Can you be allergic to the smell of popcorn?

Question

My boss claims that she is, so we can't eat it in the office...I've never heard of that before...do smell allergies exist?

Answer 1

Yes they exist. And since you doubt they exist, here is a link explaining why. Be a little more compassionate to your boss. After all, this could be life threatening for her.

http://www.health.am/allergies/more/living-with-dangerous-food-allergies/

Answer 2

I am the Health Clerk at an elementary school. We have many
students that are allergic to peanuts. Two of these students are so allergic that just the smell of peanuts sends them into anaphylaxis. Many people choose not to believe this but it can happen.
There is know way of telling if your boss is exagerating or truly is allergic. One thing is for sure, she doen't want popcorn in the office!

Answer 3

Microwave Popcorn Allergy

Answer 4

When I worked in South Carolina, there was an employee who went in to anaphylactic shock from popcorn fumes. Popcorn had to be banned from the building. This was an extreme case but it happened.

Many times people lump all negative reactions to substances as "allergic". For a true allergic reaction, the periphial cappillaries must become dialated. As the reaction increases in severity then the airways in the lungs will become constricted. When this happens it leads to full blown anaphelactic shock.

Answer 5

Since the PC police started up in the 70s, people are 'allergic' to everything they don't like. Actually they aren't allergic at all they just don't like the smell. So now they call that 'being sensitive' to the odor. Which stops people from using perfume, after shave, certain foods, etc.
In a real allergy your eyes swell up, you break out in hives and your wind pipe closes up .. then you need to go to emergency and get a shot of epiniphrine. Been there I know what allergy is!!

Answer 6

I think the smell is the allergy so there just allergic to popcorn not the smell

Answer 7

Smell allergies do exist. Most nasal problems that are allergies are from small particles in the air. I don't know about popcorn. Maybe she just hates it and it makes her nauseous. She's your boss, just leave it alone, or is it worth it to eat popcorn in the office?

I get migraines from fragrences like perfume, especially in fabric softener. It is really hard when I have to go outside to feed my horses and someone is drying their laundry with a sheet. I start seeing spots and then it gets worse from there and will last for days.

Answer 8

Yeah just like people being allergic to cut grass, golden rod, certain flowers, aerosol spray, and certain perfumes. Also dust, pet dander, mold, peanuts, and peanut butter these are all smelling allergies.

A food does not have to be eaten to cause an allergic reaction but eating it does cause great amounts to get into the body and usually causes the most severe reactions. Hives can occur on skin contact with an allergenic food. If the food goes into the wet surfaces, e.g., through a cut in the skin or at the lips (e.g., being kissed by someone who has eaten peanut butter), or in the eye, severe reactions can occur.

Answer 9

If she has reactions to the smell of popcorn, then it is something in the popcorn that causes it. A mere smell can not cause an allergic reaction. However, molecules released in the air as a result of making the popcorn can cause a reaction. But if she is that sensitive then she would be having a reaction to tons of foods and objects. Corn is used in making tons of products. It sounds as though she is making it up.

Answer 10

I don't think you can be allergic to a smell. She might just hate popcorn and tell you that she is allergic to. You should bring some in and see if she is allergic to it!

Answer 11

Contrary to what the other respondents seem to think..Allergic people have very sensitive mucous membranes, which can be irritated by lots of different substances including smoke, pollution, cooking smells, perfume and strong odours. So while it would be odd...it IS possible that your boss is allergic to the smell of popcorn (what kind of reaction does she have, I wonder?!)