Fragrances

Fragrances and perfumes are dangerous to our health In the last few years, the usage of fragrances have dramatically increased. In restrooms we are now subjected to strong fragrances, that are sent out from dispensers with fans or pressurized bottles. Some women put enormous amounts of this stuff on them, causing other people to get sore eyes and throats, and men overuse cologne and after shave.

Fragrances are added to cleaners, detergents and fabric softeners, burned in potpourri and used to deaden our sense of smell in so-called "air fresheners."

Do you know what fragrances are made from? Oil! They are petrochemicals, and many of them are known to be toxic or even cancerous. Many more have never been tested whether they are toxic or not. The fragrance industry is not well regulated, so the manufacturers can almost put what they want in their wares.

In the fifties, smoking was not considered very dangerous, and the tobacco companies certainly did not tell publicly what they knew. Hopefully it won't take that long for us to wise up on fragrances.

The label on some bathroom "air fresheners" state:

Warning: Concentrated spray may irritate eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Aim spray to avoid exposure. Use only in an area with constant supply of fresh air. Avoid inhaling spray mist or vapor.

Skin contact: Wash affected area with soap and water, if any ill effects continue, or develop later, get prompt medical attention. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Not the sort of label one would put on a harmless substance. You can see for yourself on these labels (190 KB) from two automatic spray dispensers found in restrooms. Of course, I had to take the dispenser apart, they are not displayed where the public can see then.

So what chemicals are there in the myriad of fragrances used? The manufacturers are not happy to tell, but the EPA have looked into it by commissioning two reports. Activist Julia Kendall (1935 - 1997) has written an article that puts the data into perspective.

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