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from Natural Life Magazine, September/October
2002 Perfume, according to marketing claims, will help us attract a romantic partner and make us feel sexier. And indeed, scents have the ability to alter mood and trigger powerful memories. Research indicates the sense of smell impacts not only psychological but physical health as well. But an increasing number of people – including health care practitioners – are beginning to think that there’s nothing sexy, or healthy, about spraying yourself with toxic chemicals. Certain fragrances and their chemical constituents can trigger an allergic, rather than an aphrodisiac, response. Hexachlorophene acetyl-ethyl tetra- methyl-tetralin, zinc pyridenethione butanol toluene benzal chloride methylene chloride and limonene– many of the ingredients currently used by the fragrance industry are hazardous. More than 5,000 different fragrances are used in perfumes and skin products, in hundreds of chemical combinations, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. But because the chemical formulas of fragrances are considered trade secrets, companies aren’t required to list their ingredients. In 1986, the National Academy of Sciences targeted fragrances as one of the six categories of chemicals that should be given high priority for neurotoxicity testing. The other groups include insecticides, heavy metals, solvents, food additives and certain air pollutants. The report states that 95 percent of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and many other known toxics and sensitizers. Among the commonly-used chemicals used in perfumes are propylene glycol, which is considered an immumotoxic chemical; cyclohexanol, which has a depressive action on the central nervous system; linalool, which has been shown to provoke ataxic gait, depression and respiratory disturbances; methyl ethyl ketone, which can induce . . . To read the rest of this article, and all of our current and back issues, subscribe to our digital edition. Wendy Priesnitz is the Editor of Natural Life Magazine and a journalist with 30 years of experience. She has also authored nine books. Read her blog. |
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