'Be Careful with Fragrances in Public Places' Notice
Consumer Groups and Assembly Members' League Also Established
In Japan, a social issue known as "fragrance damage," where people suffer from headaches and other symptoms due to the strong scent of others' fabric softeners, has recently emerged. The government is taking direct action by launching public service advertisements, and consumer groups are being established to quickly devise countermeasures.
On the 2nd, NHK reported that "Kogai (香害)," meaning fragrance damage, has become a social problem. According to the Consumer Hotline, a consumer consultation agency operated by the Japan Consumer Affairs Agency, over 200 consumer consultations were received last year alone from people complaining of headaches and nausea caused by strong fabric softener scents. This figure is more than double compared to the previous year.
Takayuki Fukuzumi, director of an allergy clinic in Osaka, said, "In the past three years, as fabric softeners emphasizing long-lasting or strong scents have been released, the number of patients visiting the hospital has increased significantly," adding, "Many patients report that the strong scent of fabric softeners at schools, workplaces, or neighborhoods makes daily life difficult."
Symptoms vary individually and include headaches, fatigue, and palpitations. Fukuzumi also mentioned that some patients with severe symptoms develop "chemical sensitivity," an allergy to all chemical substances such as cigarette smoke, insecticides, and printing ink.
In response, five government ministries, including the Consumer Affairs Agency and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, have recently distributed public service advertisement posters titled "That scent can be troublesome for some people" to raise awareness about fragrance damage.
A poster to prevent odor created by five ministries including the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Ministry of the Environment. Titled "That Scent, Some People Find It Troublesome," it contains a message asking for consideration of others. (Photo by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)
Local governments have also issued notices to residents to prevent fragrance damage. For example, the city of Kushiro in Hokkaido posted on its website, "There is a large individual difference in how scents are perceived. A scent that is pleasant to me may be unpleasant to others and can cause symptoms such as coughing or nausea," and advised, "Please be careful not to excessively use fragranced products in public places or where children gather."
The exact cause of fragrance damage has not yet been identified. However, it is currently analyzed that special chemicals called "microcapsules" remain on laundry treated with fabric softeners, which may trigger reactions in chemically sensitive individuals.
Hiroshi Ookochi, a professor at Waseda University, explained, "The original fragrance components of fabric softeners evaporate easily. The technology developed to prolong the scent is the microcapsule," adding, "When microcapsules break, smaller fragrance particles are released in large quantities. Since it is not well understood how these particles affect the lungs or nose, research is underway to identify the fragrance components."
Consumer groups have formed a related organization and are urging the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and other relevant agencies to verify the safety of fabric softeners. The "Fragrance Damage Elimination Liaison Committee," jointly created by five organizations including the Japan Consumers' Union, submitted a request in June to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare demanding research on the effects of microcapsules and other issues on human health, emphasizing the need to address health problems caused by fabric softener scents.
In response to NHK's inquiry, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare stated, "There are still many unknowns regarding the mechanisms behind symptoms such as poor condition caused by fabric softener scents," and added, "The ministry is already conducting related research and will establish scientific evidence through future research support."
The issue of fragrance damage has also become a major concern in the political arena. In February last year, Prime Minister Kishida remarked on fragrance damage, saying, "While conducting necessary research, we must also inform the public about the need for consideration regarding scents in public places." In August last year, a group of local assembly members formed the "Fragrance Damage Elimination Assembly Members' Group," calling for the establishment of related regulations.
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