Fragrances that Kill: The Toxic Nature of Popular Fragrances
The use of fragrance has increased tenfold since the 1950s, and it’s not just perfumes. Industry’s use of fragrance materials used to scent consumer products doubled between 1980 and 1990. In addition to cosmetics, fragrance is added to toiletries, household products, pesticides, and many other products. “Fragrance-free” and “unscented” can be misleading. These products may still contain fragrance without listing it on the label.
Eighty to 90% of fragrance components are derived from petroleum. Chemicals used in fragrance are volatile compounds that get into the air and linger, adding to indoor pollution. Modern formulations are designed to disperse quickly into the air and may linger on fabrics and surfaces for months. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes the health risks associated with poor air quality, but exercises little regulation or monitoring of the use of fragrance or the chemicals used in fragrance. Industry claims the formulas are trade secrets and it is not required to disclose to the public or regulatory agencies what chemicals are being used in a product.
Chemicals used in fragrance can enter the body through airways, skin, ingestion, or via inhalation and go directly to the brain. An EPA sponsored literature review grouped fragrance, second-hand smoke, and formaldehyde as triggers for asthma. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) lists fragrance as the number one cause of skin allergic reaction to cosmetics. Fragrance may contain phthalates, suspected hormone disrupters. Fragrance chemicals have neurological effects that can alter blood pressure, pulse, mood, and have a sedative effect.
“When we tested products in 2002, the worst product that contained the highest level of phthalates was Poison fragrance by Christian Dior. Poison. How funny is that?” Stacy Malkan of Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the author of “Not Just a Pretty Face”, mentioned bitterly in the interview for my book, The Green Beauty Guide.
Perfumes contain approximately 80% alcohol and additional proprietary materials that are reported to cause breast cells to produce estrogen in excessive amounts. Perfumes also contain neurotoxins which have a causal link to central nervous system disorders, allergic reactions, skin and eye irritations, double vision, sneezing, nasal congestion, sinusitis, tinnitus, ear pain, dizziness, vertigo, coughing, bronchitis, breathing and swallowing difficulty, anaphylaxis, headaches, seizures, fatigue, confusion, disorientation, short-term memory loss, impaired concentration, nausea, lethargy, anxiety, irritability, depression, mood swings, restlessness, rashes, hives, eczema, facial flushing, muscle and joint pain, irregular heartbeat, hypertension, swollen lymph glands, and more.
Health problems associated with second-hand perfume exposure, similar to second-hand smoke, are causing some high schools, workplaces, and public buildings to adopt policies banning the wearing of perfumes.
Can’t believe it’s that bad? Let’s see what goes into the perennially bestselling scent, Angel by Thierry Mugler.
ANGEL BY THIERRY MUGLER
What they claim: Pure. Soft. Innocent. Fragrance Hall of Fame Winner 2007.
But beware: One of Clarins’ most popular fragrances, Angel, has the potential to cause damage to mucous membranes, irritate eyes, nose and throat and damage the brain, liver, kidneys, lung and skin thanks to over a dozen toxic chemicals. One of them is benzophenone which is used as a pesticide, known to attack the endocrine and reproduction systems, liver, kidneys, and possibly contribute to renal tubule adenoma. Angel also contains gender-bending diethyl phthalate.
In a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) released by Clarins on June 5, 2006 – part of a court document – the company admitted that Angel Perfume contained the “presence of significant amounts of ingredients classified as Dangerous according to the EEC (European Economic Commission),” a fact confirmed by independent laboratory analysis and studies. Among them are neurotoxins, allergens, irritants and/or hormone disrupters.
Adapted from: The Green Beauty Guide: Your Essential Resource into Organic and All-Natural Skincare, Hair Care, Makeup and Fragrances
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