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Fragrances and Health

Most wouldn't be so keen on using these fragrances if they knew that these synthetic smells are made from that dark brown slimy stuff that comes out of the ground or the sea - crude oil. If this isn't enough, then consider that the overuse of fragrances is also a health hazard. Many manufactured chemicals that are used in these fragrances are known to be toxic. And, as is the case with household cleaners and paint, the 'secret' ingredients are likely to remain a secret for the consumer, because the manufacturers don't have to list the chemicals on the product's label.

Many of the fragrance ingredients are yet to be scientifically tested for their health risks. A large number, however, have been found to be toxic and cause cancer in animals. Much more is known about the symptoms some of these chemicals can generate in humans. Irritations to the eyes and the mucous membranes of nose and throat head the list again. But, because many of the fragrant products are for personal care, skin complaints are also very common. The health effect doesn't have to be immediate, though. A person that is exposed to the same fragrant for a lengthy time may develop an allergy to a particular ingredient, or the person can become sensitized to several of the ingredients and may develop Multiple Chemical Sensitivity. Most of the products that are bought for their fragrant properties contain solvents as well. While in some cases the chemical that is responsible for the smell may not be the trigger of health problems, the solvent, however, can be.

In the last few years, the use of fragrances turned into a frenzy - and that is putting it mildly. Women and men have to 'wear' a certain perfume or after shave as part of their outfit. Supermarkets entice their customers to shop wildly with the synthetic, but mouth-licking, aroma of freshly cooked or baked food.

The squirt from a bottle of air freshener isn't good enough anymore, now we need 24-hour fragrance dispensers that plug into an electric socket. Between the books on shelves are ceramic pots filled with potpourri and synthetic oils. If you don't know how a rainforest smells, use a particular brand of toilet paper. Can you find personal care or household items that don't have fragrances added to them? Hardly.