Inclusion considerations

Fragrance sensitivities

Research suggests that anywhere from 10% to 30% of the population experiences notable fragrance sensitivities¹⁰⁹, which include strong aversions to synthetic scents and can induce headaches or even respiratory discomfort. Note that the bread smell that some sandwich shops pipe into the air in front of their shops can be off-putting or even nauseating to these individuals. It is considered good practice to provide clear warnings, ensure good ventilation and offer scent-free alternatives or zones.

Impaired sense of smell

At the other end of the spectrum, some people have an impaired sense of smell and the likelihood of experiencing this seems to increase with age¹¹⁰. For example, one study that tested people aged 53 to 97 found that 24.5% had an impaired sense of smell, rising to 62.5% among those aged 80 and over, yet only 9.5% of participants reported a problem themselves¹¹¹.