Strong Odours and BI

[magdolna]

I recently had a courtesy car which had the strongest air freshener in it which gave me a headache. A few days after i went for a manicure for the first time. The treatment room was airless. During the treatment the vapours from the products used seemed to fill the room and i started to feel very peculiar, faint and just awful. I asked to have window opened. They were sealed shut. So me and the manicurist went outside for me to recover. I did not return to the room and had the treatment finished in a separate room.

I finally left the place and when i got home i felt a bit sick and unable to stand. I had to lie down. I felt really peculiar and felt i might need to call an ambulance. I actually changed my clothes because i know if i go to hospital, they would cut my clothes off, and i dislike shopping for clothes so did not want to lose them.

I was determined not to call for help and just lay on my bed to recover for a good few hours.

My question is has any one had an adverse reaction to smells and vapours like nail polish or whatever? I am 23 months post a spectacular SAH and surgery?

Thanks!

[cat3]

Absolutely. I was cleaning paintbrushes with thinners in my cellar a few months ago and, though the window is always slightly ajar, thinners like nail varnish remover (acetone) is extremely noxious when inhaled.

I began to feel very dizzy and nauseous and instinctively made for the cellar steps as I felt I was about to pass out. I made it to the bathroom where I was violently sick and had to lie down for a couple of hours feeling wretched.

Chemicals such as these are termed 'Volatile organic compounds' (VOCs) and will cause dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headaches and possibly loss of consciousness.

Those people should not be exposing themselves or customers to these dangers in an airless space and would be closed down by Health & Safety officials until adequate ventilation was introduced. They really should be reported, if only for their own safety when working in such an environment on a daily basis.

What you were exposed to would be no more harmful long-term than everyday pollution from traffic. The fact you were exposed to a higher concentration of chemical in an airless room caused a more severe reaction.

Be sure, Magdolna, to avoid that particular salon and check the conditions elsewhere in future ! Hope you're fully recovered m'dear. Cat x

[cat3 in reply to cat3]

PS forgot to say I doubt any connection with the SAH as what you experienced would almost certainly affect most people. But it's possible you're generally more susceptible to intolerance to smells as it's a common problem after brain injury. My taste & smell have been permanently affected since a SAH. 🤥

[magdolna in reply to cat3]

I am recovered and will not be going again. It was my first and last manicure. Bless you 💐

[steve55]

yes