Tag: environmental illness

Forced isolation by invisible barriers: international survey on the effects of fragrances on the quality of life

Abstract:

Background: Previous cross-sectional surveys showed that between 20 to 35% of the adult population report health effects in contact with fragrances. The present international survey with 3152 self-reported fragrance sensitive persons addresses the situation in more detail, gathered reported symptoms, underlying diseases, strategies to cope with fragrance sensitivity, and the impact on participation in social life and on quality of life.

Results: On average, every fragrance sensitive person in this survey associates almost ten health symptoms with fragrance exposure, the most frequent ones being cognitive problems, migraine/headaches, mucous membrane problems and breathing problems. More than a third (37.47%) of the survey participants indicate that they have experienced a physical breakdown due to heavy exposure to fragrances. Almost half of the respondents (48.92%) report that their fragrance sensitivity was the reason why they lost their job. Nearly 70% (68,31%) of survey participants indicate that they are excluded from social life almost completely or very strongly, and nearly two thirds (62.53%) indicate that they are forced into increasing isolation almost completely or very strongly. Around three quarters (76.84%) of survey participants state that fragrance exposure affects their quality of life strongly or takes away any quality of life completely.

Conclusions: Fragrance exposure is an invisible barrier that leads to isolation of fragrance sensitive persons in society. General avoidance of fragrances does not heal their sensitivity, but prevents the manifestation of the symptoms, so that fragrance sensitive persons would be able to participate in and contribute to society. Fragrance-free regulations for important areas, such as those implemented partially in Canada and the USA, would be an important improvement.

Many fragrance substances are hazardous with effects for the human health and the environment, but they are not essential for human health, safety or for the functioning of society. Therefore, hazardous fragrances are obvious candidates for a prompt phase out according to the European essential use concept. A responsible use of fragrances would not only help fragrance vulnerable individuals, but also the general population and the environment.

Source: Wagner, H., Klaschka, U. Forced isolation by invisible barriers: international survey on the effects of fragrances on the quality of life. Environ Sci Eur 38, 2 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12302-025-01259-7 https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12302-025-01259-7 (Full text)

The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Environmental Sensitivity Illnesses: Microbiome-Centered Narrative Review of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity

Abstract:

Environmental sensitivity illnesses-including fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS)-are chronic, disabling disorders characterized by hypersensitivity to environmental stimuli, persistent fatigue, widespread pain, and neurocognitive and autonomic dysfunction. Although their diagnostic criteria differ, increasing evidence suggests overlapping clinical features and shared biological mechanisms. A unifying hypothesis highlights the gut-brain-immune axis, where alterations in the intestinal microbiome, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and aberrant immune signaling interact with central sensitization and systemic metabolic dysregulation.

Recent studies demonstrate reduced microbial diversity, depletion of anti-inflammatory taxa (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Bifidobacterium), and enrichment of pro-inflammatory Clostridium species across these conditions. These shifts likely alter production of short-chain fatty acids, amino acid metabolites, and complex lipids, with downstream effects on mitochondrial function, neuroinflammation, and host energy metabolism. Moreover, emerging clinical interventions-including probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation-suggest a potential role for microbiome-targeted therapies, though controlled evidence remains limited.

This review synthesizes current knowledge on microbiome alterations in FMS, ME/CFS, and MCS, emphasizing their convergence on metabolic and immune pathways. By integrating microbial, immunological, and neurophysiological perspectives, we propose a microbiome-centered framework for understanding environmental sensitivity illnesses and highlight avenues for translational research and therapeutic innovation.

Source: Watai K, Taniguchi M, Azuma K. The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis in Environmental Sensitivity Illnesses: Microbiome-Centered Narrative Review of Fibromyalgia Syndrome, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Int J Mol Sci. 2025 Oct 14;26(20):9997. doi: 10.3390/ijms26209997. PMID: 41155291. https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/20/9997 (Full text)