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By Laurel Hopwood, NEO Sierra Club Human
Health & Environment Chair The National
Academy of Sciences estimates that 95 percent of the chemicals
used in synthetic fragrances can lead to a slew of health
repercussions,
such as central nervous system disorders, migraines, sinus problems,
birth defects and cancer. Acute symptoms may include eye, nose
and throat irritation, headaches, and may even trigger asthmatic
attacks.
Many man-made fragrances used in perfume and personal care products
can also make their way into ecosystems during production and
after disposal. Fragrances have even shown up in the fatty tissues
of fish and shellfish! Fragrances are loosely regulated. Due
to secrecy laws, fragrance companies are not required to list
ingredients on product packaging, so consumers are left in the
dark.
Here’s the scoop: Perfume and fragrances usually contain
chemicals called volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. Many VOCS
are toxins which are listed on the United States Toxins Release
Inventory! When Calvin Klein’s Eternity was tested by an
independent lab (commissioned by the Environmental Health Network),
the results revealed that the perfume contained over 800 compounds,
including suspected hormone disrupters that are absorbed through
the skin and can accumulate in human fat tissue.
Phthalates, which are plasticizers used to soften vinyl plastic,
are among the most common fragrance ingredients in perfumes and
cosmetics. Phthalates are added to perfumes for multiple reasons,
such as helping the fragrance last longer. Health advocates are
becoming wary of phthalates because they are suspected carcinogens
and hormone disruptors.
Perfumed products aren’t only in perfume or cologne. They’re
often in laundry detergent, fabric softeners, air fresheners, cleaning
products, and personal care products such as aftershave, soap,
and facial tissue.
What's a consumer to do? Buy only natural
laundry and personal care products with "fragrance free" or "unscented" on
the label. If you're not sure, google the company, go to their
site, and make an inquiry. We can have a greener world and allow
our noses to smell the natural world without the use of toxic
chemicals! |
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