Fragrances are good for business, but are they good for our health?

Is it possible to avoid 'pleasant' fragrances? They populate the air in many fashions, they invade our noses in every possible scenario; in our offices, bathrooms, hotels, the shops we go to, our cars, and at home. Almost all fragrances are there to smell nice and create a positive experience, but are they always good, and are they always necessary?

There are many types of air fresheners from conventional sprays, and candles that provide an instant room-changing smell, to reed diffusers, potpourri and scented articles which release their fragrance over time. Each can be used to create a nice environment but at what point does it become too much? Is the scent required in the cleaning supplies, the laundry products, the cologne or perfume that you might be wearing, or the millions of personal care products with their sometimes overpowering smell; Original Source Mint anyone?

In 2017, Washington DC introduced fragrances onto the underground rail network, producing a fresh aroma of cucumber and melon but due to commuter concerns of the fragrance triggering migraines or allergies and the long-term human health risk, this fragrance was quickly renounced. Where did this trial go wrong and why is the risk only considered by the public once in a clearly enclosed space? Fragrances are encountered in many enclosed spaces in our day-to-day lives without consideration of such risk.

Are natural smells safer?

In short, no. 'Natural' is commonly used and has been found many times to be a misleading marketing claim in most people associate with safe and better for them, it also infers boutique status and higher prices for products. Natural smells can also trigger allergies, headaches, and asthma, just as much as synthetic fragrances.

There has been an increase in negative publicity around the use of air fresheners and scented cleaning products as used in public places and private homes. Fragranced products are largely unregulated and have been linked between use at home and respiratory issues in children. However, the need to differentiate between commercial air freshening products and home-use scented candles and plug-in air fresheners is important. The large majority of negative reports around fragrance relate to products used over long periods of time where exposure to even low concentrations can have a negative health effect.

So what should you do to make your business smell nice?

People who visit commercial sites such as shops, washrooms and offices, do so on an ad-hoc basis where the exposure is much lower and the risk for negative impact is significantly reduced. The fragrance used in the washroom should be much stronger and regularly released to help mask the smells in this area, the time people spend in this space is very short and the clean, fresh environment that customers need to feel in the washroom is paramount in a successful business.

Air fresheners have many benefits for both consumers and business owners as the appropriate background scent can subtly trigger consumers to stay for longer and make them happier.

On the shop floor, the correct smell for the environment can make a big difference in customer behaviour and can even improve your bottom line. Customers are known to stay longer in stores with a perceptibly nice fragrance and certain scents can improve short-term happiness. Businesses such as hotels, spas, wedding venues, restaurants, bars, and car dealerships have been using 'scent marketing' to invoke feelings and memories in their customers to improve their chances of a sale. More recently, we have seen 'scent marketing' used through the introduction of cafes and bakeries into supermarkets which produce a mouthwatering, flavourful aroma that can increase the spending of hungry shoppers.

How is the fragrance industry changing?

Perfume and fragrance manufacturers are becoming more aware of the sensitivities and the technology to create lighter, longer-lasting fragrances with improved exposure safety is coming in the form of aerosol particle atomization size. Whereas in older technology fragrance particles were around 80 microns in size, this has been reduced in recent years to commonly less than 10 microns and in specialized cases less than 1 micron. What this does is reduce the quantity of material that you are exposed to whilst the suspension of the particles can be much longer, creating a long-lasting fragrance for many hours.

Regulation in the sector has also been on the increase, through ECHA, the IFRA, and ISO accreditations, the use of dangerous ingredients is outlawed and strict protocols need to be followed. Customer demand is also shaping the future for fragrances, the demand for environmentally friendly formulations and more acceptance for allergy recognition it is important to choose a manufacturer that puts safety first.

So does a fragrance help you create a strong signature in your brand, like Little Trees, or does it overwhelm and cause long-lasting damage? In light of recent negative reports, is it the products that are dangerous, or are there more people with intolerances to the ingredients? Whilst the industry is moving in the correct direction, there will always be a small percentage of people who show allergies and intolerances to chemical products and as such the risk needs to be managed, but the public demands pleasant fragrances and the key is to strike the right balance and use a professional company to help you choose the correct fragrance, the required strength and the frequency of delivery.

To summarise there are several benefits to using scent marketing, but also risks that need to be assessed. Here is a summary of the main points to consider.

• Fragrances can effectively cover up bad odors: By releasing a strong and pleasant scent, fragrances can help to mask unpleasant odors that might otherwise be noticeable. This can be especially useful in situations where it is difficult to eliminate the source of the bad odor, such as in an apartment building or in a public space.
• Using fragrances can create a pleasant atmosphere: The right fragrance can help to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere, whether in a home, office, or other space. Different fragrances can have different effects, such as calming, energizing, or uplifting, so it's possible to choose a fragrance that fits the desired mood or ambiance.
• Some fragrances can have therapeutic effects: Certain fragrances, such as lavender or peppermint, are believed to have therapeutic effects on the body and mind. For example, lavender is often used to help promote relaxation and sleep, while peppermint is thought to have a refreshing and energizing effect.
• Some people may be sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances: While fragrances can be pleasant to many people, they can also cause negative reactions in some individuals. These reactions can range from mild (such as a headache or dry skin) to severe (such as respiratory issues or a severe allergic reaction). It's important to consider the potential for negative reactions when using fragrances, especially in public spaces where not everyone may be comfortable with the scent.
• Overuse of fragrances can be overwhelming: Using too much fragrance can be overwhelming and potentially offensive to others, especially for people who are sensitive to strong scents. It's important to use fragrances sparingly and to consider the preferences of others when using them in shared spaces.
• Some fragrances can be made with synthetic chemicals: Many fragrances are made with synthetic chemicals that are used to create a particular scent. Some of these chemicals may have negative environmental impacts, such as contributing to air pollution or affecting the health of aquatic ecosystems. It's important to be aware of the potential impacts of fragrances and to consider choosing more natural or eco-friendly options when possible.
• Masking odors with fragrances does not address the underlying cause: While fragrances can effectively cover up bad odors, they do not address the underlying cause of the problem. If the source of the bad odor is not addressed, it may continue to be a problem even if the scent is masked. In some cases, it may be necessary to take steps to eliminate the source of the bad odor, such as cleaning up a spill or fixing a plumbing issue.

If you want to know more about scent marketing and which fragrances would be best for your business, how to use them and how to combat negative smells, please drop me a message.

About the Author:

Owner of the KMOL group, my current businesses Olympia Supplies and Reaction 9 service many customers across different sectors supplying them with high-quality cleaning, janitorial and hygiene products and providing the best service across the Yorkshire region. I am dedicated to my work and I am committed to excellence in all aspects of life.

It is my goal in business to not only meet but exceed the expectations of my clients and customers. My businesses have demonstrated their ability to adapt to changing market conditions and emerging trends through innovation and creativity.

In addition to my professional achievements, I have strived to make a positive impact in the community through my commitment to social responsibility and charitable giving. I have the desire to make a difference and create a lasting impact on the lives of many.