The Hidden Dangers of Fragrance: What You Need to Know
I’ve always hated fragrances.
Even as a young teen. I always found them too overpowering for my olfactory sense and naturally avoided them in products whenever I could. Just thinking of Febreze sprays or Air Wick air “fresheners” makes me nauseous. Nothing fresh about those, that’s for sure.
Little did I know I was onto something quite early on, now that we have the research to show us the effects of these fragrances on our health.
Bath & Body Works, I’m coming for you.
When it comes to personal care and cleaning products, a distinctive scent is often achieved through the inclusion of one or more "fragrance" chemicals. These chemicals, totalling over 3,500 according to the International Fragrance Association, play a crucial role in giving products their unique smells. However, what many consumers may not realise is that some of these fragrance ingredients come with serious health risks, and manufacturers are not obligated to disclose them on product labels.
Fragrance: A Blend of Natural and Synthetics
From eau de parfum/toilette to scented household cleaners, fragrance is omnipresent in numerous products. While some scents may have natural origins, the majority are a combination of synthetic chemicals, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. Unfortunately, these chemicals are often shielded under the umbrella terms "fragrance", "perfume", "parfum", or "aroma" and companies are not even required to reveal the specific ingredients due to trade secret considerations.
Exposure Levels: Fragrance is everywhere
The average adult uses around 12 personal care products daily, exposing themselves to a significant amount of fragrance. Whether it's from our own product usage or our surroundings, almost everyone in the western world encounters fragrances weekly. Look into your cupboards and bathroom cabinet and you will find that most of the products have some variant of the term "fragrance" in their descriptions. Moreover, masking agents labeled as "unscented" can still contain fragrance chemicals to mask underlying odours!
Health and Environmental Implications
Fragrance chemicals aren't without consequences. They have been identified as disruptors of the endocrine system, negatively influencing hormonal balance and potentially contributing to reproductive issues. Certain compounds, such as phthalates found in fragrances, have been linked to adverse impacts on the reproductive system. Additionally, substances like styrene, present in fragrance formulations, are associated with cancer risks. Beyond these specific health concerns, fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, affecting both children and adults. Additionally, these chemicals contribute to environmental issues, generating volatile organic compounds that cause ozone pollution and form fine particulates. As consumers become more aware of these potential hazards, there is a growing need for greater transparency in labelling and increased regulation to ensure the safety of products in the marketplace.
Minimising Exposure: Practical Steps
If, like me, you’re concerned about fragrance exposure, you can keep in mind these simple tips:
Pure Essential oils are usually okay. Keep in mind they might still cause allergic reactions in rare cases, but they do not have the hormonal disruption effect of the synthetic man-made fragrances. Make sure it is 100% pure and not a cheap blend with other fragrances.
Slowly reduce and eliminate the products that contain fragrances one by one. Start with personal care products you apply directly on your skin: face cream, body cream, hand cream, lip balm, etc. Those get absorbed into the skin straight into your system.
Avoid relying solely on "unscented" claims: The term doesn't guarantee the absence of allergenic chemicals. Always check the full ingredient list.
Be vigilant with non-personal care products: Fragrance are usually present in most household cleaners and air fresheners. Ditch the fake scents and opt for natural cleaning products and an essential oil diffuser instead.
By staying informed and making conscious choices, you can navigate the world of fragrances with your health and your family’s wellbeing in mind.