Can the scenting industry address the scent-sensitive?

Scent marketers, here’s a challenge for you: How do we as an industry address the growing number of people who are sensitive to scent?

MSNBC published a piece this week about the scent-sensitive fighting back. The article highlights a person whose sensitivity arose after the attacks on NYC’s World Trade Center on 9/11/2001. The attacks left a wake of respiratory illnesses, some of which healed in a few days, and others that may be permanent respiratory damage. It goes on to discuss other issues, including the fact that fragrances were named by the American Contact Dermatitis Society as 2007 “Allergen of the year.” The growing number of fragrance-free policies across the U.S. is discussed.

It doesn’t seem prudent for the ambient scenting industry to dismiss people who feel assaulted by scent. Could there be thoughtful discussion on the subject that takes all the issues and people into account, rather than simply claiming scent is safe?

• MSNBC: Odor tyrants: Those sensitive to scent fight back
• NYC’s What we know about the health effects of 9/11
• Medscape Today: Allergen of the Year: Fragrance