A recent study has worried numerous perfume lovers, including me. The report revealed that fragrances often consist of hormone-disrupting chemicals and chemicals that could cause allergic reactions. Major perfume brands have not even bothered to mention the ingredients they use in their products. Consumers take into consideration only the brand, reading the product label is deemed unnecessary.
Perfume brands are allowed to use any chemical to manufacture fragrances, with no required safety assessments, and are not even obligated to reveal the ingredients. Cosmetics can reach consumers without pre-approval. Public awareness on how hazardous low-level toxins are is extremely low. Experts have found nearly 14 hidden chemicals in several popular fragrances, including American Eagle’s Seventy-Seven, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, Coco Mademoiselle Chanel and Calvin Klein Eternity. Majority of these chemicals are unstudied and unregulated.
The products that were tested comprised of 10 sensitizers, which are chemicals that can cause allergic reactions such as wheezing, asthma, headaches etc. These products also consisted of 12 hormone-disrupting chemicals. Low-dose exposure to toxic chemicals can lead to long-term health issues.
The commonly found chemicals in perfumes are:-
ACETONE – found in cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, nail enamel remover etc. Long-term exposure to this chemical can cause coma, dryness of the mouth and throat, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech etc. It acts as a central nervous system depressant.
BENZALDEHYDE – found in perfume, cologne, hairspray, laundry bleach, deodorants, detergent, Vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, dishwasher detergent etc. This chemical can cause kidney damage, irritation to the throat, mouth, eyes, skin, lungs etc.
BENZYL ACETATE- found in perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hairspray, bleach, after shave, deodorants. It is carcinogenic and can cause irritation to respiratory passages, eyes, skin etc.
BENZYL ALCOHOL - found in perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, Vaseline lotion, deodorants, fabric softener. Exposure to this chemical may lead to headache, nausea, dizziness, drop in blood pressure and respiratory failure.
CAMPHOR – found in perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail colour, stickup air freshener. It is a central nervous system depressant and is readily absorbed through body tissues. It may cause irritation of eyes, throat, dizziness, nausea, convulsions etc.
ETHANOL –found in perfume, hairspray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail colour and remover, paint and varnish remover. Inhalation of ethanol vapours may lead to drowsiness, impaired vision, ataxia, CNS disorder, fatigue etc.
ETHYL ACETATE – found in after shave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail colour, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid. It can cause irritation to the eyes and the respiratory tract. It may also cause headache, anaemia, damage to liver and kidneys.
LIMONENE –found in perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorants, nail colour and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, after shave, bleach, paint and varnish remover. It is carcinogenic and can cause irritation to eyes and skin.
LINALOOL –found 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. Exposure to this chemical can lead to CNS disorder.
METHYLENE CHLORIDE – found in shampoo, cologne, paint and varnish remover. This chemical has been banned by the FDA. It is carcinogenic and can lead to headache, giddiness, irritability, CNS disorder etc.
a-PINENE – found in bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorants, dishwashing liquid, air freshener. This chemical is damaging to the immune system.
g-TERPINENE – found in cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, air freshener. It may cause asthma and CNS disorder.
a-TERPINEOL – found in perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stickup air freshener, Vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hairspray, after shave, roll-on deodorant. It can cause irritation to mucous membranes, hypothermia, ataxia, CNS and respiratory depression and headache.
Manufacturers need to divulge what’s in their products, eliminate use of hazardous chemicals and ensure safety of chemicals before putting them into their products.
Manufacturers need to divulge what’s in their products, eliminate use of hazardous chemicals and ensure safety of chemicals before putting them into their products.
The need for legislations that would overhaul outdated cosmetics oversight and regulation has become absolutely essential. Consumers have a right to know that the products they use are as safe as possible.
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