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Environmental Health 2012 UMass Amherst

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The government does not regulate cosmetics and companies are not

required to test how their products affect human health. Very few companies list the ingredients of their products because they are not legally required to do so. It has been found that some fragrances contain chemicals listed on the EPA’s Hazardous Waste list. Formaldehyde, toluene, limonene, and benzene derivatives are a few of many chemicals that have known health effects.

Environmental health experts encourage people to avoid fragrant

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products for they are known endocrine disruptors and allergens, and are linked to cancer, neurotoxicity, asthma, infertility, birth defects, and Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. Researchers realize the widespread use of fragrant products is a growing health concern, but most people are unaware of the dangers related to their daily habits. More and more people are choosing environmentally safe products by their own discretion, but how long will products with known harmful chemicals be legal to sell to the public?

Fragrances

Febreze Febreze Air Effects is one of the most popular air fresheners on the market today. It generates millions of dollars in profit every year. Despite it’s popularity, Febreze was recognized by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Environmental Working Group as a product with some of the highest levels of dangerous chemical toxins. Phthalates, BHT, and acetelaldehyde are a few

among many contaminates detected. Lysol, Air Wick Scented Oils, and Glade Plug-ins were also tested and found to have toxic ingredients.

Are the perfumes and

body washes we love

and use everyday

making us sick?

Poisoned by Perfume? Chemicals in fragrance products are believed to trigger headaches, fatigue, dizziness, allergies, and asthma, but most people neglect to attribute their symptoms to something they smell. Some people experience a narcotic effect or feel addicted to their favorite perfume. Others become sensitized to certain smells. Women or men, who wear the same perfume everyday, eventually do not smell the scent anymore. However, overtime they may feel the symptoms of the toxic chemicals.

Constant exposure to low-levels of chemicals in fragrances can render long-term health effects. Using scent-free body wash or deodorant is a good way to begin lowering the amount of chemicals we are exposed to each day.

Sources: 1. Edelson, S. (1998). Living with Environmental Illness: A practical guide to chemical sensitivity. Dallas, Texas: Taylor

Publishing Company. 2. Rogers, S.A. (2002) Detoxify or Die. Sarasota, Florida: Sand Key Company, Inc. 3. Rapp, D. J. (2004). Our Toxic World: A Wake Up Call. Buffalo, NY: Environmental Medical Research Foundation. 4. http://www.nrdc.org/health/home/airfresheners/fairfresheners.pdf 5. http://www.ewg.org/schoolcleaningsupplies/cleaningsuppliesoverview?id=219 6. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (2010). Not So Sexy: The Health Risks of Secret Chemicals in Fragrance.

http://www.ewg.org/files/SafeCosmetics_FragranceRpt.pdf

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