Are there any long-term effects of fragrance exposure on children’s development?
Research suggests that exposure to certain fragrances, especially those emitting VOCs, can have long-term effects on children’s respiratory health. Prolonged exposure may contribute to respiratory conditions, particularly in children with a predisposition to asthma. Regular skin contact with fragrances can also lead to sensitization, increasing the risk of allergic reactions over time, which may be more pronounced with natural essential oils and heavily scented products. There’s ongoing research into potential neurodevelopmental impacts of heavy fragrance exposure, with some studies pointing to connections between strong synthetic scents and neurodevelopmental changes. Given these considerations, a cautious approach is best—use hypoallergenic products where possible and avoid overexposing children to strong, synthetic scents.