Fragrances can cause health issues: study

Fragrances used in household products may be causing health problems in up to a third of Australians, a study says.

Perfumes in household products are causing a stink for a third of Australians who get migraines and asthma attacks from them, new research shows.

The University of Melbourne study, published in the journal Preventive Medicine Reports, found that when exposed to fragranced products, 33 per cent of Australians suffer adverse health effects.

"This is an epidemic," researcher Professor Anne Steinemann said on Monday.

"The effects can be immediate, severe and potentially disabling, but they can also be subtle, and people may not realise they're being affected."

Fragrances can cause breathing difficulties, headaches, dizziness, rashes, congestion, seizures and nausea, the study says.

Professor Steinemann's previous research showed fragranced products emit a range of chemicals, including hazardous air pollutants, but ingredients do not need to be fully disclosed on the product label or safety data sheet.