Picture a Fragrance by any other Name

Discover Why Fragrances Can Be Harmful
What Makes Up Fragrances?

Ninety-five percent of the chemicals used in fragrances are petroleum-based synthetic compounds. Listed here are some principal chemicals found in scented products and the health risks that can be involved, according to one or more hazardous waste lists.

Acetone can be found in cologne, dishwashing liquid and detergent, and nail enamel remover. When inhaled, it can cause mild central nervous system disturbances[/link] such as dizziness, nausea, incoordination, slurred speech, and drowsiness. It can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and skin.

alpha-Pinene is used in bar and liquid soap, cologne, perfume, shaving cream, deodorant, dishwashing liquid, and air freshener. It can be a moderate irritant to skin, eyes, and mucus membranes.

alpha-Terpineol is used in perfume, cologne, laundry detergent, bleach powder, laundry bleach, fabric softener, stick air freshener, Vaseline lotion, cologne, soap, hair spray, after shave, and roll-on deodorant. It can be highly irritating to mucus membranes and can also cause excitement, loss of muscular coordination, hypothermia, central nervous system and respiratory depression, and headache.

Benzyl Acetate can be found in perfume, cologne, shampoo, fabric softener, stick air freshener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, soap, hair spray, bleach, aftershave, and deodorant. The vapors from this chemical can be irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory passages.

Benzyl Alcohol can be found in perfume, cologne, soap, shampoo, nail enamel remover, air freshener, laundry bleach and detergent, Vaseline lotion, deodorant, and fabric softener. It can be irritating to the upper respiratory tract, skin, eyes, and mucus membranes. It can cause headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and drops in blood pressure.

Benzaldehyde can be found in perfume, cologne, hair spray, laundry bleach, deodorant, detergent, Vaseline lotion, shaving cream, shampoo, bar soap, and dishwasher detergent. It may cause irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract. It may also cause nausea, abdominal pain, depression and contact dermatitis.

Camphor can be found in perfume, shaving cream, nail enamel, fabric softener, dishwasher detergent, nail color, and stick air freshener. Since it is readily absorbed through body tissues, it can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat. It is recommended to avoid inhalation of the vapors because it can cause dizziness, confusion, nausea, twitching muscles, and convulsions.

Ethanol is used in perfume, hair spray, shampoo, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid and detergent, laundry detergent, shaving cream, soap, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, nail color and remover, and paint and varnish remover. One of its symptoms can be fatigue and it can irritate the eyes and upper respiratory tract. It can also cause a central nervous system disorder.

Ethyl Acetate is often found in aftershave, cologne, perfume, shampoo, nail color, nail enamel remover, fabric softener, and dishwashing liquid. It can cause irritation of the eyes, mucus membranes, gums, and respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged contact can cause drying and cracking of the skin.

g-Terpinene can be found in cologne, perfume, soap, shaving cream, deodorant, and air freshener. It can cause asthma and central nervous system disorders.

Limonene is used in perfume, cologne, disinfectant spray, bar soap, shaving cream, deodorant, nail color and remover, fabric softener, dishwashing liquid, air fresheners, aftershave, bleach, paint, and varnish remover. Its vapor can irritate the eyes, mucus membranes, and upper respiratory tract. It also can cause an allergic skin reaction.

Linalool can be found in perfume, cologne, bar soap, shampoo, hand lotion, nail enamel remover, hair spray, laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, Vaseline lotion, air fresheners, bleach powder, fabric softener, shaving cream, aftershave, and solid deodorant. It can attract bees, so if you are allergic to bee stings, stay away from products that contain it. The most abundant chemical in perfume and fragrance products, it is known to cause lethargy, depression, and life threatening respiratory effects.

Testing & ResearchMost fragrance chemicals are not tested for safety. The tests that have been conducted are those relating to skin sensitivities. Very little testing has been done on the respiratory effects of fragrance materials even though most are volatile organic compounds and respiratory exposure is significant.

If fragrance chemicals affect your health, the Health & Environment Resource Center recommends reporting adverse reactions to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
For additional information on fragrances, please refer to the collected Internet links.