FOOD INTOLERANCE NETWORK
FACTSHEET
Inhaled salicylates (and other sources)
Salicylates are present in plant foods to protect the
plants. They act as pesticides and some researchers say, as plant hormones.
They also have the effect of adding flavour, so humans tend to like high
salicylate foods such as strawberries and kiwifruit. From the body's point of
view, there is not a lot of difference between flavour and scent - one appeals
to the taste buds (which are not very acute), the other to our sense of smell,
which is far more sensitive so what we taste is influenced by what we smell.
Absorbed
through the skin
Salicylates are readily absorbed through the skin from
lotions such as Oil of Wintergreen and can also be inhaled through strong scents
from plants, their extracts and their synthetic equivalents for example, from
lavender flowers, lavender-perfumed powder or deodorant and lavender-perfumed
disinfectant through to plant based pesticides such as pyrethrum.
Smells
As a general rule, it is best to avoid strong smells
while doing the diet: avoid perfumes and perfumed products, essential oils,
strong smelling flowers and trees (such as pine trees - and the smoke from
burning their wood), incense and pot pourri.
Perfumed
products
Avoid perfumed toiletries such as shampoo,
conditioner, deodorants, cosmetics, haircare products such as hair sprays and
gels, body lotions. Shampoo which claims to be perfume-free and contains strong
smelling ingredients such as mandarin or lime oil is not failsafe. We recommend
the Dermaveen range from pharmacies, and
Salicylates
in medications
Avoid medications which contain salicylates including
those inhaled such as Vicks Vaporub and lotions such as Dencorub or Deep Heat
(these generally have salicylate listed on the label).
Avoid all household cleaners except vinegar, soda
bicarb, dishwashing powder and low-perfumed dishwashing liquid such as
Palmolive original.
In the laundry, avoid perfumed washing powders, fabric
conditioners and ironing sprays. Omo-sensitive, Lux, Planet Ark and Amway are
the recommended washing powders, not just for people with eczema.
Avoid garden pesticides and weedkillers and pesticides
on pets as much as possible.
Avoid smells of new or newly cleaned soft furnishings
and carpets, new mattresses, cars, formaldehydes in pet shops and shopping
malls. Do not renovate your house, have your carpet cleaned, buy new furniture
or a new car while doing the elimination diet. Flame retardants are turning out
to be a problem.
See also the
factsheets on
* Toxic furniture – the effects of flame retardants
* Fumes and Perfumes
* Added flavours – natural or artificial
References
Ashford, N and Miller, C. 1998. Chemical exposures:
Low levels and high stakes. 2nd Ed.
Farrow, A et al. (2003) Symptoms of mothers and infants
related to total volatile organic compounds in household products. Archives of
Environmental Health 58(1): 633-641
Fischer, B E. 1998. Scents and Sensitivity.
Environmental Health Perspectives. 106(12):A594-A599.
Hilpern, K. 2204. Trouble in the air. UK Independent.
Luckenback, T and Epel, D. 2004. Nitromusk and
polycyclic musk compounds as long-term inhibitors of cellular xenobiotic
defense systems mediated by multidrug transporters. Environmental Health
Perspectives Sept.
Wallace, L et al. 1995. The identification of polar
organic compounds found in consumer products and their toxicological
properties. J Exp Anal Env Epdemiol 5:57.
Further resources
US EPA information about pharmaceuticals and personal
care products www.epa.gov/nerlesd1/chemistry/pharma
US NRC report. Biosolids applied to land. www.nap.edu/catalog/10426.html
http://www.ehnca.org/ehnhompg/takheart.htm
The information given is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with
your doctor for underlying illness. Before beginning dietary investigation,
consult a dietician with an interest in food intolerance.
Update November 2006
