What’s the Deal with Fragrances?
Most of the compounds used to make fragrances are volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds--suspected carcinogens that are associated with cancer and can harm your organs and reproductive system. In addition, documented allergies associated with ingredients commonly found in fragrances, such as acetone and ethanol, are becoming increasingly common. Finally, the association of aggravated asthma attacks due to fragrance exposure is rising, making the ever growing amount of fragrances unleashed into the environment even more dangerous to asthmatics.
An Unregulated Mess for Consumers
Making matters worse, the fragrance industry, much like the cosmetics industry, is largely unregulated by the FDA, EPA, or OSHA. This lack of regulation means that most fragrance ingredients have not been sufficiently tested for toxicity. More dangerous, they haven’t been tested for risks associated with combined use; in everyday products, they’re frequently combined with other volatile organic compounds. The unregulated nature of the fragrance industry also means that companies do not have to list the ingredients they use to create their fragrances; if the word “fragrance” appears as one of the ingredients on a scented product’s label, that’s all the manufacturer is required to disclose, leaving the consumer to wonder what, exactly, is being sprayed, squeezed, or lathered onto (and into) our bodies.
Why You Can’t Be Sure a Chemical Is Safe
Companies that say a chemical is kept to a safe level in a product are missing the point. Tests are typically done for a single chemical. When that chemical shows up in a product along a lengthy line of other chemicals, or interacts with volatile chemicals in somebody else’s perfume, all bets on the chemical’s safety are off.
Avoid the Stink
While you’ll find it hard to escape fragrances--they’re in lotions, soaps, perfumes, cleaning supplies and detergents, to name just a few products--you can limit your exposure. Many natural products include the word “fragrance” in their ingredient list, and the only way to know what makes up their scents is to ask the company--so ask! And due to the rise of complaints, allergies, and asthmatic aggravation associated with fragrances, some government agencies, such as the City of Halifax in Nova Scotia, or public institutions, such as the Santa Cruz Public library, ask patrons to avoid wearing perfumes when visiting their premises.
You can also find nontoxic, chemical-free alternatives in the form of essential oils, many of which have been used to trigger positive psychological and physical reactions. Aromas such as bergamot, grapefruit, jasmine, and lavender, for instance, all smell great and have also been reported to help reduce stress, while cypress, orange, and cypress support confidence. Another option are hydrosols, the water that remains after using steam or water distillation to create an essential oil, which can be used as facial toners or in other skin care products as well as a light cologne or body spray.
Always Read the Label
· Many products that are marketed as “unscented” still have fragrances that are used to mask other smells, so check the ingredients list for the word “fragrance” to find out the truth.
· Avoid perfumes that contain pthalates, which are suspected of causing cancer, birth defects, and irritation, and are present in many personal care products.
Learn More
See what the FDA has to say about its control over fragrances.
See how Halifax, Nova Scotia has made lessening fragrances part of its policy.
Sniff through the articles at the AromaWeb aromatherapy website.
Search for products with natural, safe fragrances with the SustainLane Directory.
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