Perfume is a complex chemical mixture composed of fragrance oils, fixatives, and a large proportion of a solvent, typically alcohol. It is formulated for external use, and drinking it is a dangerous act. Ingestion can lead to rapid and severe systemic toxicity. Due to the chemical components, even a small amount requires immediate medical attention.
Toxic Ingredients in Perfume
The danger in ingesting perfume comes from the high concentration of the solvent, most often ethanol. Perfumes and colognes can contain between 50% and over 90% ethanol, a concentration far higher than most alcoholic beverages. Ingesting a significant volume of this high-proof alcohol quickly overwhelms the body’s ability to metabolize it, leading to acute alcohol poisoning.
Denaturing agents are added to the alcohol to make it unfit for consumption and to avoid alcohol taxes. These denaturants can include methanol or isopropyl alcohol. Methanol is particularly hazardous because the body metabolizes it into formic acid. This process can cause severe metabolic acidosis and permanent damage to the optic nerve, resulting in blindness.
Beyond the alcohol base, fragrances contain natural and synthetic aromatic compounds, often listed as “fragrance” or “parfum.” These chemicals, including phthalates, ketones, and essential oils, are meant for topical use and can be irritating or toxic upon ingestion. Some essential oils contain terpenes, a class of hydrocarbons that can cause adverse effects throughout the body.
Acute Physical Effects
Ingesting perfume triggers physical effects beginning with irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. The high alcohol concentration and other solvents cause a burning sensation in the mouth, throat, and esophagus. This local irritation often leads to symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and forceful vomiting.
The systemic effects are primarily on the central nervous system (CNS) due to the rapid absorption of the high concentration of ethanol. Initial symptoms mimic severe drunkenness, including dizziness, slurred speech, confusion, and loss of coordination. As the blood alcohol level rises, CNS depression can progress to lethargy, stupor, loss of consciousness, and seizures.
A risk associated with hydrocarbon ingestion is chemical pneumonitis. If the patient vomits, the low-viscosity hydrocarbon components can be aspirated into the lungs. This aspiration causes inflammation and damage to the lung tissue, which can lead to breathing difficulties and respiratory failure. If the perfume contained methanol, delayed symptoms can emerge hours after ingestion, including vision changes, signaling the onset of metabolic toxicity.
Emergency Protocol
Immediate action is required following perfume ingestion, as symptom severity depends on the volume consumed and the specific ingredients. Contact a Poison Control Center immediately. In the United States, this can be done by calling 1-800-222-1222, or by contacting local emergency services.
When speaking with medical professionals, provide details including the exact product name and an estimate of the amount ingested. Do not attempt to induce vomiting, as this increases the risk of aspiration and chemical pneumonitis. If the person is conscious, they may be given a snack or water to help dilute the contents and prevent a drop in blood sugar, especially in children.
Seek emergency medical services if the person is unconscious, has difficulty breathing, or has a seizure. Take the perfume container to the hospital so medical staff can analyze the ingredients and concentration of toxic components. Even if the person appears fine, Poison Control should still be contacted for risk assessment and monitoring advice.