"Smell Harassment" is real and I love Japan for this!
6 min read

"Smell Harassment" is real and I love Japan for this!

A PubMed study titled Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep's clothings (Seema Patel, 2017) get's to the point in the title. This sh!t is real.

"Fragrance compounds share configurational similarity with carcinogenic environmental hydrocarbons and they provoke the expression of cytochrome group monooxygenase enzyme aromatase. This enzyme aromatizes androgens to form estrogen, the powerful signaling hormone, which underlies the majority of morbidities."  (Seema Patel, 2017)

It's a pet peeve of mine, when someone's aftershave, perfume or washing detergent is so strong it seems to try to saturate my brain! I'd rather B.O (I think!)

If the smell were "nothing" and had no impact, sure, it would be fine, but it's something. Read on because this gets wild!

In Japan, the issue of "smell harassment," or スメルハラスメント (sumehara), has gained significant attention in workplaces and public spaces. This term refers to discomfort or health issues caused by strong or unpleasant odors, including body odor, bad breath, perfumes, fabric softeners, tobacco, and pet smells. Addressing sumehara is crucial for maintaining a comfortable and productive environment.

Understanding Smell Harassment (Sumehara):

  • Definition: Sumehara encompasses various odors that cause discomfort to others, such as body odor, bad breath, strong perfumes, fabric softeners, tobacco, and pet smells.

  • Impact: Unpleasant odors can disrupt teamwork, reduce morale, and even lead to employees leaving their jobs.

Cultural Sensitivity to Scents in Japan:

  • Terminology: The Japanese language distinguishes between good and bad smells. Positive aromas are described using 匂い (nioi) and 香り (kaori), while unpleasant odors are referred to as 臭い (nioi) or 臭い (kusai).

  • Public Awareness: The concept of 香害 (kōgai), meaning "smell pollution," highlights the discomfort caused by artificial scents in public spaces like trains and offices.

Differentiating a bad smell from toxic pollutant:

The fact that Japan recognises the damaging effects of intense smells is amazing. However, it's good to note that food smells or bad personal hygiene may be unpleasant but is not toxic - even if some might seem that way ;)

Chemicals used in our everyday beauty and household products to make us 'smell nice' can pose deep negative effects on our health.

Some fragrances used in perfumes can potentially act as endocrine disruptors, which are chemicals that interfere with the body's hormonal system. These disruptions can have negative effects on various bodily functions, including reproduction, metabolism, and immune responses.

The Culprits:

1. Phthalates in Fragrances

Phthalates are commonly used in perfumes and personal care products to make the scent last longer. These chemicals are known to interfere with the endocrine system, particularly by mimicking or blocking hormones like estrogen.

A study published in the Environmental Health Perspectives found that phthalate exposure is associated with altered reproductive health, including changes in testosterone levels in males. The study specifically identified diethyl phthalate (DEP), a common phthalate in fragrances, as an endocrine disruptor.

  • Health Implication: Phthalates have been linked to reduced sperm quality, altered fetal development, and possible links to conditions like early puberty and certain cancers.

2. Synthetic Musks (e.g., Polycyclic Musks)

Synthetic musks are widely used in perfumes, as they can mimic the scent of natural musk. These chemicals have been shown to accumulate in the body over time and may have endocrine-disrupting effects.

A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry examined the bioaccumulation and endocrine-disrupting potential of polycyclic musks (e.g., HHCB and AHTN) found in many fragrances. The study reported that these musks can persist in human tissues and may have estrogenic effects.

  • Health Implication: These synthetic musks have been shown to mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances, such as reproductive toxicity and developmental effects.

3. Benzene and Toluene in Fragrances

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene and toluene, are sometimes present in fragrances. These compounds can have adverse effects on both the endocrine and immune systems.

A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that fragrances in indoor air contribute significantly to VOC exposure, including toluene and benzene. These compounds have been shown to affect the central nervous system and may alter hormonal function.

  • Health Implication: Exposure to VOCs, including benzene and toluene, can interfere with hormonal processes and has been associated with reproductive health issues, liver toxicity, and cancer.

4. Endocrine Disrupting Effects of Fragrance Mixtures

A comprehensive study reviewed the potential endocrine-disrupting effects of common fragrance chemicals, noting that many fragrances contain multiple ingredients that might collectively disrupt hormone function.

A review article in Frontiers in Public Health examines various endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including fragrances and their individual ingredients. The authors concluded that many components of fragrance mixtures, including phthalates and synthetic musks, have endocrine-disrupting potential that can affect reproductive health, metabolism, and hormone signaling.

  • Health Implication: These mixtures of chemicals in perfumes can lead to long-term exposure risks and have been associated with disruptions in hormone production, developmental delays, and reproductive toxicity.

Conclusion

These chemicals in fragrances, such as phthalates, synthetic musks, and VOCs, can act as endocrine disruptors. The studies highlighted above show clear evidence of how some of these chemicals interfere with hormonal systems, leading to potential health risks, including reproductive health issues, developmental disruptions, and long-term metabolic changes. Reducing exposure to such chemicals can be achieved by choosing fragrance-free or naturally scented products.

If you can smell a strong smell, however nice, unless it comes from an essential oil will be a synthetic perfume. Inhaling this daily through your own personal products or even that of others may not be such a good thing after all.

We are here to provoke thoughts and help you empower your own health.

References and further reading below. 


Studies and References:

Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep's clothings

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28478814/

Scents and sensitivity: Understanding ‘smell pollution’ in Japan

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2024/06/07/language/scent-smell-harassment-japan/

Swan, S. H., et al. (2005). "Decreasing trends in fertility in the United States and the role of endocrine disruptors." Environmental Health Perspectives, 113(4), 501-506.

Schlabach, M., et al. (2002). "Polycyclic musks in human serum and adipose tissue." Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 21(6), 1209-1213.

Weschler, C. J., et al. (2008). "Indoor source strengths of volatile organic compounds: Implications for human exposure." Science of the Total Environment, 390(2–3), 268-276.

Cao, X., et al. (2019). "Endocrine Disruptors in Personal Care Products: An Overview of the Potential Mechanisms of Action." Frontiers in Public Health, 7, 300.