Effect of Strong Fragrance on Olfactory Detection Thresholds of Health Workers at UCH Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: Assess the effect of perfume on olfactory detection thresholds of health workers at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study on olfactory detection thresholds of one hundred healthy health workers in a tertiary health institution from September 2013-November 2013. A structured questionnaire was administered to participants to obtain information on sociodemographics, occupation, ability to perceive smell, use of perfume, effects of perfume on appetite and self-confidence, history of allergy, and previous nasal surgery. Participants subjectively rated their olfactory performance and thereafter had olfactory detection threshold testing done with varied concentrations of n-butanol in a forced triple response and staircase fashion. Olfactory detection thresholds at baseline and after exposure to Lynx perfume were determined and compared. Results: Thirty-seven males and 63 females were evaluated. Their ages ranged from 19-59 years with a mean age 31 years ± 8. Subjectively, 94% participants had excellent olfactory function. In the pre-exposure forced triple response, 88% participants were able to detect the odor at ≤0.25 mmol/L concentrations while in the post-exposure forced triple response, only 66% participants were able to detect the odor at ≤0.25 mmol/L concentrations. There was also a statistically significant difference in the olfactory detection threshold score between the pre-exposure and post-exposure period in the participants ( P < .05). Conclusions: Use of fragrance affects the olfactory detection threshold. Therefore, wearers should be aware of this and its implications on test of olfaction.