Course Mapping a Research Trajectory of the Impact of Fragranced Products on Respiratory Health to the NIEHS Translational Research Framework

Fragranced personal care and consumer products are an important and modifiable source of chemical exposure associated with poor air quality and health outcomes. Emissions from fragranced products, such as perfumes, cleansers, and air fresheners, contribute to indoor air pollution and are among the primary ingredients of ground-level ozone. Many fragranced products emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), causing inflammation and exacerbation of respiratory and allergic conditions, with those who are economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized at the greatest risk of exposure. The choice to use fragranced products impacts all within the shared space, with implications for the social, occupational, and family context. More research is needed to better understand the factors impacting health outcomes and disparities related to fragranced personal care and consumer product use and to develop effective behavioral interventions to limit risk. The purpose of this presentation is to provide an overview of a planned research trajectory centered on mitigating the adverse effects of fragranced products on indoor air quality and health outcomes as mapped to the National Institute of Environmental Health Science (NIEHS) Translational Research Framework. Discussion supports the continued refinement of approaches beneficial to study in this important area of environmental health research.

Content supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25ES033452 (PI: Castner). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.