Fragrances And Cancer: What's The Link?

Fragrances are found in a wide range of everyday products, from perfumes and colognes to laundry detergents and baby products. They are made up of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of chemicals that are often not disclosed to consumers. While some of these chemicals are safe, others are known to be toxic and have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists almost 3,000-4,000 fragrance ingredients, some of which have been linked to adverse health effects. These include acetaldehyde, benzophenone, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), benzyl salicylate, and many others.

Despite the potential health risks associated with fragrances, there is currently a lack of regulation regarding the disclosure of fragrance ingredients. In the US, companies are not required to list individual constituents of fragrances, allowing them to protect their trade secrets. This fragrance loophole makes it difficult for consumers to make informed choices and avoid potentially harmful products.

With growing concerns about the health impacts of fragrances, there are calls for stronger regulations, more research, and greater transparency in the fragrance industry.

Do fragrances contain harmful chemicals?

Fragrances are made up of a mix of more than 3,500 chemicals and are added to personal care, cleaning, and other products to give them their unique smell. While some fragrance ingredients are toxic chemicals that can cause a range of health harms, not all fragrances are harmful.

Types of fragrance chemicals

Fragrance chemicals can be either natural or synthetic. Natural fragrances typically contain aromatic compounds and musk, which are derived from various plant parts. On the other hand, synthetic fragrances are packed with a cocktail of synthetic chemicals, including:

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like acetaldehydes, ethanol, acetone, limonene, beta-pinene, and alpha-pinene
• Parabens (e.g. methyl, prophyl butyl and ethyl paraben) that act as preservatives in perfumes, shampoos, deodorants, and cosmetics but are also used as fungicides and bactericides
• Phthalates, the most common being diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP), which are chemicals used to make perfumes last longer and have been linked to cancer, human reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, birth defects, respiratory problems, genital malformations, and lower sperm counts in men
• Synthetic musks, which mimic natural hormones, disrupting normal endocrine and biological processes and have been linked to gynecological abnormalities such as ovarian failure and infertility in women

Health effects of fragrance exposure

Fragrance chemicals can enter the body through inhalation, skin absorption, and even ingestion, making their way into the bloodstream. Once inside the body, these toxic chemicals can cause a multitude of adverse effects, disrupting various systems and organs. Some of the known health effects of fragrance exposure include:

• Neurological affects: Fragrances can affect the central nervous system and brain, with common side effects including headaches, dizziness, and migraines. Animal studies have also linked fragrance products to weakness, headaches, and reduced neurological pathways in the brain.
• Respiratory problems: Fragrance exposure can induce severe reactions in individuals with asthma, even at low concentrations. Fragrance chemicals can also cause airway irritation, inflammation, coughing, and difficulty breathing.
• Endocrine disruption: There is increasing evidence that the toxic chemicals in fragrances are endocrine disruptors, affecting the reproductive system and fertility. Phthalates have been associated with abnormal male reproductive development in infant boys and sperm damage in adult men, while high levels of musk ketone and musk xylene have been linked to gynecological issues in women.
• Cancer: Fragrances have been found to contain carcinogens, including styrene, formaldehyde, benzene, and parabens.
• Allergies: Fragrance allergies impact up to 11% of the global population, and repeated exposure can cause someone to develop a fragrance allergy. Fragrances are a leading cause of cosmetic contact dermatitis, and common allergic reactions include parabens (43%), potassium dichromate (27%), and perfume (26%).

Regulation of fragrance ingredients

Manufacturers are not required to list fragrance ingredients on product labels and often claim that their formulas are confidential trade secrets. This makes it difficult for consumers to know what chemicals they are being exposed to and to make informed decisions about the products they use. While there have been some efforts to increase transparency and regulate the fragrance industry, many harmful chemicals are still allowed in fragrances.

Are fragrances linked to cancer?

The word "fragrance" on a product label can represent a combination of dozens or even hundreds of chemicals that give each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. These chemicals are often not disclosed to consumers, but we do know that some are linked to serious health problems such as cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.

The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) lists 3,059 materials used in fragrance compounds, some of which have been linked to adverse health effects, including cancer. A 2016 study assessed the self-reported health effects of fragrance exposure and found that 99.1% of participants were exposed to fragranced products at least once a week, with participants reporting health effects ranging from migraines and asthma to gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems.

While the link between fragrance and cancer is not yet fully understood, some specific chemicals commonly found in fragrances have been identified as carcinogens. For example, a committee convened by the National Academy of Sciences confirmed that styrene, a chemical used in fragrances, is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen." Other fragrance chemicals listed as potential carcinogens include acetaldehyde, benzophenone, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).

In addition, a study by the Breast Cancer Prevention Partners (BCPP) found that 3 out of 4 chemicals linked to chronic health effects in personal care products were fragrance ingredients. The BCPP also identified several potential carcinogens in their testing of 100 personal care products and 40 cleaning products, including beta-myrcene, benzophenone, and DEHP.

While the evidence suggests a potential link between certain fragrance chemicals and cancer, more research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between fragrance exposure and cancer risk.

What are the health effects of fragrances?

Fragrances are a combination of chemicals that give each perfume or cologne its distinct scent. They are used in a wide range of everyday products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and bath and shower products. While some fragrance chemicals are safe, others are linked to serious health issues.

Many fragrance chemicals are linked to cancer. A 2016 study assessed the health effects of fragrances and found that participants reported a range of health issues when exposed to fragrance, including migraines, asthma, gastrointestinal problems, and cardiovascular problems. The study also showed that many participants were unaware of the chemicals included in fragrances and would not have used fragranced products if they had known about the potential health risks.

In addition to cancer, fragrance chemicals have been linked to other health issues such as reproductive and developmental toxicity, endocrine disruption, allergies, and sensitivities. Some specific fragrance chemicals and their associated health risks include:

• Acetaldehyde: Adversely affects the kidneys, reproductive system, nervous system, and respiratory system. Listed as a known or suspected carcinogen in California's Proposition 65.
• Benzophenone: Linked to endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity. May lead to several kinds of tumors.
• Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA): Has the potential to disrupt endocrine functioning. Listed as a carcinogen in California's Proposition 65.
• Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT): Irritates the eyes and skin and may adversely affect growth rate and liver function.
• Benzyl Salicylate: A fragrance allergen and a potential endocrine disruptor. Restricted by the European Union.
• Benzyl Benzoate: Can irritate and burn the skin, scalp, and genitalia. Restricted by the European Union.
• Diethyl phthalate (DEP): An irritant to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Linked to endocrine disruption and reproductive and nervous system toxicity.
• Formaldehyde: A known human carcinogen banned in cosmetics and toiletries in Japan and Sweden and restricted by the European Union and Canada.
• Styrene: Toxic to red blood cells and the liver when taken orally and to the central nervous system when inhaled. Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.

Overall, while fragrances can enhance our olfactory experiences, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks associated with their use.

What are the ingredients of fragrances?

The ingredients of fragrances are a complex mixture of natural and synthetic compounds. While the exact formula for each fragrance is unique, there are some common ingredients that form the basis of most perfumes.

Perfumes are typically alcoholic solutions, with alcohol acting as a powerful solvent that evaporates quickly, carrying the scent with it. Perfumers also utilise aldehydes, organic compounds that usually have fruity characteristics. These can range from low-molecular-weight compounds with a rotting fruit smell, to those with higher molecular weights that have fatty, soapy, or metallic aromas.

Essential oils are another key component of fragrances, adding depth and distinct scents. Examples include the sugary, citrus scent of bergamot, derived from a hybrid between a lemon and an orange, and the woody, musky scent of oud, derived from the Agar tree. Other essential oils include vanilla, jasmine, rose, lavender, and ambergris, a secretion produced in the intestine of sperm whales.

In addition to these natural ingredients, synthetic chemicals are also commonly used in modern perfumery due to their versatility, consistency, and cost-effectiveness. Examples include benzyl alcohol, limonene, and acetone. Synthetic fragrances may be chemically created or derived from natural substances that have undergone chemical modification.

The specific combination and concentration of these ingredients give each fragrance its unique scent, with perfumers crafting scents that evoke emotions and memories.

How can you avoid exposure to fragrances?

While there is currently no evidence that fragrances cause cancer in humans, some fragrance ingredients have been shown to cause cancer in laboratory animals. Fragrances are found in a wide range of everyday products, and it is important to know how to avoid exposure to them if one wishes to do so. Here are some ways to avoid exposure to fragrances:

• Check the labels of products for the words 'fragrance' or 'parfum'. These words can hide dozens or even hundreds of secret fragrance chemicals.
• Choose fragrance-free products or those from companies that have publicly committed to full fragrance ingredient disclosure. Even products labelled as 'fragrance-free' should be checked for the words 'fragrance' or 'parfum'.
• Support brands and retailers that are transparent about their fragrance ingredients. Look for brands that list all their ingredients and have a fragrance transparency policy.
• Avoid using undiluted essential oils directly on the skin.
• Avoid using lavender or tea tree oil on young boys, as studies have linked their use to breast development.
• Wear a mask if you are sensitive to fragrances or have an underlying condition.
• Reduce the time spent in environments with irritating fragrances.
• Get fresh air when possible, without aggravating allergies.
• Increase ventilation and use an exhaust fan to improve air circulation.
• Ensure you have the best filter for your furnace to reduce the concentration of fragrances in the air.
• Use unscented products as often as possible. Note that 'natural', 'organic' and biodegradable products might still contain fragrance compounds.
• Avoid aerosol dispensers, as they deliver large concentrations of fragrances in short bursts. If you must use them, turn your head away from the can when dispensing.
• Use candles and essential oils to fragrance your home, but be aware that these are not zero-risk options.

Frequently asked questions