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Objective <p>This study investigated whether exposure to fragranced consumer products contributes to the onset or exacerbation of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), with a primary focus on chemical mechanisms involving oxidative transformation of fragrance ingredients under indoor environmental conditions.</p> Methods <p>A population-based questionnaire survey was conducted in Nara Prefecture, Japan, to assess the prevalence and health impacts associated with exposure to artificial fragrances. To examine potential chemical mechanisms, gas detection tube screening and gas chromatography/liquid chromatography (GC/LC) analyses were employed to evaluate whether the widely used fragrance ingredient limonene undergoes oxidative transformation under realistic indoor air conditions, leading to the formation of aldehydes, including formaldehyde (FA). In addition, an electroencephalography (EEG) record from a single individual with physician-diagnosed MCS was included as a supplementary, exploratory observation, without statistical analysis or evaluative intent.</p> Results <p>Among 287 survey respondents, 38.9% reported adverse health effects triggered by fragranced products, with laundry-related products identified as the most frequent source. Chemical analyses indicated the formation of aldehyde-type reactive compounds in limonene-containing indoor air, particularly under elevated temperature conditions (37&#xa0;°C). GC/LC measurements demonstrated an inverse time-dependent relationship between limonene and FA concentrations, consistent with oxidative transformation under indoor environmental conditions.</p> Conclusion <p>These findings suggest that fragrance ingredients such as limonene can act as precursors of secondary indoor air pollutants through oxidative processes, potentially contributing to fragrance-related health symptoms. The chemical data underscore the importance of environmental factors such as temperature and exposure duration in secondary aldehyde formation. The EEG record is presented solely as an exploratory, non-inferential observation and does not form the basis of mechanistic or population-level conclusions. Overall, this study highlights the emerging public health relevance of fragrance pollution and supports the consideration of fragrance-free indoor environments as a preventive strategy.</p>

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Mechanisms of multiple chemical sensitivity triggered by fragrance pollution

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月21日

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  • Kazuha Fujiwara,
  • Masafumi Harada,
  • Hiroshi Sato,
  • Shinya Urano,
  • Reiji Aoyagi,
  • Nobuyuki Sawai,
  • Yuichi Aoyama,
  • Kumiko Sugiyama,
  • Emi Ide,
  • Kanako Baba,
  • Yuumi Shimizu,
  • Mika Teramae,
  • Scott Daniska,
  • Shintaro Yamamura

摘要

Objective

This study investigated whether exposure to fragranced consumer products contributes to the onset or exacerbation of multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), with a primary focus on chemical mechanisms involving oxidative transformation of fragrance ingredients under indoor environmental conditions.

Methods

A population-based questionnaire survey was conducted in Nara Prefecture, Japan, to assess the prevalence and health impacts associated with exposure to artificial fragrances. To examine potential chemical mechanisms, gas detection tube screening and gas chromatography/liquid chromatography (GC/LC) analyses were employed to evaluate whether the widely used fragrance ingredient limonene undergoes oxidative transformation under realistic indoor air conditions, leading to the formation of aldehydes, including formaldehyde (FA). In addition, an electroencephalography (EEG) record from a single individual with physician-diagnosed MCS was included as a supplementary, exploratory observation, without statistical analysis or evaluative intent.

Results

Among 287 survey respondents, 38.9% reported adverse health effects triggered by fragranced products, with laundry-related products identified as the most frequent source. Chemical analyses indicated the formation of aldehyde-type reactive compounds in limonene-containing indoor air, particularly under elevated temperature conditions (37 °C). GC/LC measurements demonstrated an inverse time-dependent relationship between limonene and FA concentrations, consistent with oxidative transformation under indoor environmental conditions.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that fragrance ingredients such as limonene can act as precursors of secondary indoor air pollutants through oxidative processes, potentially contributing to fragrance-related health symptoms. The chemical data underscore the importance of environmental factors such as temperature and exposure duration in secondary aldehyde formation. The EEG record is presented solely as an exploratory, non-inferential observation and does not form the basis of mechanistic or population-level conclusions. Overall, this study highlights the emerging public health relevance of fragrance pollution and supports the consideration of fragrance-free indoor environments as a preventive strategy.