Antonio Mcgowan
Many people enjoy wearing perfume or cologne, but these scents can be sickening to others, causing headaches, rashes, sneezing, and nausea. Beyond these immediate effects, there is evidence that some perfumes may have more serious long-term health effects. One of the main toxins in perfumes is phthalates, which are known to be hormone disruptors and can interfere with thyroid function. A study published in Environment International found that exposure to phthalates in childhood was associated with lower thyroid function in three-year-old girls, while other studies have linked phthalates exposure to lower IQ, asthma, and mental development issues. While there is not yet sufficient data to form homogeneous guidelines, the thyroid is very sensitive to disruptors, and the topic should be considered a priority, especially given the importance of correct thyroid function for physical and cognitive functioning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Toxins in perfumes | Phthalates |
| Effect of phthalates on thyroid | May cause lowered thyroid function |
| Affected by phthalates | Girls and women |
| Symptoms of thyroid issues | Fatigue, hair loss, poor lung function, sperm issues |
| Thyroid function | Controls proper brain development |
| Thyroid issues | Hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism |
| Endocrine disruptors | Chemicals that interfere with the body's normal hormonal functions |
| Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) | Synthetic fragrances, phthalates |
| Thyroid-disrupting chemicals | Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) |
| Thyroid-related problems | More common among women than men |
| Harmful chemicals | Triclosan, DEA (diethanolamine), MEA (monoethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine), formaldehyde, ammonia, PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), BPA, PVA, phthalates, pesticides, germicides, preservatives, fluoride, VOCs (volatile organic compounds), flame retardants, benzene, perchloroethylene, aerosol sprays, chlorine |
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What You'll Learn
Phthalates in perfume are endocrine disruptors
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that controls metabolism. It is part of the endocrine system, which is responsible for regulating the body's critical functions, including the central nervous system, heart rate, breathing, and fertility. The endocrine system maintains the balance of hormones, which control everything from growth and development to metabolism and mood.
Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds commonly used in fragrance formulations to enhance the flexibility, durability, and longevity of various products. They are also used in plastics, cosmetics, and personal care products. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, which means they interfere with the body's normal hormonal functions. They can bind to hormone receptors, block normal hormone production, or mimic hormones, leading to a range of health issues.
Studies have linked phthalates to a range of potential health risks, including endocrine disruption. Phthalates can interfere with the endocrine system by mimicking hormones and tricking the body. This can lead to confusion within the body's natural hormone balance. Endocrine disruption can have far-reaching effects on overall health and well-being, as the endocrine system plays a crucial role in regulating growth, metabolism, reproduction, and mood.
Due to the potential risks of phthalates, consumers are increasingly demanding phthalate-free alternatives. By understanding the dangers of endocrine disruptors, individuals can make informed choices about the products they use. Opting for fragrance-free or phthalate-free fragrances is a wise decision to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.
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Synthetic fragrances are harmful to the thyroid
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that controls our metabolism. It is responsible for regulating critical functions, including the central nervous system, heart rate, breathing, and fertility. As the thyroid is very sensitive to the action of disruptors, it is crucial to address the impact of synthetic fragrances on thyroid function.
Synthetic fragrances are often listed as simply ""fragrance" on product labels, which can be a code for thousands of different chemicals. These chemicals can include phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors. Phthalates can interfere with the body's normal hormonal functions by increasing the production of certain hormones while decreasing others. This interference can lead to an imbalance in the thyroid hormones Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), resulting in conditions such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Exposure to phthalates at an early age, particularly during childhood, has been linked to lowered thyroid function in young girls.
The President's Cancer Panel report from 2010 identified synthetic fragrances and phthalates as two of the most potent endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) commonly found in everyday beauty products. These chemicals can also be present in other household items such as shampoos, nail polish, plastic toys, and building materials. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found that pesticides tracked indoors can remain in carpets and flooring for years, contributing to indoor air pollution.
To reduce the risk of exposing yourself to EDCs and potential thyroid problems, it is advisable to avoid products with vague ingredient lists that only mention "fragrance." Opt for natural alternatives, such as perfumes made with essential oils and natural ingredients. Additionally, eliminate other toxins from your life, such as food additives and chemical-laden detergents, cleansers, and salon products. By taking these precautionary measures, you can support your thyroid health and overall well-being.
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The thyroid is sensitive to endocrine disruptors
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that controls metabolism and is part of the endocrine system. It is responsible for regulating critical bodily functions, including the central nervous system, heart rate, breathing, and fertility. As such, correct thyroid function is crucial for several biological functions, including the cardiovascular, osteo-muscular, cognitive, and immune systems.
One of the most common endocrine disruptors is phthalates, which are commonly found in perfumes, as well as in shampoos, nail polish, plastic toys, and household materials. Exposure to phthalates can lead to lower thyroid function, particularly in young girls. A study published in the journal Environment International found that exposure to phthalates in childhood was associated with lower levels of active thyroid function in 3-year-old girls. Phthalates have also been linked to other health issues, including asthma during childhood, mental development issues, and lower IQ at a young age.
Other endocrine disruptors to be aware of include perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), which have been used in industrial production settings, and synthetic fragrances, which are often listed as simply "fragrance" on product labels. To reduce exposure to endocrine disruptors, it is recommended to choose natural products that use essential oils as fragrances and to avoid products with vague ingredient lists.
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Exposure to phthalates at a young age can harm thyroid function
The thyroid is a hormone-producing gland that controls metabolism and is responsible for regulating critical functions such as the central nervous system, heart rate, breathing, and fertility. The thyroid maintains two hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), which need to be balanced. Too much T3 and T4 in the body can cause hyperthyroidism, and too little can cause hypothyroidism. Both conditions may put anyone at risk for certain serious illnesses.
Phthalates are widely used chemicals, and human exposure is extensive. They are known to be endocrine disruptors, which interfere with the body's normal hormonal functions by increasing the production of certain hormones while decreasing the production of others. A recent study found that the more phthalates you have in your body, the less thyroid hormone you’re likely to make, which can lead to symptoms like fatigue and hair loss.
Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the effects of phthalate exposure on thyroid function in both adults and children. One study examined phthalate exposure and health effects in 845 iodine-sufficient Danish children aged 4–9 years, detecting phthalate metabolites in all urine samples. Another study published in the journal Environment International looked at 229 pregnant women and 229 children who were three years old, finding that exposure to phthalates in childhood was associated with lower levels of active thyroid function in 3-year-old girls.
While the FDA requires brands to list ingredients on labels, a federal loophole allows manufacturers to group chemicals under the term "fragrance". As a result, toxins like phthalates can make their way into our bodies without our knowledge. To reduce exposure to phthalates, it is recommended to be wary of products with ingredients listed simply as "fragrance", eliminate toxins in your life, and choose natural alternatives.
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Natural alternatives to synthetic perfumes
Natural perfumes are made primarily from botanical ingredients like essential oils, absolutes, and extracts derived directly from plants, flowers, fruits, and other natural sources. Natural perfumes are a greener choice than synthetic perfumes as they are biodegradable and emit fewer harmful VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
Synthetic perfumes, on the other hand, are made in laboratories and rely heavily or exclusively on artificial fragrances. The manufacturing process can be energy-intensive and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Additionally, they can generate hazardous waste that may contaminate the environment.
With the fragrance industry at a turning point, here are some natural alternatives to synthetic perfumes:
- Oway's OWN Way is made from 100% pure botanical ingredients and aromatic herbs, perfect for men and women.
- Midnight Ruze: a luxurious fragrance with a refreshing top note of sweet orange, rich rose, spicy pepper, geranium, warm cardamom, and base notes of amyris, patchouli, vetiver, and cedarwood.
- Aura-Soma 30: an edgy, rich amber and vanilla fragrance with notes of coffee, jasmine, licorice, pear, pink pepper, and orange blossom.
- Merit's Retrospect: a vintage yet modern scent with opening notes of pear, a floral centre, and a base of musk, vanilla, and moss.
- You can also make your own perfume with essential oils! Use a small amount of a base oil like cedarwood or almond, with your fragrant oil of choice, like rose, lavender, or wild orange.
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