionate or tolerable of someone who is. And for those who are prone to MCS please pick and choose your battles and when you decide to step up be objective and polite about it. THANKS !!!!
Filed under: Fitness & Health
