What Dangers Can Perfumes & Other Fragrances Pose to Your Health?
by www.SixWise.com

We have all been there. You are in a movie theater, on an airplane or in some other closed quarters that, for whatever reason, you are required to remain in. Then in walks that man or woman wearing way too much of the strongest -- and usually worst smelling -- cologne or perfume. Of course, they usually sit right next to you.

At best, this is an annoyance. But especially for those with chemical sensitivities, and also for everyone else, perfumes, colognes and other fragrances can actually harm your health.

What are Fragrances Made Of?

About 95 percent of the chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic, petroleum-based compounds. For people with allergies or multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), these chemicals can lead to allergic reactions like sneezing, itchy watery eyes, wheezing and headaches.

Other health conditions that can be exacerbated by fragrances, according to Tracie DeFreilas Saab, M.S., author of a comprehensive discussion, "Individuals with Fragrance Sensitivity," include asthma, environmental illness (EI) and migraines.

But that doesn't mean the rest of us aren't affected. An investigation into fragrances, perfumes and colognes by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found several areas of concern:

• 16 percent of the products they reviewed contained ingredients that may cause cancer

• 5 percent may contain harmful impurities linked to cancer or other health problems

• 18 percent contained penetration enhancers that increase exposures to carcinogens and other ingredients of concern

• 98 percent of products contained ingredients not assessed for safety in cosmetics or with insufficient data

• 76 percent contained ingredients that are allergens

• 13 percent of products posed other potential health concerns

Fragrances in the Workplace

The office is an example of closed quarters that you have no choice but to spend significant amounts of time in. Increasing numbers of employees are voicing their dissatisfaction with other employees' irritating fragrances, and employers are facing the difficult decision of whether to implement a fragrance-free office.

Says DeFreilas Saab, employees with fragrance sensitivities may have the following symptoms:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Difficulty breathing

• Hoarse voice or loss of voice

• Difficulty concentrating

• Tingling of the lips and skin

• Muscle and joint pain

However, enforcing a truly fragrance-free work environment is a difficult task because so many products -- from fabric softeners and dryer sheets to soaps to shampoos -- contain them. Those who have tried say a voluntary fragrance-free program works better than a mandatory one.

The Maine Department of Labor, for instance, recently adopted a voluntary fragrance-free policy for employees and visitors. "We want to educate our workforce and clients about the real effect chemicals and fragrances can have on individuals with sensitivities. Many people are unaware that the scents they use can actually make another person ill," they said.

Ingredients of Concern

According to the EWG, the following ingredients are the most harmful ones to watch out for:

Butylated Hydroxytoluene: Cancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Propylene Glycol: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Methylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Tetrasodium EDTA: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Propylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns

PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate: Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Diazolidinyl Urea: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Tocopheryl Acetate: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Octyl Methoxycinnamate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Octyl Salicylate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns

Disodium EDTA: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Polyquaternium-10: Harmful Impurities, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Ceteareth-12: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Ceteareth-20: Safety Violations, Harmful Impurities, Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Triethanolamine: Cancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns

Benzophenone-3: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Sodium Laureth Sulfate: Penetration Enhancer, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Lactic Acid: Safety Violations, Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Benzyl Alcohol: Allergies & Other Health Concerns
Ethylparaben: Allergies & Other Health Concerns

What to do if Fragrances Bother You

If you notice that you feel ill when exposed to fragrances, you're probably better off seeking out fragrance-free varieties of all your personal care items, or at least choosing products that don't contain synthetic fragrance. Check out our safe skin care page for a variety of skin care items that don't contain synthetic fragrances or additives.

Also, let your family members, coworkers and other people you see on a daily basis (and who wear fragrance that makes you feel ill) know that the chemicals in their perfume/cologne, etc. have this effect on you. Most people will understand and refrain from using the product around you -- but be prepared to stand your ground if someone insists that they must wear their favorite fragrance.

Recommended Reading

Warning: Certain Smells May Make You a Dangerous Driver (Really!)

The Toxic Chemicals Most Linked to Depression

Sources

Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Report

Business and Local Reports: Your Cologne is Making Me Sick!

Fragrance Sensitivity