Scent-sitive Subject

[I recently read about a] scented workplace colleague ina New York Times letter and a scented old friend in Miss Conduct (“Lingering Concerns,” February

19). An aspect the writers didn’t mention: The sensitivity could stem from a long-COVID loss of smell in otherwise-asymptomatic people. In pursuing dialogue with the newlyoffensive perfume wearers, the sufferers could suggest that COVID might be the reason that the problem has surfaced recently, due to no fault of the perfume-wearer.

Ken McElheny Brookline

There are various causes for [a loss in sense of smell] aside from COVID; some are not concerning but it can accompany the onset of some neurological conditions as well.

Debora Trindade Medway

Pregnancy brought on my intolerance of heavy scents. And even years after (migraines). Had experience with both parents ignoring my requests for them to lighten the load—due in part to them disbelieving they were losing sense of smell because of aging.

HarrisHawk posted on bostonglobe.com

I have a cousin who developed a fragrance sensitivity in her 50s, well before COVID. We once walked past a perfumed security guard in a museum, and the fragrance triggered a severe asthmatic reaction that lasted until we got outside for fresh air, even with an inhaler. She even had to include a “no fragrances” request on the invitations for her daughter’s wedding. I’ve recently developed a similar sensitivity to fragranced body lotions, which cause coughing jags that leave my throat irritated. I’ve asked a friend to lighten up on her lotion — she’s experienced my coughing fits, so she understands. Real friends won’t deliberately persist on doing something they know makes you sick.

rjhalpern posted on bostonglobe.com