Avoid artificial fragrances

Wednesday, September 21, 2011 by: Danna Norek
Tags: fragrance, chemicals, health news

(NaturalNews) We live in a world where we are bombarded with artificially scented products. The chemicals that are often used to formulate these fragrances are toxic to the human body over time.

There are many people who are allergic to heavy scents. This is because these often contain chemicals that cause irritation to the nose, eyes and throat. These chemicals are found in artificially scented air fresheners, soaps, detergents and cleaners, deodorants, lotions, perfumes and other common products.

Many of the chemicals used to formulate certain aromas are actually petrochemicals. Petrochemicals are derived from natural gas and petroleum. Benzene, toluene, xylenes, and methanol are some of the common petrochemicals used in these aromatic concoctions.

It is estimated that 95% of the synthetic fragrances on the market today are derived from petroleum by-products. Trademarked scent is protected by the law as a "trade secret". These types of protected fragrances are not required to list the concoction of chemicals on the product label. They are only required to list the term "fragrance".

Petrochemicals are like many of the other ingredients in synthetic fragrance in that they build in the body over time. Petroleum by-products are used in pesticides, plastics, detergents, soaps, and much more. Repeated exposure has been linked to endocrine disruption and several types of cancer.

Chemicals from the phthalate family are also commonly found in synthetic fragrances. They go by the names Di-ethyl phthalate (DEP), Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) and Benzyl butyl phthalate.

Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors and suspected carcinogens. They are often used in perfumes and body care products such as scented lotions. They are inhaled as well as absorbed through the skin. The chemicals enter the blood stream and are absorbed into the body via the lungs.

One study linked Di-ethyl phthalate to developmental abnormalities in the fetuses of exposed mothers. It has also been linked to later learning disabilities in children of exposed mothers.

Other studies have shown that repeated use of synthetically fragranced air fresheners, cleaners and detergents produce toxic chemical interactions. The air can be contaminated by the interactions of these types of products.

A recent news story drives this point home. An elderly woman lost her life after a toxic blend of cleaning chemicals was used in the bathroom of a fast food restaurant. Several others exposed were hospitalized.

The process by which some of the synthetic fragrances on the market are made also produces unintended toxic chemical offspring. Often times toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, dioxin and other volatile chemicals are produced from their interaction.

The human sense of smell is powerful. Consumers love a product that transports their senses elsewhere or evokes certain emotions. Companies that produce consumer products know this. They capitalize on the emotions that go with smell. The production of artificially scented products has increased substantially just over the past few decades.

With this increase we've also seen a leap in allergies. This is not surprising considering thousands of chemicals are used to make these synthetic scents. Common symptoms of exposure include ear, nose and throat irritation, nausea and headaches.

Read the labels of the products you buy. If you see any of the mentioned chemicals, then try going for a natural alternative. If something is heavily scented, it is probably wise to avoid it. Also avoid products where the list of ingredients is a mile long and contains multiple unrecognizable chemical names.

Sources:
http://www.ewg.org/notsosexy
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrochemical
http://ecologycenter.org/erc/petroleum/body....


About the author:
Danna Norek founded AuraSensory.com. Product line includes an MSM & Vitamin C Ester Hydrating & Brightening Face Cream and all natural plumping Hyaluronic Acid Serum (greatly increases skin's moisture retention), Sulfate Free Natural Shine Enhancing Shampoo and Deep Hydration Conditioner, a very effective natural deodorant, and other body care. Visit to learn more about what chemicals & ingredients to avoid in your beauty and personal care products at AuraSensory.com .