The olfactory system takes in a vast array of smells every day but as simplistic as this system may seem it is far more important than meets the eye (or is that smell?).

The smells that waft into our noses are not just benign smells that we identify as pleasant or offensive. Instead these smells are chemical molecules that can possess therapeutic or deleterious effects on our health. Far too often we neglect to consider the consequences of toxic fumes that may exacerbate the health challenges experienced by many.

Ambient Air Pollutants

The air we breathe every day is the most influential vehicle for particulate matter that may pose health risks for both the short term and the long term. We often refer to the “fresh” outdoors but unfortunately this is not reality. Over the last several decades air quality indices have been developed to measure the amount of pollutants in the air for purposes of assessing health risks and enacting air quality legislation. Ambient air pollutants often include carbon monoxide nitrogen dioxide sulfur dioxide and other sulfate components ozone ammonium elemental and organic carbon and particulate matter (a combination of potentially hazardous solid and liquid particles suspended in air). Per the EPA particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter poses a threat to those with lung and heart conditions increasing the risks of premature death nonfatal heart attacks irregular heartbeats asthma decreased lung function and increased respiratory symptoms. In developed countries particulate matter is a serious concern and estimated to be a primary cause in developing systemic inflammation endothelial dysfunction and subsequent end-organ damage eventually leading to death.

Children are especially sensitive to the negative health effects of air pollutants. A study analyzing pediatric emergency visits from 2002 to 2008 with ambient air pollution data found significant correlations between air pollutant mixtures and five health outcomes: asthma or wheeze bronchitis pneumonia otitis media and upper respiratory infections. The strongest association was found between oxidant gases (O₃ NO₂ and SO₂) and asthma/wheeze. Secondary pollutants (O₃ and the PM_2.5 components SO₄²⁻ NO³⁻ and NH⁴⁺) were associated with bronchitis pneumonia and otitis media while all pollutants were associated with upper respiratory infections. In another study exposure to traffic-related air pollutants including NO₂ SO₂ and particulate matter during pregnancy and early childhood years was associated with increased cases of pediatric allergic rhinitis.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds are receiving more attention in recent years due to the possible link to cancer and other chronic health concerns. VOCs are more prevalent in indoor air and account for more than 60 percent of an individual’s exposure. They originate from many household items including paints and paint solvents wood preservatives (polyurethanes) aerosol sprays cleaners and disinfectants air fresheners hobby supplies dry-cleaned clothing chlorinated water by-products and vehicle emissions. Additionally many building materials furnishings and office equipment “outgas” numerous VOCs making long-term exposure almost inevitable.

VOC exposure has been linked to asthma respiratory diseases liver and kidney dysfunction neurologic impairment and cancer. At present research focused on individual VOCs is prevalent and has spearheaded awareness of these toxic fumes; however exposure to multiple VOCs is more realistic and evidence for the cumulative synergistic effect of multiple VOCs is limited. VOC concentrations in schools present a significant health challenge to children. Schools often contain high levels formaldehyde benzene toluene naphthalenes and xylenes all of which possess high carcinogenic and chronic toxic risks. A recent study of 34 early childhood education facilities in California found VOC exposure to be concerning stating “If reflective of long-term averages child exposures to benzene chloroform ethylbenzene and naphthalene exceeded age-adjusted "safe harbor levels" based on California's Proposition 65 guidelines (10^-5 lifetime cancer risk) in 71% 38% 56% and 97% of facilities respectively.” The issues associated with VOC exposure may seem unsurmountable but they illustrate the importance of recommending air purifiers and implementing personal measures to reduce VOC exposure in individuals dealing with chronic health challenges.

Multiple chemical sensitivities are blooming among those with chronic health conditions and complicating the healing process. Toxic fumes are one source of chemical sensitivity that is often initially noticed when the chemical toxin threshold has been surpassed. It is becoming increasingly important for the practitioner to evaluate potential exposure to toxic fumes and to be able to suggest ways to reduce exposure. Air purifiers can significantly clean home air while individuals replace VOC-laden cleaning products body products and home fragrances with natural products containing healing essential oils. The foundational tripod of health and healing is clean food clean water and clean air.