Katrina Rosales
Fragrances are incredibly popular today, with perfumes, air fresheners, and scented candles being widely used. However, these scented products have been linked to concerns about air pollution and their impact on indoor and outdoor air quality. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are organic chemicals that are released as gases from certain solids or liquids, and they are present in many fragrances. These VOCs can have adverse health effects, including respiratory issues and even cancer. While some companies are moving towards using cleaner, low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients, it is important for consumers to be aware of the potential risks associated with scented products and take steps to improve air quality or opt for fragrance-free alternatives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| VOCs in perfume | Yes |
| Health effects | Asthma and allergy symptoms, respiratory diseases, cancer |
| Ingredients that are VOCs | Diethyl phthalate (DEP), a-Pinene, limonene, α- and β-pinene, ethanol, acetone |
| Other products that contain VOCs | Air fresheners, laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dryer sheets, disinfectants, dish detergents, all-purpose cleaners, soaps, hand sanitizers, lotions, deodorants, shampoos, hair sprays, makeup |
| Regulatory status | FDA requires listing of ingredients on labels, but there is no federal regulation on what can be included under "fragrance"; no safe exposure limits issued by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency |
| Recommended alternatives | Clean brands that use low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients, fragrance-free products, indoor and outdoor plants |
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What You'll Learn
Perfumes contain VOCs and other toxic chemicals
Perfumes contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals. VOCs are organic chemicals that can become trapped inside products during the manufacturing process. These harmful compounds evaporate at room temperature, a process known as off-gassing, which can significantly reduce air quality.
Perfumes and colognes are designed to evaporate quickly so that they are easily detectable. However, this means that when you smell someone's perfume, you are also inhaling any toxic ingredients it contains. VOCs can cause a range of adverse symptoms and health effects, including respiratory diseases and even cancer. One example is phthalates, which have been linked to reproductive and neurological issues. Fragrance manufacturers include phthalates as an ingredient to stabilize fragrances, but they are not required to disclose this information to consumers.
A study by Steinemann et al. (2010) found that scented products emit a wide range of VOCs, with 133 unique VOCs identified among 25 products. These included limonene, a- and b-pinene, and ethanol and acetone, which are often used as carriers for fragrance chemicals. Some of these VOCs are classified as toxic or hazardous by federal laws and can react with ozone in the air to form dangerous secondary pollutants, such as formaldehyde.
To protect yourself from the harmful ingredients in fragrances, you can avoid scented products altogether or choose clean brands that use low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients. "Unscented" products may still contain small amounts of fragrances, so it is best to look for “fragrance-free” products that do not contain any perfumes or scents. Websites like Skin Deep, a search database run by the non-profit Environmental Working Group, can help you find safer alternatives.
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Health problems caused by VOCs
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. They are found in thousands of products, including fragrances, and can have serious short- and long-term adverse health effects.
The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly. Some VOCs have no known health effects, while others are highly toxic. The extent and nature of the health effects depend on factors such as the level of exposure and the length of time exposed.
Some immediate symptoms that people may experience soon after exposure to VOCs include eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Long-term exposure can damage the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and some VOCs are linked to cancer. They may worsen symptoms for people with asthma and COPD.
In laboratory studies, VOCs have been shown to cause cancer in animals. Some VOCs may also react with other gases and form other air pollutants after they are in the air. For example, limonene reacts with ozone to form formaldehyde.
To reduce exposure to VOCs, it is recommended to increase ventilation by opening doors and windows, and using fans to maximize outdoor air. It is also important to keep the temperature and relative humidity as low as possible as chemicals off-gas more in high temperatures and humidity. Additionally, one should read product labels, avoid or limit the use of items with harmful ingredients, and safely dispose of unwanted products.
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Fragrance chemicals and asthma/allergy symptoms
Perfumes and colognes are designed to evaporate quickly at room temperature so that people can easily smell them. However, this also means that harmful compounds are released into the air and subsequently inhaled. These compounds can trigger asthma and allergy symptoms in some people.
Perfumes often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic chemicals. VOCs are organic chemicals that can become trapped inside products during the manufacturing process. They are released through a process called off-gassing, which can significantly reduce air quality.
Some common VOCs found in perfumes include α-pinene (a registered pesticide), limonene, linalool, and eugenol. Other fragrance ingredients include diethyl phthalate (DEP), which is used to stabilize perfumes, and parabens, preservatives that release formaldehyde, a known irritant.
The EPA warns that breathing in air pollution, including VOCs and other toxic gases, can cause a range of adverse symptoms and health effects. Fragrance sensitivities are becoming more common due to the prevalence of chemicals in our environment. These sensitivities can manifest as allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an itchy rash that appears on the skin directly exposed to the irritant. In some cases, fragrance sensitivity can also trigger an allergic response or an asthma attack.
People with fragrance-induced asthma may find that body sprays, air fresheners, and artificial scents act as triggers. These fragrances are often heavily processed and contain many additives, which can irritate the lungs.
To avoid fragrance-induced asthma or allergy symptoms, individuals can take preventative measures such as using fragrance-free products, improving indoor air quality with air purifiers, and creating an allergy action plan. It is also important to read product labels and be aware of potential triggers to make informed choices.
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'Unscented' vs 'fragrance-free' products
The terms "unscented" and "fragrance-free" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and implications for product composition and consumer experience. Understanding these terms is crucial, especially for those with allergies, sensitivities, or respiratory issues.
Unscented products are formulated to have no noticeable scent. However, they may still contain fragrance chemicals or compounds that neutralize or mask the odors of other ingredients. For example, an antiperspirant deodorant labelled as "unscented" may include "fragrance" or "parfum" in its ingredient list. While the final product may not have a distinct scent, the presence of fragrance chemicals can trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to specific fragrances. Therefore, "unscented" does not guarantee the absence of fragrances or allergens.
On the other hand, fragrance-free products do not contain any ingredients added to impart a smell. These products are formulated without fragrance materials or masking scents. However, they may still contain ingredients with a scent if those ingredients serve another purpose, such as an oil added for its emollient properties rather than its fragrance. Fragrance-free products are generally recommended for individuals prone to allergies and sensitivities as they minimize the risk of exposure to allergens and irritants.
The distinction between these terms is important, especially when choosing personal care products. Fragrances can be categorized as "essential oils," "natural," or "synthetic," and they may trigger physiological reactions or allergies. While natural fragrances may seem preferable, they can also cause allergic reactions and impact indoor and outdoor air quality. VOCs (volatile organic compounds), often found in fragrances, can be toxic and contribute to air pollution. Some VOCs, like phthalates, are linked to health issues, including reproductive and neurological disorders.
To make informed choices, consumers should be aware that the terms "unscented" and "fragrance-free" are not federally regulated. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read ingredient labels and understand the potential presence of fragrance chemicals or masking agents in "unscented" products. Additionally, individuals sensitive to fragrances should opt for products explicitly labelled as "fragrance-free" to minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
In summary, "unscented" refers to products with no noticeable scent, which may be achieved through the use of masking agents, while "fragrance-free" products contain no added fragrances or masking scents. The latter provides a safer option for individuals with allergies or sensitivities, as it eliminates the risk of exposure to fragrance chemicals. However, due to the lack of federal regulation, careful label reading and understanding the nuances of these terms are essential for making informed choices.
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History of perfume-making
The art of perfume-making has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. One of the oldest known references to perfume is found in the Hindu Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, mentioning the distillation of Ittar in the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation (3300 BCE to 1300 BCE). The Brihat-Samhita, written by the Indian polymath Varāhamihira, also includes a section on perfume manufacture for royalty. To date, the oldest perfumery was discovered on the island of Cyprus, with excavations revealing a 4,000-year-old factory from the Bronze Age.
Perfume-making was also prevalent in ancient civilisations like Egypt, Mesopotamia, and China. The Romans and Greeks extracted perfumes from a variety of natural sources, including flowers, woods, seeds, roots, saps, and gums. Theophrastos, Pliny the Elder, and Dioskourides all documented ancient perfumery practices in their writings. In the 11th and 12th centuries, returning crusaders brought floral perfumes and eggs to Europe from Arabia, through trade with the Islamic world.
During the Renaissance, perfumes were primarily used by royalty and the wealthy to mask body odours. This patronage helped establish the western perfumery industry, with perfumed gloves becoming popular in 17th-century France. The guild of glove and perfume-makers was established in 1656. Marie Antoinette, in particular, was known for her love of perfume, with Master perfumer Jean-Louis Fargeon creating fragrances for various occasions, even scenting her bathwater.
The French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars in the late 18th and early 19th centuries led to the commercialisation of European fragrances in Britain. The British Empire, with its global trade routes, introduced exotic spices and ingredients to perfumers, giving rise to the modern world of perfume.
Today, fragrances are ubiquitous, with perfumes, air fresheners, and scented candles widely used. However, concerns have been raised about the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in fragrances. VOCs, such as phthalates, can cause health issues, including respiratory problems and even cancer. While public awareness has led many manufacturers to reduce or eliminate harmful chemicals, consumers are advised to opt for clean brands that use low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds, which are organic chemicals trapped inside products during the manufacturing process. They evaporate at room temperature in a process called off-gassing, which can be a significant air quality concern.
Perfumes often contain a wide range of VOCs. A study by Steinemann et al. in 2010 found that a single fragrance product can contain a mixture of hundreds of chemicals, many of which are VOCs.
Some common VOCs found in perfumes include limonene, α- and β-pinene, ethanol, acetone, and diethyl phthalate (DEP).
Yes, VOCs can be harmful. Exposure to VOCs can cause various adverse health effects, including respiratory diseases and even cancer. They can also react with other chemicals in the atmosphere to form fine particulates and ozone pollution, which can further worsen air quality.
To avoid exposure to VOCs in perfumes, look for clean brands that use low-toxic or non-toxic ingredients. You can also visit websites like Skin Deep, a search database run by the non-profit Environmental Working Group, to research products.
