The Nature of the Sense of Smell 

Saw the image in the side bar and went: "Is that Luca Turin?" *click... reads description "It is Luca Turin, yaaaaayy!."

Thanks for sharing this video, very much appreciated!

The EU restrictions Turin is talking about are mostly concerning NATURAL substances, like tree moss and certain citrus oils. (For example bergamot oil, which is what gives Earl Grey its aroma.) In fact as a result of these restrictions is that "natural" components are replaced with "chemical" substitutes. And I'm sure nobody would propose to ban strawberries or chamomile even though many people are allergic. So, Turin isn't making fun of people's allergies but of those restrictions.

is it possible that allergies cause a deficiency in perception of a smell?

makes sense. i almost didn't catch the pun.

It is unfair to dismiss allergies to synthetic fragrance. If you don't suffer from it it won't bother you. If you have chemical sensitivity, it can be profoundly oppressive. At lest be respectful of others' experience. Clearly you have a financial interest in dismissing the problems of people who have negative responses to synthetic fragrance which makes your scientific opinion dubious.