Healthy Friday: The serious health hazards of synthetic fragrances
Many people try to mask unpleasant smells in their environment by covering them with pleasant smells. However, the immediate and long-term effects of exposure to synthetic fragrances are hazardous to our health.
Adding a ‘pleasant’ smelling chemical to our bodies and air will not only affect our own health, but the health of the other people and pets who share the space with us.
Experts have long been warning us about the potential dangers of synthetic ingredients in strong perfumes that last all day and that in some cases cause headaches, sneezing and nausea.
The serious health hazards of synthetic fragrances
It’s not just sensitive people who have stopped using scents. Synthetic scents are potentially harmful to our bodies because our systems don’t recognize them.
About 95 percent of chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum (crude oil). They include benzene derivatives (carcinogenic), aldehydes, toluene and many other known toxic chemicals linked to cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.
Some of the worst toxic ingredients used in lotions, shampoos, laundry detergents and cleaning products include synthetic scents that are often listed on labels as the elusive “fragrance”. Many of these ingredients are known or suspected endocrine disrupters, compounds that interfere with hormonal health and that can trigger weight gain and diseases decades later.
Even washing clothes in detergents and fabric softeners containing fragrances releases toxic chemicals onto the skin and into the air all day long. At night, sleeping in pyjamas and on sheets washed in the same toxic materials has the same effect. Because of this, people are awash in fragrances 24 hours a day.
A survey of selected scented consumer goods showed the products emitted more than 100 volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including some that are classified as toxic or hazardous.
Secondhand fragrance
When people go to a public place, they are sharing what is now being called “secondhand fragrance”. This is the combination of harmful chemicals being released into the public air space from air fresheners, cleaning products, and scented candles, plus all the products people are wearing (from hair spray, shampoo, clothes, to perfume, etc).
Everyone is involuntarily breathing contaminated air even if they choose to not wear fragranced products. It’s time to prioritise human health, not economic interest.
What is wrong with a beautiful fragrance?
Nothing, if it is a genuine and authentic plant derived, unadulterated essential oil or an organic, wild crafted scent oil. These oils have been effectively used for fragrance throughout history. However, since World War II, inexpensive, synthetic chemicals have been used to produce fragrances that are abundantly available and very toxic.
What can you do?
The best way to influence the fragrance industry is at the till – this will ultimately provide the impetus for change in the marketplace. Be proactive and only buy products that are unscented or contain pure, safe, essential oils. Even just removing all products with fragrance as an ingredient will immediately improve the air quality in your home. Take charge of your family’s health and well being. Get rid of these synthetics.
