Synthetic fragrance

[MmeBlavatsky]

I’ve just come back from Sainsbury’s with a mix of fresh stuff and groceries and I’ve been noticing for some time that pretty much everything smells of synthetic fragrance. Just unpacked blueberries and the film on the tray smells so having taken it off the blueberries still smell of washing powder/air freshner/fabric conditioner. (Tesco and Aldi the same) I use unscented everything because of family allergies so what the ads would tell us is a fresh clean smell, superb marketing, seems like an intrusion to me. Each to their own but should fresh stuff blueberries, celery, etc be smelling of this stuff? When I get tupperware back from family the containers smell so strongly that I have to leave them for weeks (tried vinegar, citric acid, bicarb) before using them again. I’m interested that nobody seems to be bothered… and of course each to their own

Gently, OP, have you thought of seeking medical advice for your highly sensitive sense of smell? Or smelling things that perhaps aren't there?

Thanks for your kindness. A heightened sense of smell seems to be part of my menopause so I don’t think I’m imagining it but perhaps I have an undiagnosed problem physical or mental problem causing olfactory hallucination so will consider your advice though this heightened sense of smell has been with me for 15 years. Others, not menopausal, have mentioned similar things: colleague at work said that he had to ask his local bakery to change their washing product as they were wrapping the loaves in clothes which caused the loaf to taste of the product and a physiotherapist I know says he has to wash his hands repeatedly to remove the smell of washing products coming off the skin of his patients, and his towels with a vinegar rinse, so my experience isn’t unique. I also think that if you use these products then it might not be noticeable 🤷🏻‍♀️ thank you for your reply

You aren’t imagining things. I have a tested and diagnosed fragrance allergy. I get hives from packaging all the time. DH and dd have to unpack most things for me. We leave many things once unpacked outside for a few days to air out.

I have contacted companies who absolutely deny adding scent to the packaging.

Having spoken with other sufferers, the most logical theory is pesticides, desiccants, and most importantly disinfectants that have fragrances included in their ingredients. The problem got much worse during Covid and never got better.

I think the companies started adding treatments to the packaging for safety. So they aren’t lying in that they aren’t specifically just adding perfume, but there is scent in the mix.

It constantly amazes me that people are so surrounded by artificial scent that they can’t smell these things anymore. I you have to curate an artificial fragrance free environment, it is like getting hit in the face when you encounter it.

I don’t need to smell them to react. I could have a mask on. Being in the air is enough because the same particles that let you smell as they enter your nose are also touching your skin.

Ponderingwindow, thanks for knowing what I’m on about but I’m truly sorry that it affects you so keenly. It wouldn’t help your situation but I have special clothes to wear when visiting very strong smelling households which I change out of when back home otherwise my soft furnishings will take on the smell. I think you’re right that people surrounded by it can’t really smell it anymore. As you say smells are particulate and this particular group seems to be tenacious beyond belief! I am only mentally intolerant so I’m very sorry for your allergic reaction