Why spraying perfume should be banned in hospitals

Perfume and aftershave should be banned from hospitals because they can trigger asthma and allergies, doctors have argued.

Three in ten people claim to have some sensitivity to artificial scents worn by others and more than a quarter of asthmatics said it aggravated their condition.

Asthma attacks are often triggered by irritants, which can include anything from cigarette smoke to artificial fragrances.

Writing in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, doctors Ken Flegel and James Martin suggested that perfumed products should be banned from inside hospitals. "There are many practices that are acceptable outside hospitals - but not inside. One of these is the application of artificial scents to our bodies," the article said.

"There is emerging evidence that asthma in some cases is primarily aggravated by artificial scents. This is particularly concerning in hospitals, where vulnerable patients with asthma or other upper airway or skin sensitivities are concentrated."

From air fresheners to scented candles, perfumed loo roll and bin liners, in-car scents and even scented socks, we live in a miasma of scent.

An estimated one in 20 people are thought to be affected by fragrance allergy though this number may be on the increase. It has been suggested that perfumed products can trigger allergies, migraine, and even interfere with sexual desire.

Writing the editorial, the doctors said that artificial scents could have sudden health implications and have argued for a uniform ban within hospitals.

As patients, family members and emergency physicians will attest, the attacks can be quite sudden and serious.

(Courtesy of Daily Mail.)