The Safety of the Chemicals in Perfume

As one of the least regulated industries, the fragrance industry utilizes more than 3,000 stock chemicals, of which the consumer is rarely made aware. While perfumes are made from natural essences, they are also composed of synthetic petrochemicals. The safety of these chemicals is undetermined in many cases. Additionally, many chemicals are kept secret from the consumer, making it very difficult to make informed decisions. Natural oils and organic fragrances are typically the best options to avoid chemicals.

Lack of Evaluation

• It is very difficult to determine the safety of many of the chemicals used in perfumes because most of them have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, the International Fragrance Association's safety panel as well as other public institutions have not published any studies regarding perfume chemical safety.The fragrance industry has, however, published safety assessments for 34 percent of perfume chemicals that are not listed in perfume ingredient lists, but this still leaves many chemicals unaccounted for.

Unlisted Chemicals

• Perfumes are not required to provide a list of ingredients due to a loophole in the law. This is the result of an exemption in the Federal Fair Packaging and Labeling Act of 1973. This law requires that cosmetic companies provide a list of ingredients on their product labels or packaging. However, the fragrance industry is exempt from this law. Many people wear perfume every day without adverse side effects; however, the consumer is largely unaware of potential risks due to unlisted chemicals and ingredients. The average perfume contains 14 chemicals that are not listed.

Types of Chemicals

• Of the 3,000 chemicals that the fragrance industry utilizes to make perfume and other scented products, 900 are toxic, as reported by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health. These toxic substances include carcinogens and chemicals such as diethyl phthalate and musk ketone. Diethyl phthalate is a chemical that builds up in human tissue over time, and is found in 97 percent of Americans. It is linked to sperm damage. Similarly, musk ketone is found in high concentrations in human fat tissue, including breast milk.

Toxic Effects

• Many of the chemicals found in perfumes are not good for overall health when used on a daily basis. In addition to being one of the leading causes of allergies, sensitization and irritation, these chemicals can also have negative effects on the skin, mucus membranes and the respiratory tract when inhaled or absorbed. The nervous and reproductive systems may also be affected. Chemicals in perfume have been linked to hormone disruption and damage to sperm. Perfumes are not good for pregnant and nursing mothers as long-term exposure to chemicals in perfumes can cause health and developmental problems for developing fetuses.