The fragrance of a perfume can invoke a feeling in most of us. It can remind us of a loved one, or a special memory from our past. Perfume somehow makes us feel prettier and more attractive to the opposite sex. So it isn’t often that we ask ourselves, what is in the perfume we wear? You wouldn’t find the ingredients on most perfume bottles anyway—the perfume industry is not required by law to share the contents.
Technically, the perfume industry is regulated by the FDA. However, as stated on their website, “FDA does not approve cosmetics. Examples of cosmetics are perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations. Cosmetic products and ingredients do not require FDA approval before they go on the market, with one exception: color additives (other than coal tar hair dyes.) Cosmetics must be safe for their intended use and properly labeled. FDA field investigators inspect cosmetic companies, examine imports, and collect samples for analysis. FDA may take action against non-compliant products or against firms or individuals who violate the law”. So, who is monitoring the perfumes and cosmetics that we all use on a daily basis? The answer is no one! The perfume and cosmetics industry is self-regulated.
Perfume and fragrances can be made from plants and animal based sources which can be less toxic to both humans and the environment; however, they are more expensive to make. It is much more cost effective to make perfume and fragrances synthetically using different chemicals. Many of these chemicals are petroleum based, and have not been tested for safety. By law, products are required to list their ingredients with the exception of many perfumes and fragrances due to trade secrets or for proprietary reasons. There are those manufacturers who are proud to list their ingredients, boasting of wholesome ingredients. We should encourage these companies by buying their products.
There are many of us who are not affected by perfume or the fragrances that can be found in our everyday products. We enjoy them and wouldn’t consider giving them up. Then there are those who are greatly affected by the chemicals used in many perfume and fragrances. For those it becomes a challenge to eliminate these fragrances from their lives. It is well documented that perfumes and fragrances can trigger mild to severe asthma attacks. Many asthmatic patients also develop bronchospasm from inhaled allergens such as perfumes, cleaning agents and smoke. There are those that would argue the relationship between perfume/fragrances and asthma. The American Lung Association is a great source of information on this subject.
Perfume ingredients, regardless of natural or synthetic origins, have the potential of causing health or environmental problems when used or abused in substantial quantities. Although the areas are under active research, much remains to be learned about the effects of fragrance on human health and the environment. To be fair, it is true that many times, any particular chemical in small amounts would not create symptoms. But please remember that any one perfume could contain any number of different chemicals. And because many perfume manufacturers are not willing to list their ingredients, you have no idea what your perfume contains and in what quantities. We have no way of knowing what type of reactions or contamination can result from these “perfume cocktails”.
The following list was compiled by the late Julia Kendall, Co-Chair of Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin. Her hard work benefits all of us to this day. I encourage you to learn more about Julia Kendall through the website Environmental Health Network.
THE HEALTH RISKS OF THE 20 MOST COMMON CHEMICALS FOUND IN 31 FRAGRANCE PRODUCTS
________________________________________Reference: Lance Wallace, Environmental Protection Agency; Phone: (703) 341-7509
Excerpts from “Health Hazard Information”
References: Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
Principal chemicals found in scented products are:ACETONE (in: cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, nail enamel remover) – On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Inhalation can cause dryness of the mouth and throat; dizziness, nausea, in-coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, and, in severe exposures, coma. It acts primarily as a central nervous system (CNS) depressant”.
BENZALDEHYDE (in: perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, Vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent) – Narcotic and Sensitizer. “Local anesthetic, CNS depressant… It causes irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract, causing nausea and abdominal pain–may cause kidney damage. Do not use with contact lenses.”
BENZYL ACETATE (in: perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants) – Carcinogenic (linked to pancreatic cancer); “From vapors: irritating to eyes and respiratory passages, exciting cough. In mice: hyper anemia of the lungs. It can be absorbed through the skin causing systemic effects. Do not flush to sewer.”
BENZYL ALCOHOL (in: perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, Vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener) – “irritating to the upper respiratory tract, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drop in blood pressure, CNS depression, and death in severe cases due to respiratory failure.”
CAMPHOR (in: perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color, stickup air freshener) –“ local irritant and CNS stimulant, readily absorbed through body tissues, irritation of eyes, nose and throat, dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles and convulsion. Avoid inhalation of vapors.”
ETHANOL (in: perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, paint and varnish remover) – On EPA Hazardous Waste list; symptoms: “…fatigue; irritating to eyes and upper respiratory tract even in low concentrations, inhalation of ethanol vapors can have effects similar to those characteristic of ingestion. These include an initial stimulatory effect followed by drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, stupor…causes CNS disorder”.
ETHYL ACETATE (in: after shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid) – Narcotic. On EPA Hazardous Waste list; “…irritating to the eyes and respiratory tract, may cause headache and narcosis (stupor), de-fatting effect on skin and may cause drying and cracking, may cause anemia with leukocytosis and damage to liver and kidneys. Wash thoroughly after handling”.
LIMONENE (in: perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover) – Carcinogenic. “Prevent its contact with skin or eyes because it is an irritant and sensitizer. Always wash thoroughly after using this material and before eating, drinking or applying cosmetics. Do not inhale limonene vapor”.
LINALOOL (in: perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hairspray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, after shave, solid deodorant) – Narcotic. …”respiratory disturbances, attracts bees. In animal tests: ataxic gait, reduced spontaneous motor activity and depression, development of respiratory disturbances leading to death, depressed frog-heart activity. It causes CNS disorder.
METHYLENE CHLORIDE (in: shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover) – Banned by the FDA in 1988! No enforcement possible due to trade secret laws protecting chemical fragrance industry. On EPA, RCRA, CERCLA Hazardous Waste lists. “Carcinogenic, absorbed, stored in body fat, it metabolizes to carbon monoxide, reducing oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. Can cause headache, giddiness, stupor, irritability, fatigue, tingling in the limbs. It causes CNS disorder”.
a-PINENE (in: bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener) – Sensitizer–damaging to the immune system”.
g-TERPINENE (in: cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener) – “Causes asthma and CNS disorders”.
a-TERPINEOL (in: perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, Vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll-on deodorant) – …”highly irritating to mucous membranes. Aspiration into the lungs can produce pneumonitis or even fatal edema. It can also cause excitement, ataxia (loss of muscular coordination), hypothermia, CNS and respiratory depression, and headache. Prevent repeated or prolonged skin contact”.
Unable to secure MSDS for the following chemicals:
• 1,8-cineole
• b-citronellol
• b-myrcene
• nerol
• ocimene
• b-phenethyl alcohol
• a-terpinoleneRelevant Facts:
95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics and sensitizers – capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Neurotoxins: At Home and the Workplace, Report by the Committee on Science & Technology, U.S. House of Representatives, Sept. 16, 1986. (Report 99-827)Twelve million Americans have asthma. Asthma and asthma deaths have increased over 30% in the past 10 years.
Headaches cost $50 billion in lost productivity and medical expenses and 157 million lost work days in 1991. “Focus on Fragrance and Health,” by Louise Kosta, The Human Ecologist, Fall 1992.
Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Chloroform was found in tests of fabric softeners: EPA’s 1991 study.
A room containing an air freshener had high levels of p-dichlorobenzene (a carcinogen) and ethanol: EPA’s 1991 study.
Thirty-three million Americans suffer from sinusitis (inflammation or infection of sinus passages).
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) is “a compilation of information required under the OSHA Communication Standard on the identity of hazardous chemicals, health, and physical hazards, exposure limits, and precautions. “ These data sheets will tell you a lot about a chemical.
REFERENCES:
Wikipedia
Julia Kendall, Co-Chair, Citizens for a Toxic-Free Marin
American Lung Association
Haz-Map
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