Fragrance Products: Eds, A Hidden Danger?

Many people with Ehlers-Danlos have adverse reactions to fragrances. In fact, millions of people report adverse reactions to perfumes and fragrances.

Perfumes and fragrances are often made from a multitude of chemicals, many of which are considered toxic. These chemicals can be dangerous when inhaled or applied to the skin.

Some common chemicals found in fragrances include acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues such as central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, uncoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract, kidney damage, headaches, respiratory failure, and even cancer.

It is important to note that the fragrance industry is primarily self-regulated, and safety testing is not required before marketing. Therefore, it is crucial to be cautious when using products containing fragrances and to choose fragrance-free options whenever possible.

The dangers of synthetic fragrances

Synthetic fragrances are derived from petrochemicals, with up to 95% of the chemicals used being sourced from petroleum (crude oil). These synthetic compounds are dangerous when inhaled or applied to the skin. They can also be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.

Health risks

Synthetic fragrances contain numerous toxic chemicals, including:

• Benzene derivatives (carcinogenic)
• Aldehydes
• Toluene
• Phthalates
• Styrene
• Acetone
• Benzyl acetate
• Benzyl alcohol
• Camphor
• Ethanol
• Ethyl acetate
• Limonene
• Linalool
• Methylene chloride
• Pinene
• Terpineol
• Terpinene

These chemicals are linked to a range of health issues, including:

• Allergies and allergic reactions
• Respiratory distress
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Brain fog
• Migraines
• Skin problems
• Asthma attacks
• Neurological problems
• Cognitive problems
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Cardiovascular problems
• Immune system problems
• Allergic and toxic bodily reactions
• Central nervous system disorders
• Cancer
• Birth defects
• Endocrine disruption
• Neurotoxicity
• Infertility
• Miscarriage
• Child behaviour disorders
• Learning disabilities
• Mental retardation
• Hyperactivity
• Attention deficit disorders

Where are they found?

Synthetic fragrances are found in a wide range of products, including:

• Body care and cosmetic products
• Air fresheners
• Cleaning materials
• Laundry detergents
• Shampoos
• Lotions
• Deodorants
• Soaps
• Candles
• Perfumes
• Colognes
• Hair spray
• Laundry bleach
• Detergents
• Vaseline
• Fabric softeners
• Dishwashing liquids
• Nail enamel removers
• Shaving cream
• Bar soap
• Dishwasher detergent
• Hair products

How to avoid them

To avoid the dangers of synthetic fragrances, it is recommended to:

• Live with fewer fragrances in general
• Avoid any product that lists fragrance, parfum, phthalate, DEP, DBP or DEHP as an ingredient
• Use products that contain organic essential oils
• Buy certified organic products
• Use fresh herbs, flowers and potted plants to scent your home or office
• Make your own homemade cleaning and laundry products
• Choose fragrance-free or unscented products
• Buy from companies that fully disclose how their products are scented

Regulatory issues

The fragrance industry is primarily self-regulated, and safety testing is not required before marketing. In the US, manufacturers can legally hide hundreds of synthetic chemicals under the one word "fragrance" without revealing specific ingredients. This is referred to as a "trade secret". The US government demands a high level of proof of harm, making it difficult to implement change. However, many other countries, including the EU, Canada, South Korea, Japan and China, have banned phthalates from cosmetics.

The chemicals used in fragrance products

Perfumes, colognes, and scented products like candles, air fresheners, and laundry detergents, often contain an abundance of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, neurotoxins, respiratory irritants, solvents, aldehydes, petro-chemicals, phthalates, narcotics, acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride.

These chemicals can cause a range of adverse health effects when inhaled or applied to the skin, including central nervous system disorders, dizziness, nausea, uncoordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, irritation to the mouth, throat, eyes, skin, lungs, and GI tract, kidney damage, headache, respiratory failure, ataxia, and fatigue.

In addition, prolonged exposure to certain chemicals found in fragrances, such as petroleum-based chemicals, has been linked to significant negative effects on the nervous system and immune system. Illnesses associated with prolonged exposure include adult and child cancers, neurological disorders, immune system weakening, autoimmune disorders, asthma, allergies, infertility, miscarriage, and child behavior disorders, including learning disabilities and mental retardation.

It is important to note that fragrance products are largely self-regulated by the fragrance industry, and safety testing is not required before marketing. This means that many of the chemical ingredients in these products have never been tested for their potential toxicity to humans.

While some people may only experience mild annoyance from exposure to fragrances, for others, it can be a form of torment that triggers debilitating symptoms. For example, exposure to fragrances can exacerbate conditions like asthma and multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS), a condition characterized by multiple symptoms in multiple organ systems.

Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the potential risks associated with fragrance products and to consider the impact on individuals with conditions like EDS who may be particularly sensitive to these chemicals.

The lack of regulation in the fragrance industry

The fragrance industry has long been shrouded in secrecy, with manufacturers guarding their formulas closely. However, this lack of transparency has also contributed to a lack of regulation, allowing the industry to prioritise profits over consumer safety.

The current system for fragrance safety is entirely run by the industry itself, with the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) setting standards and their research arm, the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), facilitating safety reviews. This inherent conflict of interest means that the body responsible for determining the safety of fragrances is governed by the world's largest fragrance sellers, who have a financial interest in ensuring their products are deemed safe.

While IFRA has published a Code of Practice with voluntary standards for manufacturers, compliance is not enforced, and there is little to no monitoring of these standards internationally. This is especially concerning given that fragrances are made up of hundreds of ingredients, many of which are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum and considered toxic.

The health risks associated with exposure to fragrance products are well-documented. A 1991 study by the EPA identified numerous chemicals commonly used in fragrance products, including acetone, benzaldehyde, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, camphor, ethanol, ethyl acetate, limonene, linalool, and methylene chloride. Exposure to these chemicals, especially through inhalation, can cause a range of adverse health effects, from central nervous system disorders and dizziness to nausea, uncoordination, and respiratory failure.

In addition, the lack of regulation in the fragrance industry has led to a lack of transparency on product labels. Fragrance ingredients are often listed simply as "fragrance" without disclosing the potentially hundreds of chemicals within the fragrance. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices and avoid products that may contain harmful chemicals.

The impact of this lack of regulation is far-reaching. Millions of people report adverse reactions to perfumes and fragrances, with exposure exacerbating health conditions such as asthma, allergies, migraines, and chronic lung disease. The fragrance industry's failure to prioritise consumer safety over profits has resulted in widespread health concerns and a lack of trust in the safety of their products.

While there have been some recent efforts towards increased transparency and regulation, such as the European Commission's proposal to increase the number of ingredients labelled as possible allergens, the industry has largely pushed back against these changes. Ultimately, the lack of independent regulatory oversight in the fragrance industry has led to a situation where consumer health is not adequately protected, and the onus is on consumers to avoid potentially harmful products.

The health effects of fragrance exposure

Fragrances are often associated with positive experiences and attractive odours. However, the potential health effects of fragrance exposure are a growing concern, with millions reporting adverse reactions to perfumes and fragrances. This is because fragrances often contain various chemicals considered toxic, including crude oil or turpentine oil, and their synthetic compounds, derived from petroleum, include benzene derivatives, aldehydes, and other toxins and sensitisers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions.

Short-term health effects of fragrance exposure include allergic or inflammatory responses, such as itchy/watery eyes, congestion, a runny nose, throat irritation, coughing or wheezing. For people with lung disease, particularly asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there can be wheezing, shortness of breath or other underlying symptoms. Fragrance exposure can also cause heart rate or blood pressure changes.

Long-term health effects of fragrance exposure may include difficulty breathing, changes in cardiac function, disruption to the endocrine system, increases in glucose levels, possible exacerbation of dementia, and certain cancers, with high, prolonged, continuous exposure to some compounds.

People who work in environments where they are continuously exposed to fragrances, such as the cleaning industry, cosmetics industry or agriculture industry, are at the highest risk of fragrance exposure's adverse health effects. However, anyone can be impacted by fragrances, and many people can relate to coughing or sneezing when walking through the fragrance section of a department store.

Overall, the potential health effects of fragrance exposure are a cause for concern, and more research is needed to fully understand the impact of these chemical combinations. In the meantime, it is important to take precautions to lessen the impact of fragrance exposure, such as wearing a mask, reducing time spent in fragranced environments, increasing ventilation and using exhaust fans, and choosing unscented products when possible.

The difference between fragrance types (e.g. EDT, EDP, etc.)

The difference between fragrance types such as EDT, EDP, etc., lies in the concentration of essential oils or 'aromatic' compounds diluted with water and alcohol. These varying concentrations give the perfumes different purposes and prices.

Parfum, or pure perfume, is the strongest and longest-lasting concentration, with 20-30% scented perfume ingredients. It is the most expensive and only a small amount is needed. Eau de Parfum (EDP) contains a slightly lower percentage of fragrance compounds, averaging 15-20%. It is still a high-grade perfume with significant strength and staying power, and is more affordable than parfum.

Eau de Toilette (EDT) sits in the middle of the concentration scale with 5-15% perfume content. It is typically French, developed from the French culture of morning pampering and grooming, and its middling strength is good for everyday use. Eau de Cologne (EDC) contains a high-grade fragrance with strong, refreshing head notes, but at a lower percentage of up to 8%. Its focus is on using fine, natural ingredients.

For even lighter options, there is Eau de Cologne, with 2-4% oil, or Eau Fraiche, with 1-3%. Eau Fraiche is often chosen for its freshness, despite its shorter duration.

The different fragrance types are suited to different occasions and preferences. EDT is often chosen for everyday wear, while EDP is reserved for evenings or special occasions, as it has a bigger impact and lasts longer.

Frequently asked questions