If you have been shopping lately, you may agree that fragrance is in just about every products on and off the shelves. Fragrance permeates what seems to be our entire life, even products that are labeled "unscented" contain fragrance that is masked. But have you ever asked yourself what created the scent you are smelling?

Fragrances/perfumes that used to be made from natural ingredients like flowers and herbs are now made from all synthetic ingredients, many of which are listed on the EPA's Hazardous Waste List. The National Academy of Sciences reports that 95% of the chemicals used in fragrant products are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum that includes known toxins that can cause cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders, asthma and allergic reactions. (Medical News Today, 23 Dec. 2006, “Chemical Sensitivities and Perfume).

A sample of these compounds includes benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, a-pinene, g-terpinene and a-terpineol. Studies have shown over and over that fragrant products emit dozens of different chemicals, including some regulated as toxic or hazardous under federal law, yet none of the potentially toxic chemicals are listed on the product labels. However you will find them hidden under the word "fragrance"

Although the FDA and the Consumer Products Safety Commission handle cosmetics, cosmetics are not required to undergo safety testing prior to entering the market, and the ingredients used in fragrance formulas do not have to be disclosed even to regulatory agencies, although a warning label is required if safety has not been established (I have never seen a warning label, have you?).

For years secrecy was required to protect fragrance formulas from being copied. Formulas are considered ‘trade secrets’ and therefore, do not have to be revealed to anyone, including regulatory agencies. While the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) is responsible for testing substances, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) recommends practices, but compliance with recommendations are voluntary and rarely monitored. simply put, this industry is basically self-regulating.

Test Your Fragrance Knowledge


1. Did you know that many of the ingredients in your perfume are the exact same ingredients found in gasoline?



2. Did you know that fragrances are just as toxic as tobacco and equally as damaging to health?



3. Did you know that exposure to fragrance chemicals may result in dangerous and painful asthma attacks?



4. Did you know that The National Academy of Sciences reports that 95% of the chemicals used in fragrances today are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum?



5. Did you know that the fragrance industry is unregulated and does not have to disclose what is in their products, except to say fragrance?



6. Did you know that six hundred or more chemical ingredients may be used in a single scent?



7. Did you know that like tobacco, fragrances can cause weakness, dizziness, headaches, rashes, swollen lymph glands, muscle aches, heart palpitations, nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and seizures?



8. Did you know that most of the chemical used to make fragrance product are only tested for skin irritation and not safety?